Eric Ebron, Tight End: Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report
By Austin New
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
There are only a handful of “game-changers” at the tight end position. Jimmy Graham is obviously the first that comes to mind, then (when healthy) Rob Gronkowski, Vernon Davis, Julius Thomas, and some would even throw in Jason Witten and/or Jordan Cameron.
Former North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron has the highest potential and the best shot at being a part of the group mentioned above.
Ebron is very similar to Kansas City’s own Tony Gonzalez is terms of body shape and the way they play. The North Carolina product stands tall at 6 foot 4 inches, and weighs in at 245 pounds, whereas Tony G. stood 6 foot 5 inches tall, and weighed 247 pounds.
Combine Results –
40-Yard Dash – 4.60 seconds
Bench Press (225 lbs.) – 24 reps
Vertical Jump – 32.0 inches
Broad Jump – 120.0 inches
Arm Length – 33.25 inches
Hands – 10.0 inches
Overall Grade (According to NFL.com) – 6.4
Ebron obviously had one of the best combines of any TE for quite some time, and I think it will show at the next level. Hopefully in a Kansas City Chiefs uniform.
This kid is oozing athleticism, and with his receiver-like body, UNC would often split him out wide or lined him up in the slot to take advantage of his speed and agility. This could work well in KC. Something very similar to what Alex Smith had in San Francisco with Vernon Davis.
One thing Ebron is considered average at is blocking. Dan Kadar of sbnation.com says this;
"“Ebron isn’t quite as behind as a blocker as some make him seem. North Carolina liked to split Ebron out wide, but he stayed in-line a fair amount. Ebron doesn’t have the functional strength to overpower defensive ends at the line of scrimmage. But he can do enough to slow his man down and moves well in space. Although he’s not always technically sound as a blocker, Ebron often his his hands inside to maintain a block.”"
The Chiefs desperately need a #2 receiver, and it could be found in a position other than WR.
There are a few problems to this logic though. First of all, with Travis Kelce hopeful to return this season, along with Anthony Fasano, and Sean McGrath on the roster, the Chiefs already have pretty good depth at the TE position.
Also, Ebron is a highly sought after talent, especially since he put on a show that you don’t see to often at the combine. Some mocks have him going to the Buffalo Bills at #9, the Baltimore Ravens at #17, or the New York Jets at #18. So most likely he will be gone by the time the Chiefs are on the board.
I don’t really see Ebron sliding down to us at #23, so the only way the Chiefs could get him is to trade up which is very highly unlikely. I am very upset about this, and you can believe that I will be sitting on my couch on Draft Day, hoping and praying that he sneaks his way to us, and John Dorsey/Andy Reid do the right thing and grab this guy.
Chiefs fans: What do you think about Eric Ebron? If available at the Chiefs first round pick, would you take him over a WR like, say, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, etc.? Why, or Why Not?