Today’s NFL requires much of its tight ends, from helping out as a blocker in the run game to stretching all levels of the field as a pass-catcher.
If your favorite team is looking for a prospect in the 2020 NFL draft class who can do it all, Oregon’s Jake Breeland checks every box.
As he works his way back from injury in preparation for his jump to the pros, Breeland spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, the status of his rehab, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
JB: It was good. There’s obviously a lot going on. I was just super happy to be there. I enjoyed the meetings and getting a chance to meet the coaching staffs. The tight end group was super cool. I met so many great guys out there. It was a good experience. I had a lot of fun.
JM: A knee injury that you suffered back in October kept you from competing, unfortunately. Where are you health-wise right now?
JB: The recovery has been going well. I’m about four and a half months out now. I’m feeling great. I’ve been doing a lot of running. I’ve recently started to do some change-of-direction stuff, which is a good sign. It’s going well. I feel great. I’ve been rehabbing every day. I’m getting stronger. I can’t wait to get back out there.
JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal meetings at the combine?
JB: I had a lot of informal interviews. They were all informal. I probably met with every team, with the exception of maybe 3-4 teams. I had a lot of interviews going on. It was a lot of fun.
JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts coming up, or is everything going down after the pro day?
JB: I actually have a meeting with the Los Angeles Rams tonight (March 11th). They’re down here in Oregon right now. I’m headed to my meeting with them after this interview actually. Our pro day is tomorrow (March 12th). I won’t be participating physically.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
JB: I didn’t have too many weird ones. This one team asked me if I would change anything about myself. Another asked me what I’d be doing if I wasn’t playing football. I didn’t get anything too strange. I was asked if I would rather win the Super Bowl or be an All-Pro guy. It was all relatively standard.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the tight end position?
JB: I enjoy being able to do everything. I can split out wide and be a threat in the passing game. I can play in the slot or line up in the backfield. I can play next to the tackle and make an impact in the run game. You get asked to do a little bit of everything as a tight end. I can go out there and block. I love the versatility. You get a little bit of everything.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
JB: I would probably say the climb-over. It would be a 12-yard climb-over route. I can run it up the middle, but if it takes me too high, I’m able to split it up the middle. I love doing that. My speed serves me well. The climb-over is definitely my favorite route.
JM: Is Justin Herbert the best quarterback in the draft?
JB: To me, yes, he is. I got to play alongside him, and we really grew up together over these past few years. We actually lived together. He’s a great guy, both on and off the field. He’s developed into a tremendous athlete. He’s a great leader. He’s more of a vocal leader than he gets credit for in the media. To me, he’s by far the best quarterback in this draft.
JM: What kind of guy is Jake Breeland going to be at the next level?
JB: That’s a tough question to answer in such few words. I’m gonna be a loyal, trustworthy kind of guy. I played for three different head coaches at Oregon, and I decided to stick with it. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I persevered through it all. I’m in it for the long run. I would love to play on the same team for a long time. I wanna play in the NFL for a long time. I love the game, and I love to compete. Whatever team gets me, they’re gonna get the best of me.
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