With The First Pick
Fansided

Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

By Bryan Perez

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The 2020 NFL draft has a tough act to follow at tight end after 2019 produced two first-round picks and several others who will jockey for a starting job this season. But in the latest installment of ‘Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft,’ we focus on a tight end who will make a strong push for first-round consideration next April.

The University of Missouri offense has had its fair share of NFL talent in recent years, including 2019 second-round pick Drew Lock, who appears poised to challenge for the Broncos’ starting quarterback job by the time his second season rolls around. The 2018 passing attack also featured Emanuel Hall, who signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent; he has a great chance to not only make the team but contribute on gameday this season.

Next year’s draft will offer another Tigers skill player with early-round potential in tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. He’ll be one of the most challenging last names for analysts to master throughout the draft process, but by the time next April rolls around, he could be one of the most sought after talents at his position.

Okwuegbunam’s 2018 season was cut short by a broken scapula, an injury that limited him to just nine games on the year. He managed 43 catches for 466 yards and six touchdowns despite the shortened season. In 2017, Okwuegbunam was named Second Team All-SEC (as a freshman) and led the conference with 11 touchdowns (the most of any tight end in the country). He had 29 catches for 415 yards to go along with his remarkable touchdown totals.

More from NFL Draft News

Physically, Okwuegbunam is the NFL’s prototype tight end. He’s unofficially listed at 6-5, 255 pounds but has movement skills like a guy 20 pounds lighter. He’s strong enough to be at least average as an in-line blocker in the run game too.

Athletically, Okwuegbunam has impressive straight-line speed and can outrun linebackers and safeties in the open field. He runs with the same kind of lumbering power as the recently retired Rob Gronkowski. Somehow, some way, defenders have a hard time catching him.

Okwuegbunam is a good route-runner. He can create separation on intermediate routes and has the kind of physical style of play that allows him to box out defenders even when they’re able to stick on his hip. His hands are reliable; there’s enough evidence on film of his impressive ball-tracking skills and soft mitts.

More. Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft. light

He projects more as a step-and-seal run blocker right now with developmental upside as a power player once he gets into an NFL weight room. The foundation and building blocks are there for Okwuegbunam to be an all-around stud.

Overall, Okwuegbunam is as impressive of a prospect as any tight end who was in the 2018 draft class, and that includes Lions first-round pick T.J. Hockenson. While he won’t garner the same kind of pre-draft hype as the former Hawkeye, his potential impact in the NFL should be viewed very similarly. Assuming he makes a complete recovery from injury and stays healthy in 2019, Okwuegbunam looks every bit the part of a first-round tight end.

Home/NFL Draft News