Kansas City Chiefs: Small-School Draft Targets

Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; Illinois State Redbirds tight end James O

James O’Shaughnessy – TE – Illinois State – 6’4″, 245 lbs

O’Shaughnessy is definitely the least known of the prospects on this list and likely will be the last to be drafted (if at all). The Illinois State tight end is not even on the radar of most draft experts (he’s currently listed as the 676th overall prospect at CBS). That said, O’Shaughnessy has caught the eye of at least a couple of draft evaluators. Matt Waldman has him as the second-rated tight end in his Rookie Scouting Portfolio and Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan has a second-round grade on him.

I decided to do some more digging and came across the following 28-minute cut-up video that highlights O’Shaughnessy’s pass catching, blocking and special teams play. While it is a “highlight” video, it shows he has intriguing abilities. I recommend it, but if you don’t have 28 minutes to spend watching a video of a late-round tight end prospect then check out the video below it. It is by the forementioned Emory Hunt and gives a good summary of O’Shaughnessy.

Cut-up game film:

Football Gameplan Highlights:

After watching these videos I’m a HUGE fan of O’Shaughnessy and really hope the Chiefs can land him in the later rounds to add to their tight end group that already includes Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris. Not only would O’Shaughnessy provide great depth and upside, but he could immediately make an impact on special teams.