The 2020 NFL Combine opened their on-field drills with the tight ends group. The group began, as always, with the 40-yard-dash, but when they shifted into position drills, we were introduced to a few new drills.
Overall the group underwhelmed, and with the Lions investing heavily at the position last offseason, it would be surprising if they selected a tight end from this year’s class before the later part of Day 3.
Let’s take a look at those who did earn positive marks today.
Adam Trautman, Dayton, 6-5, 255
In the mix to potentially be the first tight end selected, Trautman ran a middle-of-the-road 4.75 40-yard-dash but looked sharp in drills — including a new blocking sled drill, where he may have been the only player to use proper technique. As one of the more balanced tight ends in the class, he will likely be selected before the Lions start looking at the position.
Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri, 6-5.5, 258
Entering the season Okwuegbunam was discussed as the potential top tight end in this class, but an underwhelming redshirt junior season that saw him put up a career-low statistical season quieted the hype around him.
The hype started back up today after he ran an official 4.49 40-yard-dash (no other tight end ran under 4.60). But, when they shifted on-field, his speed slowed in favor of improving his catch accuracy, which will leave scouts wondering if he actually plays as fast as he can run in a straight line.
Stephen Sullivan, LSU, 6-5, 248
Sullivan’s 4.66 40–yard-dash was a solid score, but when he got on the field, it was no surprise that the former wide receiver stood out in the pass-catching drills. At LSU, he took a backseat in production to Thaddeus Moss, but with the NFL’s desire to add more mismatch move tight ends, his stock could be on the rise. If the Lions don’t bring back Logan Thomas — or find his replacement in free agency — Sullivan could be a late-round target.
Notes:
- Moss (6-2, 250, LSU) was flagged with a broken foot during medicals and was not cleared to participate.
- Cole Kmet (6-6, 262, Notre Dame), who may challenge Trautman for top honors, didn’t do enough to stand out.
- Hunter Bryant (6-2, 248, Washington) was expected to fly based on his game tape, but his 4.73 40-yard-dash, while respectable, was slower than expected.