FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Colorado State tight end Dallin Holker.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dallin Holker
Dallin Holker (TE – Colorado State)
6’5” – 235 lbs.
Background:
Utah native who originally attended Brigham Young University, catching 19-235-1 as a freshman back in 2018 before spending the next two seasons on his mission. Returned in 2021, catching 14-200-1, then 9-86-1 the following year before transferring to Colorado State. Stepped into a major role this past season, with 64-767-6 (12.0) receiving.
Positives:
Team captain who was one of the most productive receiving tight ends in college football this year, and a focal point of the team’s offense. Has adequate size for a pro flex. Smooth mover who can line up all over the formation; most often in the slot, but also split out wide, as an H-Back, and even from the backfield. While he didn’t take many snaps as a traditional inline tight end, his blocking assignments were relatively athletically demanding; a lot of blocking in the screen game, coming in motion to crack backside defenders, and some pulling to function as the lead blocker. Works pretty hard to get out in space and line up opponents as a blocker; can stalk in the screen game, or come in motion and line up opponents in the run game. Blocks from a stable base with good knee bend and active hands. Gives nice effort to sustain his blocks through the whistle. Smooth mover. Uses his frame effectively to shield defenders from the ball. Only dropped four passes this past season.
Negatives:
Bulk is on the low side, and some teams could ask him to add additional weight. Took nearly two-thirds of his career snaps from the slot or split out wide, and doesn’t really have the power of an inline tight end. Not going to overwhelm many defenders on contact, and there’s not a major element of physicality to his game. Kind of a single-speed player without explosive or snappy route running; tends to round off most of his patterns. Did a lot of his work on shorter targets underneath zone coverage and may struggle to gain separation against man; a lot of flats, speed outs, and safety-valve-style work. Some tendency to settle into coverage against zone. Can struggle to come down with contested catches, and has some trouble scooping up lower throws. Seems like he hears footsteps and doesn’t have the best focus.
Summary:
A high-volume college flex who most frequently operated from the slot, but who impressed me most with his range and effort as a blocker. May not grind anyone down as a traditional inline “Y”, but does a nice job of reaching defenders in space from motion or in the screen game. Is a pretty smooth mover who can operate underneath zone coverage, but doesn’t have very nuanced route-running skills at this point and may struggle to separate from man coverage or consistently come down with tough catches. Mid-to-late round TE2.
Projection: Round 6
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