NFL Draft Profiles: Chiefs Need One More Tight End

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end

(85) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan Wolverines defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

TROY NIKLAS

HEIGHT: 6-7 WEIGHT: 270 COLLEGE: Notre Dame

40 TIME: n/a 3-CONE DRILL: 7.57 BROAD: 9’6″

CAREER STATS: 37 catches, 573 yards, 15.5 ypc, 6 TD

Troy Niklas would have been better off spending another year in college to develop his skills, but one can see why he would take the risk and come out a year early. Niklas’ raw skills and size are insane for a tight end who shows good skills in the passing game.

Again, the key here is he is balanced. The skills are raw so it may take him a year or two before he’s a reliable weapon in Reid’s offense, but the ceiling is very high should he reach it.

At 6-7, 270, he’s basically another tackle on the offensive line. He’s the nephew of Bruce Matthews, which may explain why the “seems to enjoy blocking” label is tagged to him. Think of him as Jason Dunn with Anthony Fasano receiving skills.

Something to salivate over is what Niklas could be in the red zone. Not only would he be an excellent blocker to have in goal-line situations and short-yardage, but he’s also 6-7 with 34 inch arms and a 32 inch vertical leap. That’s a massive target for Alex Smith to take advantage of in the endzone.

Here’s what Rang had to say about Niklas.

"Seems to enjoy blocking, rocking opponents with an impressive initial punch and latching on to control throughout the play. Keeps his legs driving through contact. Uses his height and strength to get open against tight coverage, consistently winning the physical battle with opponents to create space. Good leaping ability, flashing the ability to extend and pluck. Used in a variety of roles for the Irish, including as an inline blocker from both sides, split out wide and even used as an occasional H-back or as a third tackle in pass protection."

Projections have Niklas going somewhere in the second or third round.