TE, Boston College

Update: Hunter Long Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins read our article took Hunter Long in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

I have never met Hunter Long, so I don’t know if he is a punctual person, but if his game is any indicator, he probably likes to show up fashionably late to parties. Prior to the 2020 season, not many people knew who he was, and most casual fans probably still don’t. Finally, Long is starting to get some of the attention he deserves.

Long is a redshirt junior from Boston College. As a high school senior he earned a 3 star grade, and as an Eagle he didn’t see significant playing time until his redshirt sophomore season. That season he contributed 509 yards and 2 touchdowns, but, as I’ve foreshadowed, there was more to come. This past year he played 11 games and led the nation in targets as a tight end. He reeled in 57 passes for 685 yards and 5 touchdowns earning All-American honors.

As a tight end in this years draft some see Long as a late round pick, while others have him just outside the “big three.” Well here at Draftdive we say what “big three?” The top tight ends like Pitts and Jordan don’t play in-line often. I see Long as the top in-line option entering the upcoming NFL Draft in April, and I’ll explain why.

Strengths

Long is built to play in line or “Y” tight end in the NFL. He measures up with some of the best at 6-5 and 255lbs. He uses his size well to block out defender on curls and when coming back to the QB. He snags the ball with his hands and braces for the hit. Long takes some big hits and walks away almost to say “That all you got?” On top of using his hands like a vacuum to catch everything thrown his way, he uses them well in the first five yards to create separation against safeties and backers in coverage. He isn’t a burner, but he catches the ball in stride allowing him to pick up 1-2 extra yards after the catch.

Additionally, Long was a well liked player by the coaching staff and should be a great locker room presence in the NFL. The Boston College scheme made him go in motion often and block in motion often. I think he will pick up a playbook quickly and allow himself to find some early playing time.

Weaknesses

A downside to Long’s impressive size is his lack of elite athleticism. No one will be comparing his field stretching ability to a Kyle Pitts or Darren Waller. He lacks explosion and suddenness in his routes, which causes him to lack separation or big play ability. Another weakness, which is quite surprising, is his lack of strength in the blocking game. Hunter needs to add strength and work on his blocking fundamentals at the next level. I do believe he has the smarts to get better with coaching.

Now that he has joined the party it’s time to see how he handles the crowd. Hunter should find a home in the NFL as a possession tight end who can help in the run game. As I said, he will need a little coaching to solidify himself in the run game, but he should be able to contribute as a second chain mover and reliable pass catcher for an NFL QB as a rookie.

Prediction/ Team Fits

Long will be drafted after names like Pitts, Jordan, and Freiermuth but how long after? We should see him go in the third or fourth round. As an in-line tight end I actually like him even more than Freiermuth. A team needing a tight end who can play in-line and be a reliable ball catcher would love to add a player like Hunter. I could see him as the new red zone target for the Bills, taking over for Kroft and Smith. Or he would be a good fit in a run heavy offense like Tennessee or Minnesota.