2. Austin Hooper
Experience: Redshirt Sophomore School: Stanford
Height/Weight: 6-4/254 pounds Projected Round: 2nd-3rd
Career Stats: 74 receptions; 937 yards; 8 touchdowns
Austin Hooper enters the draft after playing just two years of college ball, thanks to a redshirt freshman year. Because Hooper is a little less experienced than the other tight ends, he still has a lot of room to grow, but he’s still quite the player, even right now.
Hooper was named a Freshman All-American in his first season of action, as he showed off his threat in both the passing game and running game. Hooper comes from a Stanford program that heavily emphasizes the run, and if you can’t run block, you won’t play for David Shaw’s team.
Hooper’s ability to get open and make moves after the catch shows his value in the passing game. Hooper can become a very good all-around player in the NFL.
If the Broncos wanted to add Hooper, they would probably have to take him with their second-round pick, as he will most likely not be available at the end of the third. While he enters the NFL as a good player off the bat, he can still work on his footwork and getting off of the line of scrimmage quickly.
Just like the other tight ends mentioned so far, Hooper has room to grow. However, he enters the NFL more ready to play, especially in a Gary Kubiak style of offense.
