With the 175th pick the san Diego chargers select:
Ben Braunecker (TE03)
HT: 6'3" WT: 250LBS.
POSITION: TE
SCHOOL: Harvard
ARM LENGTH: 32 3/4"
HANDS: 9 1/2"
OVERVIEW
The last four players drafted from Harvard enjoyed at least some NFL success, from long-time starting center Matt Birk to special teams ace Isaiah Kacyvenski to veteran starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Ravens versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Braunecker (and his teammate, offensive tackle Cole Toner) could be next on the draft list after an All-American (AP, Walter Camp, AFCA) senior season with the Crimson. The first team All-Ivy League selection caught 48 passes for 850 yards and eight touchdowns (including four 100-yard games in the last six weeks), easily outdistancing his production as a sophomore (9-91, one touchdown) and junior (11-227, one touchdown).
COMBINE RESULTS
- 40 YARD DASH: 4.73 SEC
- BENCH PRESS: 20 REPS
- VERTICAL JUMP: 35.5 INCH
- BROAD JUMP: 121.0 INCH
- 3 CONE DRILL: 6.90 SEC
- 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.20 SEC
- 60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.32 SEC
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Physical and mean as a blocker. Plays with good knee bend and hip explosion as inline blocker. Blocks to and thru the whistle and completely overwhelmed many of his opponents. Accelerates into routes with good push and is able to sink and cut with sharpness. Effective route adjustment against contact downfield. Understands how to use leverage to create space in his routes. Carries himself with some attitude.
WEAKNESSES
Was physically overwhelming much smaller players on the perimeter. Might not have anywhere near same success as a blocker against bigger, stronger opposition. Gets a little lazy with routes at times. Hands in traffic appear to be just average. Allows throws into his frame. Needs to do better job of settling into space and protecting throws with his frame. Game could use a little more finesse.
NFL COMPARISON
Ryan Hewitt
BOTTOM LINE
Was clearly too big and physical for many of the defenders who tried to stop him. Braunecker looks to have just average speed, but we will find out for sure at the combine. He lacks desired size as an inline tight end, but is a perfect fit as a move tight end that is able to block from a variety of angles and still help in the passing game. Braunecker's physicality and confidence is appealing, but can he make the big step up