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2016 NFL Draft: Five High-Risk, High-Reward Prospects for 49ers

By Jerod Brown

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Marshall Thundering Herd at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Marshall Thundering Herd at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Higbee-Tight End-Western Kentucky

College Statistics

Before diving into what Tyler Higbee offers as a prospect, let’s clear one thing up. If any of the stories about Tyler Higbee’s recent arrest are accurate–specifically the prejudicial slurs and unprompted assault–then he’ll be removed from every team’s board and rightfully so.

That being said, it’s fair to lay out the reports that are swirling regarding Higbee and what happened over last weekend.

The primary report comes from NFL.com’s College Football reporter Chase Goodbread and was followed up by national reporter Ian Rapoport after speaking with Higbee’s lawyer. Regardless of how it turns out, it is directly influencing Higbee’s draft stock.

As a player, Higbee is one of the best tight ends in this draft class. Tight end might not seem like an immediate need for the 49ers but the team will likely have two tight ends used in Kelly’s offense and could look to trade Vance McDonald before the season begins.

After watching tape of Higbee’s play, a few things stood out. The guy is a natural receiver. He is comfortable exploding off of the line from a 3-point stance and he does well to take advantage of coverage against linebackers and smaller defensive backs. He catches the ball cleanly in congestion and is dangerous after the catch.

In terms of weaknesses, he is incredibly under-developed as a run blocker. He does almost everything wrong and will need serious coaching to improve in that regard. He’ll take plays off and often is found watching what is happening, rather than engaging. He’s also working back from a knee injury late in the 2015 season.

To spend a pick on a player that is knee-deep in legal issues is the epitome of high-risk. Higbee’s play offers the potential reward. Trent Baalke and the 49ers’ scouting department will have to dig into the police reports to determine where exactly Higbee should fall on their board. Either way, he’s a major risk.

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