NFL Draft Profile: Brayden Willis, Tight End Oklahoma Sooners
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Brayden Willis
Oklahoma Sooners
#9
Pos: TE
Ht: 6036
Wt: 241
Hand: 0968
Arm: 3328
Wing: 7900
40: 4.75
DOB: 11/11/1999
Hometown: Arlington, TX
High School: James Martin
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
A rangy tight end that can create gaps in the run game and provide pass-pro support.
Evaluation:
Athletic, rangy build. Built like a big-bodied receiver compared to a traditional tight end. He has played both in-line and offset as an H-back. Teams will isolate him in 1x3 sets and place him as the point in a bunch formation. Good in space as a blocker. Gets on top of DBs and shows his strength, often finishing them or driving them to the boundary. Has held up at the point of attack against edge players and even 3 techniques. Not an elite athlete. He struggles to open his gait in clear paths and often slow off the ball. Lacks fluidity to get in and out of breaks or make defenders miss in the open field. Some questionable hands when bracing for contact. Few too many drops in terms of ability to catch clean and turn up field. Willis is a suitable day-three tight end, thanks to his size and blocking. Best suited for heavy personnel, Willis can help teams in their run game as an extra body when looking to run 12-13 Personnel.
Grade:
5th round
Background:
Originally from Arlington, Texas. He attended James Martin High School and was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Attended the University of Oklahoma. As a freshman, he played in thirteen games, mainly on special teams. During his sophomore season, he played fourteen games, totaling eleven catches for 168 yards, and three receiving touchdowns. As a junior, he played in five games, totaling 110 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. During his senior season, he played in all thirteen games, totaling 177 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He decided to use his extra year of eligibility. He had an outstanding season, totaling thirty-five catches for 456 yards and had seven receiving touchdowns, ranking first on the team.
