2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jeremy Ruckert

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Jeremy Ruckert, 6-5/250 Tight End Ohio State

Jeremy Ruckert Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Has feel as a receiver

High points the ball well

Dangerous on contested catches

Red zone weapon

Good hands

Reliable to make catches in traffic

Good height, weight

Developed strength

Effective as an underneath receiver

Size mismatch versus safeties

Presents a big target

Works the seam

Has the frame to be a blocker

Three down starting potential

Weaknesses:

Some tightness as a route runner

Could have issues separating versus man

Lacks a burst as a route runner

Summary: Ohio State has been churning out pro talent at every position for years, so even though Ruckert did not generate big production in college, that doesn’t mean that he lacks a pro skill set. Rucker is big, fast and strong with the ability to become a starter in the NFL. The Buckeyes’ offense featured their many first-round talents at wide receiver, and as a result, Ruckert did not see a lot of targets. While Ruckert did not have a lot of receptions, he was a red-zone weapon starting in his sophomore season when four of his 14 catches went for scores while totaling 142 yards. As a junior, he had 13 receptions for 151 yards and five touchdowns. In 2021, Ruckert hauled in 26 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns.



Ruckert has the potential to contribute as receiving tight end who chips in to a NFL passing attack. He has mismatch size and is very adept at going up to make contested catches over defenders. Ruckert high points the ball well, and he uses his strength to gain positioning. While he is not a natural receiver like a Kyle Pitts, Ruckert demonstrates feel as a route runner and knows how to find soft spots in zone. Due to some tightness, Ruckert could struggle to separate from man coverage at times, and he also lacks a burst through his route, which could limit how productive he is as a pro.

As a blocker, Ruckert has size and strength to get the job done. He attacks defenders and is a willing to make the block. His technique could use more improvement, but he has the potential to be a good blocking tight end in the NFL.

Ruckert could go in the third round in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he probably won’t go lower than the fourth round. Ruckert could be a good No. 2 tight end if he doesn’t develop into a three-down starter.



Player Comparison: C.J. Fiedorowicz. Ruckert reminds me of Fiedorowicz coming out of Iowa. Fiedorowicz was having a good career after being a third-round pick before concussions ended his career early. He was a well-rounded receiver and blocker. Ruckert is nearly identical in size to Fiedorowicz, and I could see him being a similar pro.

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