NFL teams that can successfully identify and project talent late in the draft have a distinct advantage over competitors who fail to do so.
With that in mind, let’s analyze a tight end who could be a late-round steal in the 2022 NFL draft.
Jake Ferguson of the Wisconsin Badgers is a natural pass-catcher who has displayed a high ceiling ever since his freshman year in 2018. In four seasons at Wisconsin, Ferguson recorded 145 receptions for 1,618 yards with 13 touchdowns and an 11.4 yards-per-catch average. His catching consistency is the most notable part of his game, as he registered 39 consecutive games with a reception. In terms of measurables, he doesn’t turn many heads — but his film is filled with impressive downfield catches.
Ferguson is versatile when it comes to alignments. He is a Y tight end who can line up in the slot, along the line of scrimmage, or behind/off the line in the run game. He makes incredible catches in traffic, can beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage, and he’s also a decent threat in the red zone.
In the open field, Ferguson frequently bailed out his quarterbacks. In open space when a play breaks down, he mirrors the QB to get into the thrower’s field of vision. He serves as a safety blanket as a pass-catcher and a big-play threat with the ball in his hands.
Let’s go to the film and examine how he might fit on an NFL roster.
