2014 NFL Draft: Comparing Statistics Of Top Tight Ends
By Cyrus Geller
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (86) against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and one positional group the Patriots may target is the tight ends. Rob Gronkowski is recovering from knee surgery, and right now, they have no legit insurance for the big man. This year’s class is full of talent at this position, so I figured I would take a look at the statistics of all the top prospects (based off of Mike Mayock’s top five prospects by position piece). Obviously stats can be misleading, but they always mean something, so doing a comparison may be helpful in determining who the Pats should go after.
Eric Ebron, North Carolina
2011: 10 catches, 207 yards, one touchdown
2012: 40 catches, 625 yards, four touchdowns
2013: 62 catches, 973 yards, three touchdowns
Career: 112 catches, 1,805 yards, eight touchdowns
Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
2011: 7 catches, 57 yards, two touchdowns
2012: 25 catches, 409 yards, four touchdowns
2013: 106 catches, 1,352 yards, seven touchdowns
Career: 138 catches, 1,818 yards, 13 touchdowns
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
2011: 41 catches, 538 yards, six touchdowns
2012: 69 catches, 852 yards, seven touchdowns
2013: 36 catches, 450 yards, eight touchdowns
Career: 146 catches, 1,840 yards, 21 touchdowns
Troy Niklas, Notre Dame
2011: zero catches, zero yards, zero touchdowns
2012: five catches, 75 yards, one touchdown
2013: 32 catches, 498 yards, five touchdowns
Career: 37 catches, 573 yards, six touchdowns
C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa
2011: 16 catches, 167 yards, three touchdowns
2012: 45 catches, 433 yards, one touchdown
2013: 30 catches, 299 yards, six touchdowns
Career: 91 catches, 899 yards, 10 touchdowns
Statistically speaking, Jenkins is the clear cut winner. He has amassed the most touchdowns of all five prospects, the most yards, and the most catches. But as I said at the beginning of this piece, stats can be misleading. I don’t believe for one second that Jenkins is a better prospect than both Amaro, and Ebron. But because he produced so well in college, I think that definitely helps his case. Someone that doesn’t do anything in the college ranks will always have a question mark above his head, no matter how talented they are. Ebron will probably be long gone before the Patriots can select him, which will most likely leave them a choice between Amaro, and Jenkins. I personally like Amaro a little more, but I am biased because I watched a lot of him in college.
Which of these tight ends would you want the Pats to take this May? Sound off in the comments section with your answers!