Nick Vannett NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Seahawks Rookie

POSITIVES

A forgotten man too often in the Ohio State offense, Nick Vannett turned heads at the 2016 Senior Bowl and has done nothing but build on his NFL resume since. Much like 2015 Senior Bowl standout Clive Walford, Vannett's lack of use in his college offense isn't an indictment on his talent, but rather the scheme he played in. Asking what he can do, and not what the offense asked him to do, gives a clearer picture of his talent.

A big athlete with large mitts (10") and ideal length (34 ¼" arms), Vannett passes the eyeball test. He's an easy mover in and out of traffic and doesn't hesitate when getting into the muck with linebackers or box safeties. Vannett plucks the ball from the air and will use his body to shade defenders and keep them out of contention over the middle. With just one drop charted all season for Vannett, he's as steady as they come when bailing out the quarterback.

Senior Bowl practices showed that Vannett can move through coverage as a route-runner. He has a tall frame but can sink low to explode out of breaks and has enough flexibility to execute sharp cuts. He's balanced and poised as a route-runner with little wasted movement.

Playing at Ohio State means lining up all over the formation, and Vannett comes to the pros with limited wear-and-tear and a bag full of tools due to his positional versatility at OSU.

NEGATIVES

A lack of production—no matter the cause—will be a flag for some NFL teams. They want to see those numbers on the card when it's hanging in the draft room, and Vannett doesn't have them.

As a blocker, Vannett can be timid at the point of attack and struggle to follow through to the second level. He has the size to dump smaller linebackers and handle defensive ends, but his want-to isn't always equal in blocking situations as it is when the ball is coming his way.

Average speed for a tight end isn't a killer, but letting defenders ride your hip pocket leads to too many contested catches. That's where Vannett is right now when facing NFL-caliber prospects at OSU. He has to learn to shake safeties and use his length to create separation from tight coverage.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 257 lbs.

40 Time: 4.85s

3-Cone: 7.05s

Short Shuttle: 4.20s

PRO COMPARISON: Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
FINAL GRADE: 6.40/9.00 (Round 3—Rookie Impact)