Richard Rodgers (California) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #98 by GB
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Richard Rodgers (2014 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: Richard Rodgers
- College: University of California, Berkeley
- Position: Tight End
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 257 lbs
- College Stats: 39 receptions, 608 yards, 5 touchdowns in 2013
Strengths:
- Good size and athleticism for the tight end position.
- Strong hands, able to make contested catches in traffic.
- Versatile player, capable of lining up in multiple positions (inline, slot, and out wide).
- Effective route runner with solid body control and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage.
- Demonstrated potential as a blocker, showing willingness and ability to engage defenders.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent production during college; struggled with injuries at times.
- Lacks elite speed and explosiveness to create separation from defenders.
- Needs to improve blocking technique, especially against stronger defensive ends.
- Limited experience against top-tier competition, which may impact transition to the NFL.
Overall Assessment:
Richard Rodgers is an intriguing tight end prospect with a good combination of size and receiving ability. His strong hands and ability to make contested catches make him a valuable target in the passing game. However, his inconsistent production and areas for improvement in blocking technique raise concerns about his readiness for the NFL. Teams looking for a developmental tight end with potential upside may find Rodgers to be an appealing option in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.