NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Jermaine Gresham - Tight End - Oklahoma
by Jody Jamieson
15/3/2010
 
Jermaine Gresham
Tight End
Oklahoma
6-6, 262
Born: 16th June 1988
Senior
 
Strengths: Has the perfect combination of size and speed you would want from an NFL tight end prospect and he looks capable of adding more bulk if required without compromising the rest of his skill set too much. He has excellent quickness for his size and has the ability to stretch the field down the seam. His frame makes his a big target, his long arms mean he can make grabs not thrown right on target and he has soft hands. When players are flying around him he does secure the ball. He is effective in the red zone where the space allowed is constricted and he's a competitive receiver who will fight for the ball in traffic and is a willing and tough runner after the catch. He shows willingness as a blocker and has the size and strength to be effective. His combine results were all very solid.
 
Weaknesses: Gresham missed most of his senior year after suffering a knee injury so like his college team mate Sam Bradford his stock has possibly fallen because of the time missed because as a junior he looked a first round talent. As for actual concerns on his abilities, his route running maybe the biggest issue. He does not put the effort into his breaks and at the pro level that will make him easier to cover. He will also fail to make the right read on an option route at times, failing to escape the coverage and reducing his quarterback's options. When he gets deep he is not that good at over the shoulder catches. His hands are indeed excellent but will occasionally try to catch with his body/pads which can lead to drops/deflected passes. Basically, this guy needs to do the little things better to add up to a big improvement. His blocking needs work, he has the strength and size to be more powerful but tries to be finesse and it does not always work.
 
Where I think he'll be drafted: He is the most naturally talented tight end in the draft and a first round talent but injury concerns and the fact he may need a year of pro seasoning will see him drop into the 2nd round. However, a team like the Bengals or Ravens could take a shot late in round one.
 
Where I think he should be drafted: I think he's got enough talent to out-weigh the injury concerns on him and he'll be drafted in the top half of round 2.
 
Summary: Gresham was a standout wide receiver at high school as well as an excellent basketball player. He gave up the later due to injury and to concentrate on his football career as a Sooner but the basketball skill set does seem to be a popular background for the tight end position and is worth noting. He was highly sort after when ready to step up to the college level – one analyst called him a “slam dunk prospect” - and could have had his choice of schools but stayed close to home. He compares well to another known former basketball player but now star tight end Antonio Gates in that he has fantastic receiving skills but needs some work as a blocker. At Oklahoma he set season records in 2008 for a tight end with receiving TD's (9) and receiving yards (950) and had he come out after his junior year he could have been a possible first round selection but interestingly he didn't feel he was ready. Gresham is a guy loaded with talent who has shown when he has played that he can deliver consistent production as well as been an impact player in big games (he scored two TD's in the BCS game). He should have a very good NFL career and if he can overcome the injuries he has suffered and iron out the creases in his skills he can be a Pro Bowl talent for many years.