2014 NFL Draft Scouting Report: C.J. Fiedorowicz

Strengths:
  • Strong
  • Physical
  • Reliable hands
  • Superb run-blocker
  • Subtle quickness
  • Surprising athleticism
  • Big target
  • Attacks the middle seam
  • Leaping ability
  • Good route-running
  • Red-zone weapon
  • Asset in short-yardage, goal-line situations
  • Tough to bring down
  • Strong drive blocker
  • Effective seam tight end




  • Weaknesses:
  • Not a speed mismatch


  • Summary: Iowa has been a program that has generated a lot of tough, physical prospects for the NFL, and Fiedorowicz fits that to a T. Over the past few seasons, he was one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten. Fiedorowicz opened up a lot of holes in the ground game, and seemed to always surprise defenses with his blocking ability.

    Early in his career, Fiedorowicz was a backup. He had 16 catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore, but broke out when he became a starter in 2012. Iowa had a down 2012 season, but Fiedorowicz was one of the bright spots. the junior hauled in 45 receptions for 433 yards and a touchdown. In his final season, the Hawkeyes spread the ball around between Fiedorowicz and other receivers. The senior hauled in 30 receptions for 299 yards and six touchdowns in 2013.

    For the NFL, Fiedorowicz figures to be a good blocking tight end. He can lock up defensive ends and linebackers to get push in the ground game. Fiedorowicz also helps in pass protection and could be an asset for a team that could use a reliable blocker to potentially help a weak tackle. He should be a core player in the ground game.

    As a receiver, Fiedorowicz is sneaky. He is quicker and more athletic than one would think, but he isn’t fast or athletic enough to be a dynamic NFL receiver. Fiedorowicz illustrated some surprising receiving ability in the Outback Bowl against LSU, at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. He can get open down the middle seam or in the flat. Fiedorowicz’s size allows him to make catches over defenders and presents a big target. He is a nice red-zone weapon. Fiedorowicz should really help a team finish drives with his ability to block and provide a size mismatch in the end zone. On the goal line, he is a nice receiving option.

    A lack of mismatch speed is what holds Fiedorowicz back as a player, but he should be a quality contributor. Fiedorowicz looks like a safe pick as a mid-round selection to develop into at least a role player and potentially a starter.



    Player Comparison: Anthony Fasano. Fiedorowicz won’t go as high as Fasano did in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Cowboys took Fasano in the second round, but that was a reach. Fiedorowicz has a similar game to Fasano (6-4, 255). They both are good blockers who can make some contributions as a receiver. Fasano has bounced around, but he’s been a decent NFL tight end. Fiedorowicz could be a similar player.

    NFL Matches: Houston, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, New England, Buffalo, Miami, New York Jets, Atlanta, Detroit

    There are a lot of teams that could consider taking Fiedorowicz in the mid-rounds. The Texans could look at Fiedorowicz as a replacement for Owen Daniels.

    Green Bay has a big hole at tight end and Fiedorowicz would help the ground game with blocking for Eddie Lacy. Heath Miller is declining with the Steelers, and Pittsburgh could consider a tight end in the mid-rounds.

    All four AFC East teams could be potential landing spots for Fiedorowicz. Buffalo needs a tight end for its offense and could go after Fiedorowicz. Miami could use a tight end to pair with Charles Clay, and the Dolphins have shown a lot of interest in Fiedorowicz.

    As have the Jets, they have a big hole at tight end, though they might prefer more of a receiving tight end. On the other hand, Fiedorowicz could help the team’s ground game. The Patriots really missed Aaron Hernandez last year, and Rob Gronkowski is becoming more and more injury prone. New England’s offense could use more talent at tight end.

    Atlanta needs a tight end to replace Tony Gonzalez, and Fiedorowicz would help fill the organization’s desire to get bigger and more physical.

    Even though the Lions re-signed Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit has shown a lot of interest in tight end prospects, including Fiedorowicz. Considering the Lions have a situational receiving tight end Joseph Fauria, they could target Fiedorowicz to be their blocking tight end.




    RELATED LINKS:


    2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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