TE David Njoku - Why He's The Best TE From This Class + Analysis

[Saca312]

Two posts on draftable players from the same dude in one day?

Bet.

David Njoku is a guy I've been talking about for a while. In my 2.0 Mock Draft, I have us selecting him in the 2nd round, and I currently would not complain if that were still the case. David Njoku is an intriguing prospect. In fact, I'd argue he's the best TE from this class.

Njoku is the most athletic TE from this draft, and his receiving skills are top notch. He's growing really fast into his frame, and he's looking like someone ready to round out to be one of the best. He's real good at attaining YAC, and he's good real good technique when blocking.

To really understand what he's capable of doing, I'll revisit some stuff I originally posted from my highlights of him in my mock draft 2.0 segment:

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*Originally Posted In This Post*

TE David Njoku is a fantastic TE of the Miami Hurricanes. He's a big, athletic guy who has a bit of a burst to him. He's a converted WR to TE, and he's been a really productive TE for the canes. Despite only starting recently in the college season, and splitting time with TE Chris Herndon, he's been really productive. Not only that, but he's currently 6'4 and 245 lbs (He came out of high school at 217 pounds; he's only a sophomore in college right now).

He's been real good with what chances he's been given. He has great catching ability, and is a pretty decent pass blocker. He's got a ton of potential, and learning from one of the league's best former canes in Olsen would be most beneficial in his development. What separates him from everyone is his ability to get separation and YAC. He's perhaps one of the best in college with that ability, and he's got good speed to it. The issue with this is his tendency with wanting to run before the catch, but with proper coaching he'll be an unbelievable monster. I truly believe he might be one of the gems Gettleman would just love - physical and talent potential - and I think we just might as well hit on him if we can. 

Why do I like him so much? Here's some tape:

1. He's Extremely Athletic - Like Extremely

You probably know what I'm gonna compare this play to.

Yep. 

Anyhow, Njoku is a 6'4 athletic player still growing into his body. He's got insane athleticism for his position, and his gift is really shown in the GIF

He goes completely airborne over a defender after getting some nice running room, and flips his way into the endzone. He has unbelievable hops; he was his high school's jumping champion with a 6ft. 11in. jump. He shows amazing athleticism and speed in this play, and just scrambles his way into the endzone.

He's a great prospect and threat with his athletic traits. He's essentially a lot like Cam Newton - in a sense - with how amazing his athletic ability is. Coupled with his great hands, running ability, and jump height, he looks like a prospect just on the verge of breaking out.

Did I mention he's still growing into his frame? 

2. He's A Physical Body - Tough Catcher

In this highlight, Njoku catches the ball, then bounces off about 3 defenders before finally being brought down. He shows great physicality and strength; being able to stand up in the barrage of hits. He's got good hands, and he ensures he has the ball in his hand before finally being brought down. 

He's a pretty physical threat, and yet again he's still not fully developed in his frame yet.

That's a pretty big deal indeed.

3. He's Got Dangerous YAC Ability

Not only is he physical and athletic, he's quite fast too.

In this highlight, Njoku just absolutely toasts this defense and turns his catch into a huge gain. He's able to run after catching for quite the distance, and get into the red-zone. He's consistently made plays like this throughout his breakout sophomore campaign, but he's truly a good prospect.

If he's able to hinder his tendency to run before the catch, he could become a legit monster in the NFL. Due to the fact he's a sophomore heading in to the NFL draft, he has a high ceiling.

These kind of plays just express how much of a play-maker he truly is.

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Do you see why I've been -  and still am - really high on him?

David Njoku isn't your average talent. He may be raw, but he's really coming out as a name to watch for. He deserves every shred of hype he's getting, and the combine may make people real excited about this freak.

Now, the question still remains, will he be the best rookie TE coming out immediately?

The answer to that question? Most likely not.

Now don't get me wrong. This kid will eventually be seen as the best TE down the stretch, but he won't be the best immediately in the NFL. As much upside as he has, he still has to start somewhere.

Now why isn't he? Well, simply because he's young.

