Draft Profile Series: Eric Ebron
- Updated: May 2, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Eric Ebron, TE, 6-4½, 250, North Carolina
Key stats: Had 62 receptions for 973 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2013.
Strengths: Elite athlete for the position. … Great straight-line speed and open-field running ability. … Can make defenders miss with good elusiveness. … Is quick off snap and has good acceleration. … Is a willing downfield blocker, who will shield defenders. … Has long arms and makes tough catches. … Is a deep threat, who can really keep free safeties in the middle of the field. … He also contributed as a blocker on kick return teams.
Weaknesses: Not a great blocker or overly physical. Right now will be more of a receiving tight end, rather than a dual-threat receiver/blocker. … Allows ball to get to his pads too often. … Has some lapses in concentration. … Needs to get stronger in both lower and upper body. … Wasn’t a major factor in the red zone. … Can sharpen route running and become a little more aware on how to find open space against zone coverage.
Conclusion: Ebron is the most dynamic tight end in this class. … Because of that, he may get drafted earlier than he should. … That being said, he has plenty of pass-catching talent and room to improve in nearly all areas of the position. … Ebron flashed early-first-round potential during his senior season, but also had games where he was hard to find.
NFL comparison: Jared Cook/Julius Thomas.
Draft projection: First round.
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