Saints Draft Prospect: Big Ten Tight End Brings Major Concerns And Major Upside Into NFL Draft

Iowa tight ends have had a ton of NFL success recently. This Hawkeye doesn't seem on the same level of those stars, but has the upside to be a draft steal despite some red flags.

Iowa Hawkeye tight ends have had tremendous success in the NFL over the last few years. George Kittle (49ers), T.J. Hockenson (Vikings), Sam LaPorta (Lions), and Noah Fant (Seahawks) are recent Iowa draftees and are considered among the league's best at the position.

Kittle was selected in the fifth round, while Hockenson and Fant were first round choices and LaPorta in the second. All four players have entered the league within the last seven years.

Over the last few seasons, the Iowa Hawkeyes have had one of the worst offenses the NCAA has seen in recent memory. Despite their putrid attack, another Hawkeye tight end is among draft conversations this year.

While the New Orleans Saints have not put much emphasis on this position in years, they may make an exception with this player and considering his school's recent pedigree at this spot.

Erick All, TE - Iowa; 6'4" & 252-Lbs.

Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Erick All (83) after a reception against the Michigan State Spartans

Credit:© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan Wolverines won this round of their interstate war with Ohio when they landed Erick All from Fairfield (OH) High School. He'd be primarily a special teamer as a freshman in 2019 (one catch, 10 yards) and struggled with drops (12 catches, 82 yards) during a 2020 campaign shortened to six games because of COVID-19.

The Wolverines caught a bigger glimpse of what All was capable of in 2021 when he pulled in 38 passes for 437 yards and two scores. Back surgery limited him to only three contests in 2022. Taking a medical redshirt, All would transfer to Iowa before last season.

He'd appear in only seven games before an ACL injury sidelined him for the last seven contests. Despite that, he still led the Hawkeyes with 299 receiving yards and three scores on 21 catches.

All has prototype size for an NFL tight end but is a natural receiver with the potential to threaten defenses at all three levels. His frame suggests a traditional in-line tight end, but his agility allows him to also line up outside or in the slot.

Disguising his routes fairly well, All has flashed the ability to be effective with an expanded route tree. He maintains his speed out of breaks and can gain separation with fakes or jukes along with athleticism. His aggression and focus in traffic makes him a threat over the middle.

Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Erick All (83) scores on a touchdown reception against the Utah State Aggies

Credit:© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

A willing blocker, All has the natural frame for improvement in that area. He'll especially need to be a more physical in-line blocker for a chance to be an every down tight end at the NFL level. Perhaps even to earn a roster spot at all. Once the ball is in his hands, All has excellent elusiveness in the open field.

Despite his athletic ability, All hasn't shown great ball-tracking skills. This will limit his effectiveness down the field and on contested throws. He'll need better route precision to get separation at the next level.

All must prove that he can handle a pro-style attack with expanded routes, no matter what role he has. He'll need to show better zone awareness to give his quarterback a reliable intermediate target. The only thing All has in common with Kittle, LaPorta, Hockenson, and Fant is that they all played for Iowa.

Major medical red flags and limited production will push Erick All into Day 3 of the draft, if he's selected at all. However, he has flashed the talent to steal a roster spot and carve out a role as a situational pass catcher, with the possibility of developing into an every down tight end and a major draft steal.

Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Erick All (83) fights for extra yardage after a catch against the Penn State Nittany Lions

Credit:© Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

*UPDATE*
John Hendrix of the Saints News Network reported on Friday that the New Orleans Saints will meet with Iowa TE Erick All as one of their pre-draft visits.