2017 Raiders Draft Profile: TE David Njoku
2017 Raiders Draft Profile
Name: David Njoku
School/Position: Miami, TE
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 245 pounds
Stats: 64 catches, 1060 yards (16.6 avg.), 9 TD
Athleticism: Where to start? First, Njoku turns 50/50 balls into 80/20 ones. He can high jump nearly 7ft. While this skill isn’t as popular as the great 40 time, it remains incredibly crucial in the red zone. In addition, Njoku’s speed makes him a threat to take the ball the distance on most seam route. He runs not only away from defenders, but right by them. The key to his explosiveness is how he runs. Actually, his stride appears effortless. Meanwhile, defenders abandon all technique in order to catch him. With that said, don’t underestimate Njoku’s ability to cut on a dime. Most tight ends are stiff in the lower body. When they cut, it occasionally resembles choppiness. Imagine walking on ice. In the middle of the field, few tight ends match his burst and acceleration.
Blocking: Granted, this is a work in progress for Njoku. Yet, he’s willing to mix it up with anyone across from. Although his leg drive and base need expanding, Njoku will not let up. Fortunately, his long arms keep defenders at bay, preventing them from getting leverage to cast him aside. Njoku will need intensive coaching to get his in-line blocking up to par.
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Upside: Without delay, Njoku’s potential is boundless. He bursts down the seam, grabs the occasion swing pass and gets upfield. His explosion coupled with a decent frame with room to grow make him a Day 1 starter in the NFL. While other tight ends have the desired polished, none of them are blessed with the immense physical tools of Njoku. If he doesn’t tally at least six or seven touchdowns in his first year, there is a problem.
Downside: Njoku’s issue is catch concentration. Film bears out that he will look away from the catch, trying to turn up the field too often. As a result, open catches become incomplete passes. Steady drilling fixes this problem.
Aggression: Njoku is a Miami Hurricane, through and through. When do they show timidity? His ferocity shows itself by his drive. For example, in the video below, Njoku fights through tackles to keep running.
Why Draft Him: In two years, Clive Walford didn’t set the world on fire with inconsistent play. At times, he is slow out of his breaks, runs sloppy routes and doesn’t have that burst. In reality, Njoku is an athletic upgrade. Njoku is a true playmaker that gets downfield immediately, forcing defenses to drop a linebacker. In the red zone, his size, vertical and fluidity present another target for Carr.
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