FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at TCU tight end Jared Wiley.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jared Wiley
Jared Wiley (TE – TCU)
6’7” – 270 lbs.
Background:
Played tight end earlier, but quarterback as a high school senior, originally committing to Texas. Spent three seasons there, catching a total of nineteen passes over three seasons, before transferring to TCU. Started four games in 2022, totaling over 500 snaps on the year and finishing with 24-245-4 (10.2) before becoming the full-time starter this year and posting 47-520-8 (11.1).
Positives:
Two-year contributor who had a strong senior season. Has a massive frame. Primarily served as an inline tight end in 2022, but took a lot more snaps from the slot this past year, and even a few out wide. Smooth mover with more athleticism than usual for a player with his frame. Knows how to sell fakes and leak out into the flats for easy catches underneath the defense. Length and knee-bend suggest he could develop into a solid blocker at the next level. Hands are very reliable; only credited with one career drop against 91 receptions. Adjusts well to throws away from his frame, with good body control and a wide radius. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders from the ball. Caught eight touchdowns this past year, and frame could allow him to post up opposing defenders and win on fades and other such routes near the end zone. More effective after the catch than anticipated, and the team sometimes tried to get him the ball with some room to work on screens and other such routes.
Negatives:
A little bit thin in the ankles. Doesn’t have a ton of hip sink or snap at the route stem, and may struggle to create separation against man coverage. A lot of his routes are shorter patterns, and bigger plays often come after the catch with room to work, or on busted coverages against zone. Gets disrupted by physicality more than he should given his frame. Surprisingly ineffective as a blocker for a player with his size. Doesn’t position himself very well as a stalker, and ability to sustain is relatively limited. Would like to see him work harder to successfully line up opponents in space; can often be seen trying to shove a defender wide, rather than engaging with form and walling them off from the ballcarrier. Feet often go dead on contact when working as an inline blocker. Doesn’t always show great effort through the whistle to stay engaged.
Summary:
Kind of a strange evaluation in that his physical profile suggests a lumbering inline blocker, but in reality, plays much more like a big wide receiver, with smooth athleticism, natural receiving skills, and the ability to run after the catch. As a blocker, his overall effort and positioning left something to be desired during the games reviewed. Interesting mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
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