From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#86 Joey Magnifico/TE/Memphis/6’3”, 235 Lbs
The Good
-Works well vertically and has a late second gear to create separation
-Flashes strong hands at the catch point; soft to let the ball drop into place nicely
-Seam stretcher from in tight; chews up yardage in a hurry to get vertical
-Good red zone weapon that knows how to find soft spots in zone
-Has some YAC and power to his game with the ball in his hands
-Positionally versatile; handled multiple roles well at Memphis
-Thick, durable frame
The Bad
-Seriously lacking strength as a run blocker
-Technique is a mess; doesn’t use his hands well to create initial pop and separation
-Appears a bit hesitant to create contact as a blocker
-Struggles to hit his target as a blocker when on the move; drops his head often and takes poor routes to defender
-Limited route tree that needs serious refinement at the next level; not everything can be vertical
-Undersized for the position
Bio
-Played in 53 career games for Memphis, starting 38 games over four seasons
-Finished four-year career with 71 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns
-Academic All-American as a redshirt junior and senior for Memphis
-Sat out Cotton Bowl loss to Penn State while nursing infection from knee injury
-Was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, nor a post-collegiate all-star game
Tape Breakdown
Leading into the 2019 College Football season, I was really intrigued by Memphis tight end Joey Magnifico.