Notes from the Feb 6 Draft on Draft episode – TE class deep dive
Dallen Bentley – Cory sees Bentley more as an H-back than a true F or inline Y. He’s a stockier build at 6’2”, 260, with some vertical juice and clear route refinement — uses rocker steps to push DBs back and gain leverage, and both Cory and James agree he has good burst out of breaks. He understands zone windows, but the catch radius is legitimately narrow (only 3 of 16 off-target catches over two feet outside his frame). Not a dynamic athlete, but he can create separation. Blocking was better early in the year; he has decent hand pop but struggles to sustain and isn’t an impact inline blocker. When climbing he tends to overshoot landmarks. Cory thinks James undersells the athlete a bit. After the catch, Cory is lukewarm while James thinks the vision is solid. James’ comp: Brent Celek.
Eli Stowers – James called him the epitome of a slot-only TE. Athletic, fluid, fast through routes, and can separate against LBs and box safeties, but contact disrupts his routes and the blocking just isn’t there. He’s an F-only TE. James currently has him TE7 with an early 5th-round grade (with some TEs still unwatched). Cory mentioned hearing round-2 feedback, which both agree feels high, though Cory wonders if injuries played a role because Stowers looked less dynamic late in the year. Cory was disappointed in the lack of route nuance — very basic setups. Both are notably lower than consensus (which is late 2 / early 3), seeing him more as a Day 3 guy (4th–5th).
Josh Cuevas – Cory was impressed at the Senior Bowl. He plays with intention as a route runner and consistently sets up leverage. Not a great blocker, but serviceable — you’d want more from a true Y, but there’s something to work with. Cory really likes his hands. James sees him as similar to Bentley: shorter, compact TE, solid receiver, serviceable run-game contributor, and he actually likes Cuevas a bit more than Bentley. Change of direction is good, routes are crisp, and he sets up posts and corners well (South Carolina TD). Not a ton of vertical separation, though he flashed it at times (out-and-up vs LSU). James has an early 5th, Cory a mid-4th, and both feel he’s trending upward.
Justin Joly – In 2024 he showed excellent hands in traffic, and that carried into 2025. He can get bodied and still finish catches. Separation dipped in 2025, possibly due to injury and added weight — earlier in the season he looked more fluid. Has rocker steps and real route setup nuance, especially on corners and flags where he bends stems to turn defenders’ hips. Very strong against zone. Blocking improved in 2025; still some issues as a sift blocker firing his hands, but he stays centered, chops his feet, and sustains. At this weight he can play inline or F, but he’s no longer a speed stretcher. Ball skills are outstanding (20-for-28 on contested catches over two seasons, one drop in 2025). Cory gives him an early 4th, James a 3rd.
Michael Trigg – Clear off-field red flags after leaving two programs poorly. Physically impressive (6’3”, 250, 11” hands, 84” wingspan, 34” arms) with a massive catch radius. Long strider, some route nuance but less consistent than others. Runs a lot of choice seams — simple routes, but sets them up reasonably well. Blocking is inconsistent; can engulf smaller players but isn’t reliable. Wins more outside than in the slot and almost feels like a very big X receiver. Likely a ~4.65 runner. James admitted he isn’t sure how to value him but has him TE4 due to upside. Cory has him as TE3 strictly on tape (not factoring in the off the field flags), but noted the alarming drop-rate jump from 3% (2024) to 13% (2025), mostly concentration-related.
Max Klare – Purdue 2024 tape was fun and featured-heavy; Ohio State usage dropped significantly. James still liked the tape. Lower body is filled out, upper body can still add strength, and James thinks he could eventually be an inline TE. Limited inline reps weren’t great (got jolted by MSU DE). As a receiver, he has good speed, acceleration, burst, and YAC ability. Tracking data remains strong. He’s one of the most technically advanced route runners in the class with rocker steps, stair steps, and head fakes. Deceleration is inconsistent. Cory thought he looked a bit stiffer and maybe lost a touch of speed after adding weight, but still a nuanced route runner. Firm hands, limited power as a blocker. Cory has him as TE2.
Kenyon Sadiq – Even with reduced production, both agreed the tape stayed strong. Can play inline or F, separate vertically from the slot, and even align wide. Outstanding YAC ability — hurdle, break tackles, create explosives. Early concentration drops improved as the year went on. James noted YAC efficiency dipped from 2024 to 2025, but it’s still a strength. Route nuance at the top can be inconsistent, but he flashes rocker steps and short-area burst. Solid blocker, especially as a move blocker — widens lanes, finishes when pulling, and consistently affects run paths. Both Cory and James have him as the clear TE1 in the class.
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