2016 NFL Draft: South Carolina’s Jerell Adams Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
South Carolina’s Jerell Adams Scouting Report
Jerell Adams is a long and solidly built tight end prospect. The majority of his contributions come in the passing game where he creates a mismatch problem for the defense. There just aren’t any defensive backs that can match his size or linebackers capable of running with him down the seam.
Adams features strong hands and routinely plucks the ball away from his frame. He has good body control and can adjust to poorly thrown balls. This makes Adams a reliable target who can help his quarterback out of a tough situation.
His athleticism is mainly tight to his straight line speed. Adams isn’t a quick-twitch athlete and needs time to really hit his stride. He also is a little stiff through the hips which limits his change of direction ability.
Adams reminds me a lot of Martellus Bennett in his movement skills. He’s someone who relies on his size, strong hands and straight line speed to make an impact in the passing game. Adams will struggle to generate a ton of separation and run crisp routes.
As a blocker, he has the arm length and raw strength to generate some movement. Adams flashes the ability to roll his hips and generate a jolt off the snap. However, he needs to show more commitment and tenacity as a blocker.
Adams will be on a lot of teams radars because of his potential and the fact this year’s tight end class lacks depth. He has the skills needed to develop into an impact player in the NFL, but must work on the finer points of his game.
Draft Range: 4th Round