2025 NFL Draft: Montana Tight End Cole Grossman’s Journey and Tape Demand Attention

About Cole Grossman A native of Vancouver, Washington, Cole Grossman’s path to the NFL is as much about perseverance as it is about performance. A two-sport athlete at Skyview High School — starring as both a wide receiver and defensive end while also playing basketball — Grossman’s blend of athleticism and toughness was evident early. Despite flying under the national radar, he landed at Montana, where he quickly became one of the most productive tight ends in the FCS. 2025 NFL Draft Prospect: Cole Grossman Height:  6'4" | Weight:  235 lbs | Arm Length:  TBD | Hand Size:  TBD | 40-Yard Dash:  4.67 (Est.) | 10-Yard Split:  TBD Grossman earned Freshman All-American (2021) and Sophomore All-American (2022) honors from HERO Sports, posting 69 receptions for 897 yards and 10 touchdowns across those two seasons. But his story goes far beyond the box score. After dealing with multiple injuries — including two meniscus tears prior to the 2024 season — Grossman faced a devastating NCAA suspension in early 2024 after taking prescribed Clomid for medically diagnosed hypogonadism. Despite full disclosure and proper protocols, his medical exemption was denied, limiting him to just five games. In his final appearance of the season against SDSU, Grossman suffered a torn ACL, adding another hurdle to his already challenging journey. Even during his suspension, Grossman remained with the team, attending every practice and film session. His ACL injury upon reinstatement only added to the adversity. While he’s not yet fully recovered, he’s preparing for his April 3rd Pro Day, where he’ll meet with NFL scouts. Grossman is ready to prove he still belongs in the NFL conversation. Tale of The Tape Grossman’s game is built on reliable hands, crisp route-running, and advanced spatial awareness. At 6'4" and now weighing in at 235 pounds, he brings impressive physicality and versatility, functioning well from multiple alignments. His body control and refined technique allow him to separate from linebackers and absorb contact at the catch point. At first glance, as a leaner tight end, you might expect him to struggle as an in-line blocker—but he often held his own. Montana frequently relied on him in that role, and he consistently gave strong effort. He projects best as a versatile move tight end or H-back in a modern spread offense—someone who can be motioned to create mismatches and exploited in space. If he can add functional weight and reach the 240-pound range without sacrificing too much speed, it would significantly elevate his next-level potential. Advanced Stats & Analytics Breakdown Grossman’s productivity isn’t just backed by accolades — the advanced data confirms his value and potential upside: 2021 (Redshirt Freshman Season): PFF Overall Grade:  22nd among FCS TEs with 25+ targets Receiving Grade:  14th among FCS TEs Pass Protection Grade:  19th — impressive for a leaner framed TE Run Blocking Grade:  Below average, but had 375 run-blocking reps Yards After Catch (YAC):  230 of 463 yards (8th most among FCS TEs) Yards Per Route Run:  1.22 (26th among FCS TEs with 25+ targets) Drops:  Just 1 drop in 13 games Alignment:  70% inline, 28% slot, 2% wide Grossman was used primarily inline but created serious damage after the catch — a testament to his WR background. His YAC efficiency and low drop rate make him one of the more polished receiving options at the position in his class. 2022 (Redshirt Sophomore Season): PFF Overall Grade:  29th among FCS TEs with 25+ targets Receiving Grade:  31st Pass Blocking Grade:  Top 5 among all FCS TEs — significant improvement Run Blocking Grade:  Average to below average (349 blocking snaps) Forced Missed Tackles:  8 (Top 10 among FCS TEs) Alignment:  60% inline, 38% slot — growing role flexibility The 2022 data shows refinement in Grossman’s game — especially in pass protection — and a growing ability to operate out of the slot. His consistent ability to force missed tackles highlights his open-field agility and competitiveness. Key Strengths Soft, reliable hands and strong catch-point focus Crisp route runner with advanced spatial awareness Excellent yards-after-catch ability (former WR background) Proven production with All-American pedigree High football IQ; maintains spacing and adjusts routes effectively Versatile alignment profile (inline, slot, wide) Strong leadership traits and commitment to team Resilience and maturity through adversity Key Weaknesses Medical red flags (ACL, meniscus, suspension due to hormone treatment) Below-average inline strength as a run blocker Limited top-end speed (4.67 est.) Smaller frame for a traditional NFL TE role Minimal exposure to FBS or Power Five competition 2024 Season Highlights Returned late in the year following suspension Played in 5 games, recording 4 catches for 24 yards Named Preseason Second-Team All-American (Stats Perform, FCS Football Central) Praised by coaches as one of Montana’s most dynamic offensive weapons NFL Draft Projection Projected Round:  UDFA / Rookie Mini Camp Invite Ideal Role:  Flex tight end / H-back in a West Coast or Pro Spread system NFL (Style) Comparison: Grant Calcaterra Undersized TE with great ball skills, fluid movement, and WR-like traits. Like Calcaterra, Grossman wins with technique, effort, and spatial awareness. While not a direct comparison, Grossman’s yards-after-catch burst and open-field mobility draw some parallels to Brock Bowers — particularly how he creates separation post-catch using angles and body control rather than pure speed. Unless Grossman tests in the 4.5s at his current size, a transition to WR is unlikely. However, if he can add 10–15 pounds of functional weight to reach the 240–245 lb range, he has the tools to be a legit flex TE with enough blocking ability to contribute in 12 or 13 personnel groupings. Summary Cole Grossman is a highly productive, technically sound tight end who offers reliable hands, after-the-catch ability, and positional flexibility. While medical concerns and limited 2023–24 film may push him toward the UDFA market or a developmental league, his skill set and mentality make him an ideal candidate for a rookie camp invite or a developmental roster spot. Montana TE Cole Grossman battled injury and NCAA suspension—but his tape, hands, and toughness demand 2025 NFL Draft attention. - Brandon Lundberg Analyst Football Scout 365 If you watch his 2021 and 2022 tape, Grossman displays Day 3 upside. In the right system—and if he can add functional weight to his frame—he has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber NFL tight end. At the very least, he could emerge as a valuable TE2/TE3 with situational upside, particularly in spread or play-action-heavy offenses.