Oct 17, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs for a touchdown as Miami Hurricanes defensive back Antonio Crawford (21) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It feels strange to do a draft profile for a tight end as an early first round pick, but Eric Ebron from the University of North Carolina is good enough to consider with a first round pick. Last season, the best tight end in the class, Tyler Eifert, was selected with the 21st overall pick. Ebron could go sooner than that.
Ebron played wide receiver in High School and converted to tight end at UNC. Ebron may need to add some more bulk as the transition from wide receiver to tight end adds additional responsibilities when it comes to blocking. However, Ebron’s 6’4″ frame and leaping ability can make him a mismatch for any defender trying to guard him in the passing game.
He may need to take some time to work on some skills and become a polished player, but Ebron has huge NFL potential as a tight end and could really help a team’s quarterback, especially in the red zone.
Here are his statistics over three years at UNC:
- 34 games played
- 112 catches
- 1805 receiving yards
- 16.2 yards per catch
- 8 receiving touchdowns
Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) tries to catch a pass during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths
- Speedy and elusive
- Large catch radius
- Can play slot or out wide
- Good release
Weaknesses
- Physicality and agressiveness
- Dropped passes
- Acting as a blocker
Fit For The Vikings
The Vikings have Kyle Rudolph returning as their starter with John Carlson, Rhett Ellison, and Chase Ford to back him up.
My Take
Tight end should be one of the last positions the Vikings should worry about. It would be shocking Minnesota to select Ebron at #8 overall, but he will make a tight end needy team very happy.