Jeff Heuerman fought through injuries and four different starting quarterbacks in his final two seasons in Columbus, which impacted his on-field production. The former Buckeye had six touchdowns on 43 receptions in 28 games his final two years. Based on his circumstances, his numbers were not terrible, but he was expected to do more in Urban Meyer's record breaking offense.
Standing at 6'5 and 254 pounds, Heuerman has ideal size for the position. He also showed good athleticism at Ohio State's pro day, running a 4.80 40-yard dash, posting a 34" vertical jump and a 10' broad jump.
In Heuerman's case, he may be an example of a player who is a better in the NFL than he was in college.
Strengths
- Heuerman has great size and athleticism for today's tight end position.
- He is a fluid runner and is a natural athlete.
- Heuerman excels in the seam and uses his big hands (10 1/8") to secure the football.
- He is tough to bring down after the catch, as he will lower his shoulder or use a stiff-arm on a defender to gain more yardage.
- He is a very solid blocker and he was used in a variety of ways in the running game. He was used as an in-line blocker, a lead blocker on counter plays (Ohio State's bread and butter) and on the perimeter.
- Heuerman is a tough football player who played through injury in 2014.
Weaknesses
- For what a mismatch Heuerman should have been in the high-octane Ohio State offense, his production was underwhelming.
- He sometimes drops catchable footballs on short to intermediate routes.
- Although he showed toughness playing through injury, durability may be a question mark. He had his foot surgically repaired last off-season but a stress reaction on the same foot hindered his 2014 season and kept him out of the 2015 Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
Where does Heuerman fit on a NFL team?
Heuerman has the size and skill-set to eventually become a starting NFL tight end. He is a solid blocker who was molded by one of the better tight end coaches in the country at Ohio State and he will only get better at it in the NFL. Although he did not produce in the passing game as much as most thought he would, he has the athleticism, hands and route running skills to be a reliable target at the next level. Heuerman played in the slot, in-line and in the flex position, so he could be used at h-back if needed. Overall, the former team captain will be a steal if he is selected in the third round or later in the 2015 NFL Draft.