Understand he is 6'4 and 245 lbs, came out of high school at 217 pounds, and was only a sophomore in college. He just simply needs some more time to grow. However, it's very obvious his growth is happening at a rapid rate, and he could easily have an NFL ready body by the first game of the season.

However, we have to factor that right now, he's a bit undersized, and that's okay. He has the athleticism and upside to really get up there, and not to mention technique.

In the below video by analyst Matt Waldman (who I just love watching videos of) really gets into depth on Njoku more than I ever could, and shows why he has all the potential in the world to become a really good blocking TE. The only thing in the way between him and that is his size, and he should easily grow into his frame.

Again, I really recommend you watch the video. He details every aspect of Njoku real well in his film analysis. 

He even has a few extra comments in this article he made:

https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2016/12/30/rsp-boiler-room-no-63-te-david-njoku-miami/

Quote

David Njoku could use an additional 10-15 pounds on his frame. Additional strength through weight training is among a few minor but significant factors in his game that could prevent this tight end from becoming an NFL-ready contributor of note in 2017. but he’s a lot closer than some may realize.

But I wouldn’t expect a lengthy wait time. Njoku is a lot close to developing an all-around game than many may see when they look at this former track star’s frame.

Watch this 20-minute examination of Njoku’s routes, receiving, ball carrying, and blocking, and it’s evident that the Miami Hurricane could help an NFL team immediately as a receiving option.

As you can see, his receiving is amazing, and his athleticism is off the charts. He's got all the upside in the world to be the one of the greatest TEs in the game, and he's got the intelligence and technique to boot.

His blocking technique looks sound, and he's got a lot of potential in that area. Where he does get beat, he gets beat due to his size. He still shows great technique, and I have mentioned he is a fast grower. He's not done getting into his frame yet at all.

If Njoku is available in the 2nd round and we don't gun for him, I'll probably be disappointed honestly. I really like this kid, and I think he'd be a massive steal in the 2nd.

Look for Njoku as one of the best upcoming TEs in this draft.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

After the combine he will be a first round lock, bet. He's going to put up absolutely freakish jumps and he ain't slow neither. He may have the best combine of anyone along with Myles G. 

[UnluckyCharms]

Would not be mad if we used that second and whatever else it took to move up and snag him late first round. Its time to finally give Cam some weapons. A nice new power back/TE would be great and allow us to get back to 2 TE sets

[Saca312]

36 minutes ago, OnlyPantherFaninMaine said:

After the combine he will be a first round lock, bet. He's going to put up absolutely freakish jumps and he ain't slow neither. He may have the best combine of anyone along with Myles G. 

That's what I'm worried about. I want him to be available in the second, but I feel someone's gonna see his potential and snag him earlier than us.

However, I also understand that you just don't commonly see TEs picked in the 1st round. Gronkowski was a 2nd round choice; so was Hunter Henry. Everyone knows how good Gronk is, and Henry has been solid for San Diego.

I think there's a chance that factor could lead him to us being able to snag him there at the 2nd. I expect Howard to be gone by then, so I assume Gettleman will likely have this stud next on the list of TEs to hit on. 

I would not complain at all if this occurred. Even trading up to be safe I wouldn't complain.

[Saca312]

To the reference about his "brick hands" many talk about on this board, I'll tell you this; if this kid fixes his tendency to run with the catch, he's got sure hands.

He's raw, and I get that. But he's got the most upside to be one of the best. He sure can be capable of being sure handed if he fixes his tendency to run before catching. He extends his arms and uses proper technique like proper catchers should.

Watch the video in the post. Explains Njoku real well.

[ecu88]

Draft 2 TEs this class

Him and Michael Roberts then proceed to cut that Dickson player.

Bup bup bup

[Guest Lasus83]

Sold... if he is there.

Would think we would have to trade up. I have not seen many mocks where he escapes the first.

Thing that worries me is the decline in DE talent afterward.

Maybe find a harris/smoot/walker falling and get lucky.

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[top dawg]

Some analysts including Daniel Jeremiah have him ranked first as well.

[LinvilleGorge]

He has the highest potential of any TE in this class. Unfortunately, he has the highest bust potential as well. 

A lot of his value is going to be based on how he interviews and probably talking to his coaches at Miami as well. He has a ton of raw ability, but raw is the key word.

[Ace_Aladdin]

I'll take OJ Howard over this guy any day & I'm willing to bet that Howard will have far more succesful NFL career than this  guy.  The only thing Njoku outmaches him in is speed.

Run Blocking | Pass Blocking

 

Quote

WEAKNESSES:  Njoku

 Inexperienced at the position and still a work in progress. Needs to add to his play strength to handle in-line blocking as a pro. Don't skip leg days, bro. Struggled badly to stay in front of Pitt powerhouse Ejuan Price. Hands too high and wide at point of attack. Inconsistent hands over two years at Miami. Focus drops were a problem. Had eight drops over last two seasons for drop rate over 11 percent. Speed allows him to uncover on downfield routes and hasn't had to learn nuances of setting up defenders with route work. Needs to get head around and find ball quicker when working over top of linebacker.

 

Quote

OJ Howard

Strengths: 

Fast 

Rare speed 

Supreme receiving tight end 

Mismatch nightmare 

Impressive yards-after-the-catch skills for a tight end 

Extremely athletic 

Generally sure-handed

Quick release off the line 

Superb body control 

Great catch radius 

Leaping ability 

Good route-running 

Improved blocker 

Phenomenal middle-seam tight end 

Too fast for linebackers 

Too big for safeties 

Red-zone weapon 

Three-down mismatch tight end 

Very versatile 

Athletic enough to play h-back 

Upside 

Uses size to make receptions downfield 

Adept at finding the soft spot in zone 

Works the middle seam well 

Tracks the ball well 

Quality run blocker 

Decent feet in pass protection 

Can sustain his blocks 

Hits blocks on the second level 

10-15 year starter if he stays healthy 

Experienced

Effective against good competition 

Strong 

Deceptive quickness, athleticism 

Quality hands 

Durable 

Ready to play immediately 

 

Weaknesses: 

Quality blocker, but not overpowering 

Generally good hands, but will drop an occasional pass

 

[Saca312]

2 minutes ago, sanjay_rajput said:

I'll take OJ Howard over this guy any day & I'm willing to bet that Howard will have far more succesful NFL career than this  guy.  The only thing Njoku outmaches him in is speed.

 

Tell me, who does OJ Howard face in competition?

Wouldn't you agree that inflates his stats?

Njoku actually outmatches him in athleticism, catching, speed, and discipline.

In fact, OJ Howard may have secretly hurt his stock at the senior bowl. I believe Gettleman threw a false flag, as there are conflicting reports on him.

https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2017/01/26/2017-senior-bowl-practice-wrap-offense/

Quote

Caught My Eye-Negative

TE O.J. Howard, Alabama: A false start penalty, multiple dropped passes, poor effort on a catch able target, and lining up with a stance that you’d think would have been addressed at Alabama were among the things that confirmed my concerns about Howard on tape. Howard is the most impressive athlete at the position in Mobile, but his approach to the game is a detriment to his ability.

Seems he doesn't show much effort or discipline at Mobile. Not exactly a good look.

[LinvilleGorge]

11% drop rate. Damn.

Remember in that other thread where I said he made Ginn look sure handed in comparison? Yeah, Ginn's drop rate was 5.8% last season.

[Saca312]

Just now, LinvilleGorge said:

11% drop rate. Damn.

Remember in that other thread where I said he made Ginn look sure handed in comparison? Yeah, Ginn's drop rate was 5.8% last season.

OJ Howard was dropping balls in Mobile as well.

As far as drop rate, how about I tell you Njoku was never expected to become the #1 TE for Miami until later in the year. He progressed really well throughout the year from an after-thought to focal point. Understand he has a smaller sample size to catch, hence why the drop rate is inflated.

He's also improved in reliability, and shows the perfect traits of proper catching form as alluded to in the video.

Like I said, he wasn't expected to be much, but broke out and became a top consideration.

[Guest Lasus83]

He can drop one out of every ten balls as long as he catches the other nine and gains 20 yards each time LOL

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