NFL Draft Profiles: Chiefs Need One More Tight End

Sep 15, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end

(88) stiff arms Portland State Vikings cornerback Andrew Godinet (23) during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS

HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 262 COLLEGE: Washington

40 TIME: n/a 3-CONE DRILL: n/a BROAD: n/a

CAREER STATS: 146 catches, 1,838 yards, 12.6 ypc, 21 TD

Austin Seferian-Jenkins will be a nightmare for opposing to defenses to cover in Andy Reid’s system, and a nightmare for me when it comes to accurately spelling his name.

There are few tight ends in this draft that show on tape their ability to translate their skills to Reid’s system immediately. While ASJ may not be as athletic as Eric Ebron or as dominate in the passing game as Jace Amaro, ASJ fits the system better. The key here is his diversity in both the running and passing games as a blocker, something Ebron and Amaro cannot immediately boast.

The thing that stands out to me the most is his ability in the screen game as a receiver. Reid loves the screen game, and if defenses have to guard against the idea of either A) ASJ is going to come out as a blocker in a screen for Jamaal Charles or B) ASJ as the receiver in a screen then the defense has already lost. Now consider the Chiefs could do the same on the opposite end with Kelce in the same formation. This is how you create space and mismatches.

Here’s what Rob Rang had to say about Seferian-Jenkins.

"Reliable route-runner. Finds holes in the defense and settles, presenting a massive target to his quarterback. Catches the ball with defenders in close proximity due to his size advantage, as well as concentration and toughness to hang on while absorbing a hit. Impressive flexibility and body control for a man of his size. Adjusts well to the ball, showing the range to leap high or bend low, exhibiting an impressive catch radius. Smooth accelerator with at least fair top-end speed. Imposing ballcarrier with the ball in his hands, capable of running through arm-tackles. Improved significantly as a blocker in 2013, showing greater strength and aggression as the Huskies featured others in a new high-octane spread offense."

Seferian-Jenkins is likely a late first round, early second round pick.