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Day Two of the 2024 NFL Combine has concluded and we are recapping the top performances by position group on the day.
Check back at the end of each day as we continue to recap every position group from the drill work at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Overview of Today's Analysis
Below, we provide a breakdown of the top players ranked within their respective position groups. This analysis is based on the drill work and how it correlates with each prospect's initial scouting report from the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board, available on our website.
Grading If the Film Matches the NFL Combine Data
The aim of today's analysis is to assess each prospect's NFL Combine drill performance. We consider all aspects of the workouts, from the 40-yard dash to the on-field exercises, to determine if a prospect's previous film analysis and scouting report align with their performance during the NFL Combine's on-field drills. Learn more about the player grade scale here.
The Top Tight End Grades At The 2024 NFL Combine
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas (6' 4'', 245 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.69 seconds (9th among tight ends)
10-Yard Split: 1.59 seconds (7th among tight ends)
Vertical Jump: Data not provided
Broad Jump: Data not provided
Scouting Report Connection: Ja'Tavion Sanders is recognized for his potential as a pass-catching tight end, with significant contributions already made at the college level, as reflected in his high production score. While he has the foundational size and skills for the position, there's room for improvement in run blocking and physical development. His combine speed indicates potential to compete at the NFL level, although it suggests he may not top the charts in terms of raw athleticism. Sanders' effectiveness in the passing game, particularly in making combat catches and running seams, aligns with the skill set expected from his combine results.
Grade Assignment: Considering Sanders' solid college production and the skill set highlighted by his combine performance, his grade would be Above Average to Good (6-7). While he demonstrates the necessary abilities for a pass-catching tight end, there are areas for improvement, particularly in run blocking and enhancing his physicality at the point of attack. His ability to further develop these areas will be critical in realizing his potential as a plus starter in the NFL.
Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State (6' 6'', 259 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds (2nd among tight ends)
10-Yard Split: 1.55 seconds (3rd among tight ends)
Vertical Jump: 39.5'' (2nd among tight ends)
Broad Jump: 10' 5'' (2nd among tight ends)
Scouting Report Connection: Theo Johnson entered the scene with high expectations due to his physical attributes and recruitment background. His combine performance, particularly his remarkable results in speed and jumping events, underscores his physical traits and aligns with the anticipated potential. However, the scouting report highlights deficiencies in run blocking and lack of dynamism as a pass-catcher, areas not directly measured at the combine but crucial for a complete tight end. His ability to make contested catches and handle man coverage is noted, suggesting a solid foundation to build upon.
Grade Assignment: Given Johnson's outstanding combine showing, which accentuates his natural athletic abilities, contrasted with the noted areas for improvement in actual gameplay, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His physical attributes and combine performance suggest he has the raw materials necessary for success at the next level. However, to reach his full potential and become more than an average backup, he will need to address the highlighted shortcomings, particularly in run blocking and becoming a more dynamic receiving threat.
Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State (6' 4'', 250 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.68 seconds (8th among tight ends)
10-Yard Split: 1.59 seconds (8th among tight ends)
Vertical Jump: 40'' (1st among tight ends)
Broad Jump: 10' 6'' (1st among tight ends)
Scouting Report Connection: Ben Sinnott is depicted as an athletic F tight end capable of contributing in the passing game while managing some blocking duties. His combine performance, especially in the vertical and broad jumps, underscores his athleticism and ability to operate in space, a critical asset for a pass-catching tight end. Despite concerns over his physicality and hand quickness in blocking and receiving, his combine results — particularly his leading vertical and broad jump scores — highlight his potential in the passing game.
Grade Assignment: Considering Sinnott's strong combine performance, particularly in explosive metrics, juxtaposed with his developmental needs in blocking and physicality, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His exceptional jump scores indicate significant athletic potential for a tight end, particularly in a pass-catching role. If he can enhance his blocking and refine his receiving skills, he has the foundational athletic traits to succeed and possibly exceed expectations in the NFL.
Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State (6' 2'', 241 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.61 seconds (4th among tight ends)
10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds (5th among tight ends)
Vertical Jump: 35'' (5th among tight ends)
Broad Jump: 10' 4'' (3rd among tight ends)
Scouting Report Connection: Jaheim Bell, with his diverse play history at South Carolina and Florida State, presents as a hybrid athlete without a definitive position, challenging traditional tight end or lead blocker roles. His combine performance reflects his athleticism, particularly in speed and leaping ability, indicating potential seam running capability and effectiveness after the catch. However, his inconsistencies as a blocker and lack of positional clarity pose challenges for a straightforward NFL transition. Despite these concerns, his physical abilities suggest potential for a specialized role, possibly in more dynamic offensive schemes or special teams.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Bell's solid combine performance and considering his athletic potential juxtaposed with the noted technical and positional challenges, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His good showing in combine events suggests he possesses the necessary athletic tools for the NFL, but to fully capitalize on his potential, he will need to refine his blocking and find a niche that leverages his unique skill set effectively.
Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois (6' 5'', 271 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds (6th among tight ends)
10-Yard Split: 1.55 seconds (2nd among tight ends)
Vertical Jump: 33.5'' (7th among tight ends)
Broad Jump: 10' 1'' (5th among tight ends)
Scouting Report Connection: Tip Reiman is characterized as a large Y tight end with the potential to excel as a run blocker at the NFL level. His combine results, particularly his 40-yard dash and 10-yard split, suggest that he possesses the necessary speed and initial quickness for a player of his size, which could complement his blocking capabilities. While known more for his blocking than his pass-catching, his combine performance, especially in the broad jump, indicates a degree of athleticism that could help him develop into a more balanced tight end. His potential in run blocking is highlighted, though his effectiveness will depend on improving hand placement and consistency.
Grade Assignment: Reflecting on Reiman's combine performance and his potential as highlighted in the scouting report, his grade would be Average (5). While he shows good athleticism for his size, particularly in speed and jumping events, his lower production score and the need for technical improvement in blocking indicate areas for development. His NFL success will largely depend on his ability to enhance his blocking skills, which, combined with his measured athletic traits, could make him a valuable asset as a run-blocking tight end.