Tyler Eifert Scouting Report

The Fighting Irish have another great tight end prospect for the 2013 NFL Draft. Tyler Eifert is a big target with great hands. He's been a highly-productive receiver in his career.

Eifert has above-average athleticism for the position. He's not particularly fast or quick, but does well to find creases in zone coverage. He'll catch anything in his area, although his aforementioned lack of speed doesn't offer much after the catch.

When in-line blocking, he shows a good jump off the line and can hang some bigger defensive ends. He does well to push out the edge, forcing pass-rushers to take ineffective wide angles. When run blocking, he really gets after defenders and isn't afraid to scrap. Eifert gets his hands inside very well and blocks with heavy hands. He blocks very well in open space. Better receiver than blocker at this stage.

When running downfield, he can go up and get the ball with his long arms and big hands. He can line up out wide, but will need to be more crisp in his route running to gain separation. He can definitely make big catches over the shoulders.

Eifert looks to be athletic enough to be a first round pick, but his all-around game will get him close to it. Eifert projects as a late-first to early second round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.