Drew Sample NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

STRENGTHS

—Effort player scouts will love to watch and coaches will love to work with.

—In-line tight end with experience as a blocker and receiver; has the size (6'5", 255 lbs) to be a starting tight end and could be a mismatch in man coverage.

—Natural hands when targeted; extends away from his frame well, looks the ball in and doesn't have a profile of drops.

—Loves to block and goes at it with a mean streak; has the size and power to move edge-defenders in the run game.

—Winner of the Tough Husky Award and the Don James Perseverance Award—both Washington team awards; revered by coaches for his toughness and love of football.

WEAKNESSES

—Average athleticism and movement skills.

—Robotic, stiff and linear when moving in space; doesn't shake or surprise defenders in his route tree.

—Disappears as a receiver and failed to stand out during Senior Bowl practices when given opportunities to beat man coverage up the seam.

—Strength can be average and needs to be improved.

Drew Sample NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report, Grade for Bengals Rookie

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OVERALL

Teams will love Drew Sample's football IQ, work ethic and drive enough to want him over players with more production or more athleticism. That could push him into the early stages of Day 3, especially in a draft class that's weak on blocking tight ends.

GRADE: 5.70 (ROUND 4—BACKUP CALIBER)

PRO COMPARISON: Jack Doyle