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Mike Gesicki, Penn State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch for a touchdown against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (2) and defensive back Leon McQuay III (22) during the second quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch for a touchdown against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (2) and defensive back Leon McQuay III (22) during the second quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State’s Mike Gesicki is a long and athletic tight end prospect who has a chance to hear his name called early in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mike Gesicki features a long frame and the arm length needed to make plays away from his body. He’s a real matchup nightmare in the passing game thanks to his size. Gesicki also features deceptive speed which helps him outpace defenders.

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This is someone who can make plays down the field and attack the seam. He’s also a real asset for the quarterback thanks to his ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls. Gesicki features excellent body control which allows him to adjust while keeping his eye on the throw.

His arm length and excellent hands help him attack the ball at its highest point. He also has good leaping ability which adds another element to his game. Gesicki’s skill set means that a quarterback can feel confident in him winning contested situations.

The concern surrounding his game comes as a blocker. Gesicki doesn’t have the power or strength to generate a push off the line. He also struggles to gain inside hands and often gets his hands on the shoulder of the defender. This is something that will result in a lot of holding calls at the next level.

His struggles as a run blocker show up often on tape. There are a lot of situations where he’s driven back into the running back which disrupts the timing of the offense. The same thing happens in the passing game where Gesicki fails to anchor.

Luckily, Gesicki is such a weapon as a pass catcher that he won’t be asked to do much as a pass protector. He does need to add some bulk to his frame and improve as a run blocker in order to become a more rounded prospect.

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