Quote (rdeight8 @ May 12 2014 11:26am)
Tell me about Eric Ebron
I've seen him play plenty and love him, but I'm a huge UNC homer so I'll try to give some unbiased info:STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Smooth, gliding athlete with easy acceleration to speed past defenders in coverage and finish. Agile feet and dangerous after the catch to create with quick cuts to make defenders miss.
Quick release off the LOS with route fluidity and natural flexibility. Smooth adjustments to pluck the ball with his hands away from his body - large catching radius. Physical when he wants as a blocker with strong initial power at the point of attack. Very good toughness and plays unintimidated and confident. Good football awareness and plays alert.
Versatile experience lining up in-line, but mostly in the slot - also plays on special teams coverage. Still far from his ceiling.
WEAKNESSES: Still developing his body with room to add bulk and get stronger. Still learning how to use his size to his advantage. Needs to show more authority in his routes and is too easily redirected - needs to be more physical in this area to match up in tight spaces.
Needs to be more aggressive and strong at the catch point, especially in contested situations. Has his share of focus drops and needs to be more consistent finishing catches. Good length, but won't overwhelm defenders in the run game. Blocking technique needs developing - somewhat untested as an in-line blocker. Room to refine and sharpen his routes. Right shoulder injury in 2013.
COMPARES TO: Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers - Freaky athletic specimens, both Ebron and Davis move like wide receivers, but have the size and length of tight ends to create mismatches in coverage.
--Dane Brugler
PLAYER OVERVIEW
The highly athletic Ebron caught 28 passes for 682 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in high school, and played wide receiver for the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team.
He appeared in 10 games as a true freshman at North Carolina, catching 10 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. However, Ebron did not play in the Independence Bowl game due to academic reasons.
Ebron caught 40 passes for 625 yards and four touchdowns in a breakout 2012 season, setting school records for a tight end in both categories. He earned second-team All-ACC honors and caught at least two passes in all 11 games.
He ratcheted up the production another level in 2013, establishing school records for single-season receptions (62), single-season receiving yards (973), career receptions (112) and career receiving yards (1,805) at the position
"I'm proud of what he's accomplished and how he's represented North Carolina," Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora said upon Ebron announcing on Nov. 25 that he was leaving for the 2014 NFL Draft despite having a year of eligibility remaining. "We're sad to see him go but excited for his future."
With multiple tight end formations becoming all of the rage in today's NFL, oversized, athletic pass-catchers have never been more valued. Ebron needs polish but he boasts the tools to warrant strong first round consideration.
Ebron has underdeveloped, high level skills and if he puts them together he should become a weapon in some NFL team's passing game, but only as a receiver. His blocking ability is limited.
This post was edited by judson04 on May 11 2014 09:50pm