3 Iowa State Cyclones to watch for in the 2022 NFL Draft
Charlie Kolar
Iowa State Cyclones tight end Charlie Kolar is perhaps the program’s best chance to become just the second first-round pick in school history. Kolar has been an incredible security blanket for his quarterback, and should squarely be in the conversation as one of the top tight ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Kolar’s biggest strength is his hands. He’s one of the best pass-catchers at the position, and he’s solid in his fundamentals. Kolar is always extending his arms out to catch the ball with his hands, rather than his body. His strong hands mean once he gets his mitts on the ball, he’s coming down with the catch almost every time. Both in traffic and at the high point, Kolar is adept at making sure it’s him who comes down with the ball.
The other big thing Kolar has going for him is his positional versatility. Kolar has been trusted as an in-line blocker, split out in the slot, and even trusted to split out wide on occasion. While he’s not a strong blocker, he’s both capable and willing as a blocker while lined up in-line. With more work in the weight room and his position coaches, he could blossom into a nice blocking tight end at the next level.
Tight ends aren’t drafted for their in-line blocking in today’s NFL; however. They’re judged and drafted on their skills as a receiver. While possessing great hands, Kolar is an average-at-best route runner. He’s somewhat limited by his lack of athleticism. Kolar doesn’t have much wiggle to him and is mostly a straight-line route runner. He’s learned to use his body to his advantage and become a solid contested-catch target, but that’s less than optimal at the next level.
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Kolar’s lack of athleticism also shows up in the open field. He’s not a threat to break off a long pass and isn’t the type of receiver who’s going to give you much in the yards after catch department. Working the middle of the field and providing his quarterback with a big target who’s always going to catch the ball is Kolar’s bread-and-butter. Simple, yet effective.