Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State
Size:
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 246 lbs
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Jack Velling is a talented tight end prospect with NFL measurables who can live in the middle of the field and be a consistent pass-catching force against NFL defenses.”
Strengths:
Vertical seam and middle of the field receiving threat
Catch radius
Toughness working in traffic
Zone/soft spot locator
Concerns:
Acceleration and burst
Overcoming physical press-man coverage
Run-blocking mechanics
Film Analysis:
Before transferring to Michigan State, Jack Velling was the top TE for Oregon State under head coach Jonathan Smith’s pro-style offense. Velling is expected to hold the same position and value for the Spartans’ offense. He offers a big middle-of-the-field target that thrives against zone defenses. He is a good vertical seam stretching athlete. Velling aligns in multiple positions in Smith’s offense.
As a passer-catcher, Jack Velling is an effective seam/vertical threat. Once he reaches top speed, he can outrun linebackers upfield. He is an open-field glider. He can generate big plays and help flip field positions in the passing game. Velling is comfortable and confident working the middle of the field with the toughness to absorb collisions by closing defenders. He is a reliable-handed playmaker who plucks the ball out of the air and away from his body when needed. Velling is a fluid mover that creates solid separation versus man coverage. He does a good job working as an underneath target in the flats, off-slice action, and play-action. Against zone, he locates unoccupied voids within the coverage and presents a big weapon to target.
Velling is more of a movement/lead blocker than a vertical displacement in the run game. He is good at using his quickness off the ball and frame to wall off and seal defenders on outside run concepts. Velling aligns in-line and as an H-back, displaying good effectiveness as a slice/lead blocker to the perimeter. He will spring the ball-carrier by kicking out defensive backs in the open field.
Acceleration and burst leave more to be desired for Velling. He is not the most explosive athlete who is going to explode past his defender in man coverage right off the ball. Against more man-coverage savvy safeties, he struggles to break free from physical press-man coverage. I would like to see more hand usage to prevent the defender’s hands from latching and staying attached for most of the route. As a run blocker, improvements in bringing his feet to the fight are needed. Velling makes contact with upper-body strength but does not consistently bring/run his feet to create more of a push after the block is engaged.
Overall, Velling projects as a productive starting tight end with blocking upside due to his NFL frame. Velling is a nice fit in pro-style offenses that mix in under-center runs and empty passing concepts, allowing him to remain alignment-fluid for the offense. He is a big target who can give defenses headaches in the seams and middle of the field and is an adequate chain-mover on third downs.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
