Austin Hooper Scouting Report, TE, Stanford, 2016 NFL Draft

Introduction

Hometown: San Ramon, California
High School: De La Salle High School, Concord California
Recruitment: 3-Star recruit by Rivals
Injuries/Discipline: Nothing notable

Measurables

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 254
Class: Sophomore
40 Yard Dash: 4.72
Bench Press: 19
Vertical: 33"
Broad: 117"
3 Cone: 7.00
20 yard shuttle: 4.32
60 yard shuttle: 11.93

Stats

2015: 34 receptions, 438 yards, 6 TD's, 12.9 Average
2014: 40 receptions, 499 yards, 2 TD's, 12.4 Average

Positives

• Good straight line speed.
• Catches well in traffic.
• Can line up inside and outside.
• Good hand eye coordination.
• Good acceleration
• Knows how to use his body to shield.
• Doesn't go down on first contact.
• Excellent run blocker for the position.
• Good functional blocking strength.
• Shows good technique pass blocking.

Negatives

• Concentration lapses, 9 drops.
• Footwork needs some work.
• Doesn't sell his routes, and looks one dimensional.
• Could be more physical against corners.
• Doesn't always track the ball well over his shoulder.

Conclusion

I have to admit to being a little surprised when Hooper elected to jump to the NFL. He's only had two years at Stanford and I think another year of development would have really helped him. I'm not expecting a great deal from Hooper to start off with, but with a good year of strength and technique work with NFL coaches, he could be one to watch going forward.

He really impressed at the combine, being a top performer in several categories, including the 40 yard dash. Some question his speed and quickness, but that's never been an issue for me. He looks slower because he doesn't sell his routes, he telegraphs his pattern which makes it easier to mirror. However with some slight tweaks, his speed will come through.

He was never the featured target at Stanford, but they have been renowned to produce some pretty decent tight ends and run blocking isn't optional if you're a cardinal. Saying that, I still have reservations about just how good he can be. He has some physical traits which get you excited, but then his overall catching ability never really grabs your attention and he's never as physical as you'd want him to be.

I imagine he'll hear his name called either late in the 2nd round, or early in the 3rd round. It's a relatively poor tight end class in 2016.

Draft Grade: 68

90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick