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With the 2021 NFL Draft coming up soon, there are sure to be many prospects that the Jacksonville Jaguars will have their eyes on. Obviously they have the number one overall pick, which will presumably be Trevor Lawrence, but what will they do with their other picks this year?
In the first iteration of my scouting series, we’re going to take a look at a pass catcher who should be available in the later rounds of the NFL Draft — Ole Miss tight end Kenny Yeboah.
In seven games, Yeboah had 524 receiving yards and six touchdowns, pretty meager numbers for a tight end. However, the traits he showed flashed gamebreaking potential at the next level.
So, without further ado... the NFL Draft version of the film room is now open!
Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss
Measurements (per Senior Bowl):
Height: 6’3 7/8”
Weight: 247
Arm: 33 1/4”
Hands: 9 3/8”
What he does well
In the world of the modern NFL, Yeboah is your typical “H” tight end. In a sped up Lane Kiffin offense, Yeboah was used a lot as an H-back and split out in the slot in the formation. Yeboah is a matchup nightmare for linebackers, using his speed to get out in front on leaks out of the backfield.
(Source: Jake Barrow on YouTube)
On routes further down the field, Ole Miss primarily used him on over routes and wheels out of the backfield. Yeboah has also flashed the potential to be a very good route runner at the next level. His suddenness and agility make him a nightmare for slot defenders to guard.
Yeboah also excels when he has the ball in his hands. He’s a very long strider, and can make most linebackers miss, and sometimes pull away from safeties. He’s got sure hands and has a “my ball” mentality when in jump ball situations. He doesn’t shy away from contact at the catch point, and often finishes through the contact.
While Yeboah isn’t the most dominant blocker at the point of attack, he always is working and giving effort in the run game. Ole Miss ran a lot of split zone and outside zone plays, and Yeboah was asked to come back across the line as the H-back. While he needs to refine his technique as a blocker, the effort is there.
NFL fit
In the NFL, I think Yeboah could initially start out as a teams No. 2 or No. 3 tight end, and be used as a matchup problem for slot defenders in the NFL. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of the Cleveland Browns’ fourth-round draft pick last year, Harrison Bryant. If a team already has a veteran Y-style tight end, Yeboah would be a great pick to draft and develop into a potential star at the position.
Where does he fit on the Jaguars?
In the Jaguars case, I think Yeboah would be a very good Day 3 pick. If the Jaguars decide to sign a tight end like Hunter Henry in free agency, Yeboah would be a great guy to stash behind him and develop, while also giving him playing time at the H-back position.