November 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) misses catching a pass against the defense of Southern California Trojans safety Josh Shaw (26)during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Notre Dame finished the season strong on their way to their first national championship in years. Earlier this season I made an article talking about the lack of star power at tight end. Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert has had a very solid season, but has his last four games been enough to lock up the top tight end spot?
Over the Irish’s last four games, Eifert had 22 receptions for 283 yards and a YPC of 12.8. He only has one touchdown during that stretch, and 4 total on the season, but he has been a rock solid pass catching option and Golson’s safety blanket.
Despite the recent intrigue in primarily receiving threats at the tight end position, many top tight ends in recent years have presented fairly complete skill sets. That is one thing that makes Eifert stand out above many of the other options in this class.
Notre Dame’s running game has really taken off late in the season, particularly against USC. Eifert has shown that, while he is not a mauler, he can certainly seal the edge and get to the second level when he’s on the field for running plays.
Eifert has really shown up as a complete player in this Notre Dame offense and I think a top-50 prospect. I do not think he will be able to sneak into the first round. There are simply too many talented prospects at other, higher priority positions than tight end.
Eifert may lack the upside of some other tight ends in this class, but his production late in the season gives him great momentum. If he can show up against the vaunted Alabama defense, then he should be able to carry the first round momentum into the offseason.
CJ Fiedorowicz from Iowa excites me the most of all the draft eligible tight ends. I think he would be my top rated guy if he decided to declare early, but there is almost a 0% chance of that happening. Gavin Escobar would definitely be fighting for the top spot as well, in my mind, but he may stay as well. Michael Williams is an intriguing option as well. I think he will test out better than expected at the combine because he isn’t really viewed as an exciting athlete, but he is the best blocker of the group right now.