Atlanta Falcons Seven-Round 2015 Mock Draft
Sep 6, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Jesse James (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Akron 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Round 6: TE Jesse James, Penn State
Jesse James is an intriguing prospect. At 6’7″, 261 pounds, the tight end out of Penn State can cause mismatches across the field and nightmares for defensive coordinators.
He finished his three seasons at Penn State with 78 receptions for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to SportsReference.com.
At 6'7 265 Jesse James has the tools and athletic ability to be the next Gronk type TE kid is tearing it up at the combine
— Coach Garry Tom (@CoachGarryTom) February 21, 2015
What’s holding him back is his blocking and route-running. These are areas he must improve in order to succeed at the next level. The concerns here could be enough to drop him down as far as the sixth-round.
Despite that, he impressed at the combine and has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. With his height and vertical leap, there won’t be many defenders able to reach up and grab balls high in the air like James could.
The raw talent is there, he just needs some development. Long-term, James could become a talented contributor for Matt Ryan and the offense.
Next: Plenty of potential