Editor's Note: Want to know whose stock is rising? Each Monday and Wednesday until the draft, Mel will highlight an underrated prospect -- Kiper's Climber -- who is receiving favorable reviews from NFL scouts.
Kiper's Climber | Kansas State TE Shad Meier
While Arizona State's Todd Heap figures in the mid-to-late portion of the first round and North Carolina's Alge Crumpler could end up going to Baltimore with the 31st pick or end up in the early second round, the third tight end spot on the draft board remains a battle.
In the mix are South Carolina State's Arther Love, Virginia's Billy Baber, Penn State's Tony Stewart, San Jose State's Sean Brewer, Notre Dame's Jabari Holloway and even Idaho's Mike Roberg.
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| Meier's TD reception vs. Colorado was the only one of his career, but he has the physical skills to play in the NFL. |
However, when all is said and done, it could be Kansas State's Shad Meier who follows Heap and Crumpler off the board at the TE position.
He has ideal size at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, ran a 4.79 at the combine, has excellent weight-room strength and is a top-flight natural athlete.
Early on at K-State, he made his mark on special teams, while settling in as a backup tight end. In '99, he caught just eight passes, then followed that up with only a nine-catch effort this past season. However, you have to keep in mind that the tight end isn't factored heavily into the Wildcats' offensive structure, limiting the opportunities for Meier to make his presence felt.
When he did get the opportunity to make a play in the passing game, Meier showed that he has the necessary skills catching the football to make a splash at the pro level with more opportunity. With his 6-foot-5 frame, he provides an easy target for the quarterback to spot in the hook zones, while also showing fairly good speed for his size. While he's not a dominating blocker, he grades out as slightly better-than-average.
Despite the fact that he caught just 17 passes over the last two years and hauled in just one touchdown reception during his entire career in Manhattan, Meier has the size, athletic ability, strength and potential as a pass receiver to deserve some serious consideration in the third or fourth round.
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