Austin Hooper NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Falcons Rookie

POSITIVES

Austin Hooper is next in a line of excellent tight end prospects from Stanford, and he may be the most intriguing one in a while.

With excellent agility and quickness on a tall frame, Hooper projects as a top-of-the-line receiving threat in the pros. He has the balance, poise and body control to get open in his route tree when covered up by a speedy defender and doesn't have to rely solely on speed to make plays. He's a thorough route-runner with the experience and knowledge to step right into an NFL roster and not have a rough transition time.

In the red zone, Hooper is a big target made bigger by a 33-inch vertical jump and long arms (33 ¾"). He's great at timing jump balls and fights through the play. Hooper can line up as a big slot, with his hand in the dirt or even in the backfield as an H-back-type weapon.

NEGATIVES

Five dropped passes on the year, according to College Football Focus, is an eyesore for Hooper considering he had 54 targets on the season. With a slightly smaller frame and average production, those numbers can stand out.

In the blocking game, Hooper is all about effort because his mechanics need work. He's too light in his lower body to get real push, which causes him to lunge and grasp for defenders. He would be better suited to a zone scheme that helps him get an angle on the defender.

The biggest concern with Hooper is the drop rate. Will those focus drops be coached out in the pros, or will a team have to live with a 1-1 ratio of drops to touchdowns?

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3 ¾"

Weight: 254 lbs.

40 Time: 4.72s

3-Cone: 7.00s

Short Shuttle: 4.32s

PRO COMPARISON: Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
FINAL GRADE: 6.40/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)