NFL Combine: Tyler Eifert
By Nick Combs
Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Going into the combine he was 22nd on Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board and the also has him as the best tight end in the 2013 draft class. Everyone knows that Eifert has exceptional ball skills, route running skills, and the ability to create separation from the defender when breaking his routes. He not only lined up as a tight end, but also as a wide out last season. The All-American tight end and the Mackey Award winner recorded a team high 50 receptions, 685 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
Many of the experts were worried about Eifert’s quickness and speed coming into the combine. I thought he would run around a 4.65-4.7, but he ended up running an official time of 4.6 and that was 4th best among tight ends. If you watched the Irish in the red zone this season you would know that Eifert would split out wide and get at least one jump ball most of the time. At 6’6’’ he towered over almost all cornerbacks and was much stronger than them as well. The All-American recorded a 35.5 inch vertical leap and a 11’9’’ broad jump, which was good for 2nd best among tight ends. Many people were surprised at Eifert’s performance, but Notre Dame fans shouldn’t be.
The weakness in Eifert’s game would be his run blocking, but he has improved a lot over this past season and looks to be getting better with his feet. He didn’t get many chances to prove himself, considering he was either split out or had an easy kick out block. If Eifert can develop as a solid run blocker he will become one of the elite tight ends in the NFL.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s comments on Tyler Eifert
"Here’s another 40 that matters. Was a decent bet to be the first TE off the board when he declared, but he’s being pushed now. Has pass-catching skills of a natural receiver and can be split out. Eifert is a former WR who catches the ball with ease and can stretch the seams, but he’s not an exceptional blocker."