2014 NFL Draft: More First Round Prospects for the Green Bay Packers
By Dan Dahlke
North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Eric Ebron – Tight End, North Carolina, 6-4, 245 (4.67)
It’s clear tight end is a huge need on the Packers roster. The Packers may be without Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless next season. Green Bay would be wise to target one of the few top tight end talents in the upcoming draft.
Most draft boards rank Ebron as the top tight end in this year’s draft. It is really splitting hairs between him and Texas Tech’s Jace Amaro, who is the only other player at the position with a clear first round grade.
Like Amaro, Ebron is a very athletic tight end who can create mismatches in the passing game. He has the speed to burn by linebackers and slower defensive backs, and has the size to be a real asset over the middle of the field and in the red zone. Ebron’s 62 receptions, 973 yards, and three touchdowns were all among the collegiate leaders at the position in 2013.
Overall, Ebron is a more complete tight end than Amaro. He’s clearly a better run blocker. In fact, Ebron has really improved as a blocker this past season. He’s not afraid to be physical in the running game and works both as an in-line blocker and can split out wide in the slot.
His versatility gives him an advantage over tight end prospects, like Amaro, who are used almost exclusively split out wide.
Theres’s a good chance Ebron will be off the board when it’s the Packers turn with the 21st pick, but if Ebron is still there, it will be difficult for Green Bay to pass him up.