New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Profile: Temple TE Evan Rodriguez
Welcome back to the New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft profile series. We’re less than 24 hours away from the biggest weekend in the NFL offseason—are you ready for your G-men to begin their title defense? I know I am. This edition of the series will scout Temple tight end Evan Rodriguez, who is an intriguing prospect to say the least.
Though the Giants did sign Martellus Bennett, the deal was only worth one season. Bennett will have that year to prove himself, or he could be auditioning for a huge contract when he hits free agency next season. The Giants are not going to over-pay for a guy when they have one of the best tight end coaches in the business, Mike Pope.
This is why the Giants were able to go from All-Pro Jeremy Shockey, to fifth round pick Kevin Boss, to undrafted free agent Jake Ballard in 2011 and still get production from their tight end spot. Pope is a genius.
If given the reigns to a prospect like Rodriguez, he could develop him into a serious weapon for the Giants. Although listed as a tight end, Rodriguez can play all over the field. He was used primarily as an h-back at Temple, but played tight end, receiver, fullback, and h-back.
He showed off some good speed at the combine with a 4.58 time, but lacks ideal strength as an in-line blocker. He gives good effort and always seems to want to find the next guy to hit. Can reach for blocks at time and does not keep his pad level low.
He is a very natural pass catcher and moves well in open space. He is elusive but not a home run hitter from the tight end spot. Does not waste time running East and West and is good after the catch. Would look good catching passing out of the backfield for the Giants. Very versatile in that he can get good blocks from the full back spot and when lined up off the line of scrimmage. Could potentially split out in the slot and be an extra weapon in the red zone.
Though he is limited as a blocker and would need to bulk up in order to improve in that area, he could be a mismatch from the slot and h-back/fullback spot at the next level.
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