2018 Cardinals Draft Profile
Name: Mike Gesicki
Twitter: @mikegesicki
Position: Tight End
School: Penn State
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 247
Projected: 2nd round
Stats:
Bio:
Mike Gesicki was a standout volleyball player in high school. During his time at Penn State, Gesicki hauled in 129 receptions, finishing ninth all-time in school history. The tight end was named to the second team All-Big Ten by the media and third team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele in 2016. In 2017 he was named to the second team All-America by SB Nation and Sporting News as well as third team All-America by Phil Steele.
Team Fit:
Gesicki is a tall, lanky tight end who often uses his athleticism to make plays downfield. First and foremost he is a receiving tight end who will create mismatches for defenses. The dearth of receiving options for the Cardinals could put Gesicki on the radar for general manager Steve Keim and the coaching staff. The new offense will need talented pass catchers and that is something Gesicki can do. His size and athleticism offer a red zone target for Sam Bradford and the Arizona offense.
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Strengths:
Gesicki has tremendous ball skills and high points the ball well. Volleyball past shows as he can contort body mid-air to make adjustments for the football. Excellent speed for a tight end and outruns most linebackers and some safeties. Size creates mismatches for smaller safeties. Able to get down the seam quickly. In zone coverage, tends to find the open spaces. Quality route runner, moving in and out of breaks with wasted movements. Changes speeds in routes and uses the headfake to slip defenders. Not afraid to go up to make leaping grabs.
Weaknesses:
Does not possess the bulk of a typical tight end. Poor blocking technique and will not be a contributor as a blocker. Can get slowed down on short routes due to long strides. Needs to get stronger to work out of press coverage and route redirection. At times will suffer from drops.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.