Coby Fleener NFL Draft prospect notes

by Dan Kadar on Sep 13, 2011 9:01 AM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Coby Fleener
6'6, 245 pounds | Tight end | Stanford

First word: Fleener is the latest in the growing number of big, lanky receiving tight ends. He's an extremely proficient vertical passing threat and has the kind of frame that makes him a threat on lob throws. Like many other tall, lean receiving tight ends, Fleener struggles in the power aspects of the position. He's not much of a blocker in the run or pass game and doesn't use his strength to get open. He's a former wide receiver and his game shows it. It's not a problem, though, because he can be such a good receiver.

Coby Fleener
6'6, 245 pounds | Tight end | Stanford

Notes:

Really knows how to find an open in hole in the zone and patiently work his way through it.

Runs decent routes. Is a more quick than fast player who gets off the line with ease. Likes to fool defenders with pauses and fakes while working through his route.

For as big as Fleener is, it would be nice to see him be a more physical player -- both blocking and catching the ball.

When he's playing in-line, Fleener sometimes has trouble getting off the line of scrimmage. Needs to get stronger in his upper body.

Versatile. Stanford has used Fleener out of a number of positions. He's lined up at H-back, in-line and split wide. His skills suit him best when he's off the line or in the slot.

Has shown great body control and leaping ability -- especially in the Orange Bowl as a junior against Virginia Tech. Combined with his long arms, Fleener can make a lot of bad pass catches.

Despite his high rate of touchdowns compared to catches, isn't simply a red zone target.

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Comments

I'm beginning to think the TE-WR position is changing

There seems to be a new hybrid position along the lines of how the H-back evolved out of the backfield. There will always be the need to stretch the field and to have a possession guy over the middle. But it seems the tall lanky guys who can’t block are coming around and lining up off the ball and outside though they aren’t listed as WRs. I agree his ability to get more physical is the most important thing for him. I admit I haven’t watched too much of him though.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Sep 13, 2011 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

It's the way the NFL and NCAA promote offense

The physical receivers are " going for the ball", so if their arm gets brushed as they trample the defender, it’s pass interference. It’s hard to reach around a guy Fleener’s size without drawing a penalty.

You also have to look at the rise of backshoulder throws and the like. Idiot coaches still teach the defenders to look at the receiver and not the ball/QB. QBs just need to throw the ball near the receiver to complete a pass, so the longer the reach, the farther away they can throw the ball from the defender. Brandon Banks won’t be seeing backshoulder throws.

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."

by ct17 on Sep 13, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions