Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Troy Niklas (Notre Dame) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #52 by ARI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Troy Niklas (2014 NFL Draft)

Position: Tight End

College: Notre Dame

Overview

Troy Niklas entered the 2014 NFL Draft as one of the top tight end prospects, showcasing a blend of size, athleticism, and blocking ability during his time at Notre Dame. At 6'6" and 270 pounds, Niklas had the physical attributes desired by NFL teams looking for a versatile tight end capable of contributing in both the passing and running game.

Strengths

• Size and Length: Niklas possesses an ideal frame for the tight end position, allowing him to be a reliable target in the red zone and providing a significant advantage in blocking situations.
• Blocking Ability: He is a strong and willing blocker, demonstrating the ability to take on defenders and create running lanes for ball carriers.
• Athleticism: Niklas has good speed for his size, enabling him to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
• Hands: He showed reliable hands during his college career, capable of making contested catches and securing the ball in traffic.

Weaknesses

• Route Running: While he has the physical tools, Niklas needs to refine his route-running skills to become a more effective receiver at the next level.
• Experience: Niklas had limited production in college, which raised concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL and make an immediate impact.
• Injury History: Concerns about durability were present, as he had dealt with injuries during his college career, which could affect his long-term viability in the league.

Overall Assessment

Troy Niklas was viewed as a project player with significant upside. His combination of size, blocking ability, and potential as a pass-catcher made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their tight end position. While there were questions about his immediate impact and consistency, his physical tools suggested that he could develop into a productive player in the right system.

Given the trends in the NFL towards utilizing tight ends in versatile roles, many teams were eager to see how Niklas would fit into their offensive schemes.