2020 NFL Draft: Jake Ferguson sits atop preseason TE rankings
Albert Okwuegbnam needs a big 2019. He’s shown all the potential in the world to be in the conversation to be a round one selection. He’s fast for his size (6″5″, 260 pounds) and is a serious threat on deep balls. But the rest of his game hasn’t fully come together.
As a blocker, he doesn’t display consistent strength. For instance, during the Alabama loss, he pancaked Isaiah Buggs and drove Christian Miller nearly 10-yards downfield. For the majority of that game he was a quality blocker. In other games, it’s just not there. It’s not as if the effort isn’t there, he’s very willing to lineup across from edge defenders and give effort into his blocks, the result just doesn’t always match what he’s shown he’s capably of delivering.
Though he’s far from even a good route runner, Okwuegbunam is a big threat downfield and in the red zone. He’s a terror on deep routes provided he has a favorable matchup and good ball placement from his quarterback. That’s not to say he can’t win jump balls. His basketball background makes him an excellent option to go up and take the pass at it’s highest point over defenders.
His ball skills have lead to 17 touchdowns, though only six came last year in nine appearances. As for his route running, he fights his body to make cuts, almost always coming to a full stop-and-shuffle, giving defenders time to react to his next move. It would serve him well to use his size to his advantage in route running as well.
Though he’s a junior, 2019 is an important year for Albert O. Not only does he need to improve his numbers and get back into the endzone more, he also has to prove he can stay on the field. Last season ended with a shoulder injury and he’s starting this season with a sprained knee, though, he should still suit up for the opener vs. Wyoming. On top of that, Drew Lock isn’t his quarterback anymore. Instead, it will be the less accurate Kelly Bryant. It’s a tall order and much to overcome for a player with such with lofty expectations.