This is not a tight end class blessed with super-athletes, but arguably the best performance of the group in Indy came from Adams. His 4.66-second 40-yard dash time was the fastest posted, and his 10-yard split was among the best. He also checked in with prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-5, 247 pounds. Adams this season graded positively at PFF, but it was almost entirely as a run-blocker; he earned ninth-best grade in the nation, including many players who were blocking specialists in run-heavy offenses.
Adams did catch 28 passes, scored three times and broke 10 tackles after the catch, but he also dropped five balls over the season and was only average as a receiving threat. He is a mid-round prospect in this draft, but in a weak TE class he may have raised his stock a little based on solid workout numbers.
South Carolina TE Jerell Adams did not put up huge offensive stats the past two seasons (749 combined yards receiving) due in large part to terrible QB play, but he clearly has the size and athleticism to be a much more effective pro. He runs surprisingly clean routes for a tight end and shows the ability to consistently stretch linebackers vertically to separate, and at 6-foot-5 247, has proven to be a load to bring down in the open field.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/02/27/nfl-scouting-combine-top-te-standouts/
In 2015, Jerell Adams had just 31 receptions but forced 10 missed tackles. This is comparable to Martellus Bennett's 33 forced missed tackles on 143 catches the past two seasons for the Bears, albeit on a much smaller sample size. This is a skill that should translate to the NFL level and in particular against the diminutive Mathieu, who missed 12 tackles last season.
Adams brings the added benefit of being a strong, in-line blocker, as he had our ninth-highest run block grade amongst tight ends in this draft class. Tight ends capable of blocking and receiving both in-line and from the slot are rare in today's NFL, thus Adams deserves more attention than his college production would traditionally warrant. He would be an excellent pick in the third round for the 49ers, and allow them to turn a difficult divisional match-up into a more favorable one.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/50105
Separation Skills-1-Very good acceleration off the line of scrimmage. Crisp getting in-and-out of sharp-cutting breaks. Shows the ability to create separation from man-to-man coverage. Savvy setting up defenders and accelerates out of cuts.Ball Skills2He has a big catching radius and shows good body control to adjust to ball behind him. He plucks the ball in stride and quickly transitions up-field. Shows the ability to make tough over-the-head catches. Would like to see him come down with a higher percentage of 50-50 balls.
Big Play Ability-1-Excellent top-end speed for the position. Flashes the ability to track the deep ball effectively. Has some suddenness after the catch. Flashes ability to make first defender miss with a sharp cut. Lacks great instincts as an open-field runner but has the speed to exploit poor pursuit angles.
Competitiveness-2-No fear working the middle of the field. Plays with a chip. Physical player. Good effort through the whistle and for four quarters. Fumbled just one time during four-year career (66 career receptions).
Blocking-3-He's a better blocker than frame might indicate. Has experience in-line and in space. Improved throughout his career and still has growth potential. Long and still somewhat lean. Poor hand placement leads to a lot of his failed attempts to sustain. But he's tough and aggressive. Effort is never an issue as a blocker. He shows good upper body power, and he can stun defenders with initial punch if using proper hand placement.
[ Edited by Phoenix49ers on Apr 18, 2016 at 10:09 PM ]