ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay thinks highly of Brenton Strange and identified the Penn State tight end as one of the players to watch in next month’s NFL Draft.
Brenton Strange. Get to know that name. The Penn State TE is one of the least talked about and most underrated players in the draft. Combine numbers were pedestrian but his tape is impressive. Despite a loaded TE class, you’ll hear his name called Night 2 of the NFL draft. pic.twitter.com/iCVsyAA1cQ
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 26, 2023
McShay feels Strange is one of the most underrated players in this year’s class, and could see him going as early as the second day, which Strange would gladly take.
The draft guru made note of Strange’s ordinary combine numbers of a 4.70 40-yard dash, with 1.57 10-yard splits, a 10-4 inch broad jump, a 36-inch vertical, a 4.46 20-yard shuffle, and 23 reps on the bench press.
Nonetheless, McShay feels Strange’s tape is impressive.
When McShay watches Strange’s tape, he sees that Strange can pass block effectively while keeping a strong base and engaging with blockers in run-blocking. He also sees that Strange has driven defenders down on run plays for Penn State as well.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Additionally, Strange has soft hands that can squeeze the ball away from his body. He can find the soft areas of the defense on intermediate routes and has the speed to run after the catch. He has the versatility to play H-Back, split out wide, or be a traditional in-line tight end.
Something that could hinder Strange’s draft placement is his frame (6-foot-3, 253 pounds) and arm length. Additionally, his production last season (32 catches, 362 yards, five touchdowns) didn’t light the world on fire, but the numbers were deflated due to playing in a deep tight end room that also featured Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren.
There’s a lot to like about Strange, and if McShay is right, he could go down as one of the steals of this year’s draft.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
