8. Thomas Duarte (UCLA Bruins)
6 feet 3 inches, 225 pounds
GRADE: 5.65
40 yard dash: 4.72 seconds (Top Performer among TEs)
Bench Press: 12 reps
Vert Jump: 33.5 inches (Top Performer among TEs)
Broad Jump: 118.0 inches (9 feet, 10 inches)
Projected Round: 3-5
WalterFootball.com ranked Duarte as the 16th best wideout in the draft, though he tested as tight end at the NFL Scouting Combine.
From NFL.com: Sharp cuts, bursts out of breaks. Able and willing to work the middle. Doesn’t scare easily.
Didn’t have to face dedicated coverage he’ll see in pros. Disinterested as blocker.
Scouts compare him to Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed.
Matchup tight ends are all the rage and Duarte can play with more weight and a little more willingness as a run blocker, he’s got a shot to become a productive NFL player
Next: Geronimoooooooooo!