Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Strengths:
Fant is a very fast and athletic tight end with the rare ability at his position to take the top off a defense. He does not seem to have any limitations with what you can do with him as a receiver. Fant works well down the seam with his speed and ability to separate and his size allows him to catch the ball over defensive backs. He has a second gear to turn up field after the catch and gain yards. Fant is a good route runner with a diverse route tree which allows some separation. He has surprising agility and short area quickness for a tight end and a player of his size.
Weaknesses:
Fant is not much of a blocker and won’t do much for a team in that regard. He has poor technique and strength that never developed. He has some questions about his ability to catch the ball with his hands instead of body. It has been reported that some teams have concerns about his character and he has been lowered on their boards because of it.
Draft Projection:
First Round pick
Fant isn’t quite the prospect his Iowa teammate T. J. Hockenson is, but he’s slightly different. He is more of an oversized slot receiver with his speed and athleticism. You won’t get much out of Fant as a blocker, but he will be another receiver out there and a red zone threat. He is too fast for linebackers, and even some safeties, and too big for defensive backs so he is an instant match-up issue. There have been reports from teams that they’ve lowered Fant to a round two or three grade because of character concerns. Whether Fant is selected at the end of round one or the beginning of round two, he will be an instant impact starter in the league.