After allowing Evan Engram to walk in free agency and releasing Kyle Rudolph and Kaden Smith, the New York Giants have a significant void at the tight end position. The 2022 NFL Draft presents the best opportunity for management to land a young player with tremendous upside.
Names that stand out are Trey McBride out of Colorado State and Jeremy Ruckert from Ohio State. However, one name is flying under the radar, and the Giants have shown interest in him, having attended his Pro Day this week.
Charlie Kolar out of Iowa State could be a day 2 target for Big Blue. Kolar finished the 2021 season with 756 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Over his career, he has 23 total scores, showing his physicality and phenomenal red-zone abilities.
One guy NFL scouts are higher on than media is Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar. TE coaches from Falcons, Eagles, Giants, Saints, Cards, and Titans were at @CycloneFB pro-day today. Looked noticeably different this year from junior tape in terms of bend & fluidity. Nice look here: pic.twitter.com/5dkKX7S2Xb
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 22, 2022
Kolar stands at 6’6″ and 260 pounds, featuring as a more predominant receiving TE over run blocking. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Kolar to Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears TE. With phenomenal measurements and production at Iowa State, Kolar’s tape presents some intriguing positives.
With near automatic hands, Kolar simply needs to improve his blocking qualities before he can become a legitimate starter at the next level, but the Giants have time and free reps to hand out to a rookie.
Having hired former Baltimore Ravens TE coach Andy Bischoff, who played an instrumental role in developing Mark Andrews, the Giants are hoping he can replicate a similar strategy with a draft pick this year.
Another pro comparison that Kolar has earned is Andrews himself, making himself an even more intriguing target for Joe Schoen.
Here’s what an AFC Executive had to say about Kolar:
“He’ll get better as a blocker — they all do. He’s got great size, great hands and he’s really productive in their passing game. He might end up being another Mark Andrews.”
Andrew is now one of the best tight ends in football, developing his blocking abilities overtime but always featuring elite receiving value.