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Dallas Cowboys Draft: 5 Tight Ends for 5 Rounds

By Adithya Prabakaran

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Cole Kmet #TE08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Cole Kmet
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Cole Kmet #TE08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Cole Kmet /
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Dallas Cowboys
Brycen Hopkins (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

Round Grade: 3rd

Value: Reach

The fifth-year senior was a popular prospect before the season started. After having his most productive season, Hopkins continues to be a popular prospect. His athleticism held true after testing as one of the more athletic tight ends in the class as he ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, a 7.28 second 3 cone drill, and a 4.28 20 yard shuttle.

Hopkins was reportedly going to jump out of the combine, but he only measured a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 116-inch broad jump which are pedestrian numbers for the position.

The lack of explosive and lower body strength didn’t fail Hopkins often, but he did struggle to block inline. The Boilermaker has a lean build and fairly short arms for a person of his stature. These led to struggles when blocking against bigger human beings who engaged at the point of attack quicker and were able to get their hands in the right spot.

Hopkins did succeed as an H-back and as a slot receiver. Coaches will love the mismatch ability he can provide any offense. When lined up as a slot receiver, we can win by using his size and bigger catch radius against nickel corners and safeties.

As an H-back, Hopkins doesn’t always have to block big guys often blocking linebackers and defensive backs. Here, he would display the right technique to keep defenders from making plays on the ball. As a receiver, he can exploit mismatches with linebackers who aren’t quick enough to react to his unique route-running ability.

Hopkins will benefit from an offseason strength and condition program and a creative offensive mind. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has gotten production from athletic tight ends like Jermichael Finley and Lance Kendricks. Hopkins could be an interesting piece as a “big slot” receiver or as a run-blocking H-back.

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