2018 NFL Draft: Mike Gesicki has earned a Round 1 grade

Mike Gesicki is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the 2018 NFL Draft. He proved exactly why with a Scouting Combine performance to remember.

The 2018 NFL Draft has provided organizations with a polarizing measure of talent at the tight end position. There are quality options, but no player has solidified their place as a potential All-Pro level contributor.

Following the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, one player may beg to differ: Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki.

Gesicki has something to prove as a blocker, but he entered the Scouting Combine as a productive receiving option who was looking to prove that he wasn’t just Saquon Barkley‘s teammate. The numbers should have him in Round 1, but the skepticism has him on the Round 2 bubble.

Thankfully for Gesicki, the Scouting Combine provided a platform for what can only be described as a breakout performance.

Gesicki was admittedly overshadowed by superstar teammate Saquon Barkley, who admittedly opened things up for everyone around him. Gesicki was more than a product of Barkley’s greatness, however, as he has the tools to be an impact player in his own right.

That all starts with the fact that Gesicki is one of the most physically imposing tight ends in Scouting Combine history.

When a player is as fast, strong, and explosive as Gesicki, the upside is that of a genuine superstar at the highest possible level.

Based on his performance at the Combine, Gesicki is the most athletic tight end in this draft class. He’s also one of the strongest, which implies that he could potentially become a quality blocker if a coaching staff can find that fire within him.

There’s more to the game than athleticism, but it’s hard to see a player like Gesicki and not be at least somewhat intrigued.

Gesicki not only has 4.5 speed, but his vertical leap was higher than that of any wide receiver in this draft class. Only three receivers posted a faster time in the 20-yard shuttle, only four had a faster time in the 60-yard shuttle, and just three players were quicker in the three cone drill.

For perspective: Gesicki’s size, speed, strength, and leaping ability hold up against some of the best wide receivers in the NFL, as well as a Pro Bowl offensive lineman.

Again: How can one not be intrigued?

Beyond the freakish athleticism is a tight end with a massive catch radius and unique playmaking ability. That much was established by the fact that he tallied 105 receptions, 1,242 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns between the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

With the ability to play as a traditional receiving tight end, line up in the slot, or even play outside the numbers, Gesicki’s versatility is dangerous.

Gesicki will need to improve his concentration, but he has soft hands and a willingness to play through contact. He’ll take a big hit on a reception and dish out just as much punishment to the incoming tackler.

Gesicki also runs like a running back after the catch, putting his shoulder down and constantly fighting for extra yardage.

Fortunately for Gesicki, there are teams that could stand to improve at tight end. The Baltimore Ravens are desperate for improvement in the passing attack, with Joe Flacco needing help at both wide receiver and tight end.

No. 16 overall may be perceived as a reach, but if Baltimore believes Gesicki can be the player it needs, he would be a justifiable selection.

The Seattle Seahawks could make sense at No. 18 if Jimmy Graham is traded and the Dallas Cowboys (No. 19) need to start looking for a replacement for Jason Witten. The Carolina Panthers could pull a Patriots at No. 24 and the New Orleans Saints need an upgrade at No. 27.

Throw in the Atlanta Falcons at No. 26 and the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 29, and Gesicki could conceivably come off the board in the first round.

Must Read: The Cleveland Browns are reportedly eyeing Saquon Barkley at No. 1 overall

Whether Mike Gesicki is utilized as an explosive playmaker or a target to simply move the chains, he has the ability to justify a Round 1 selection at the 2018 NFL Draft.