Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL Scouting Combine: Ranking the top 10 performers from 2018

By Florito Maniego

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 5: TE Mike Gesicki (Penn State)

If there was a player who dominated every single category at the tight end position, it was Mike Gesicki. The Penn State tight end stunned scouts and analysts with his sensational combine results that effectively showcased his top-notch athleticism.

Gesicki led the tight ends across all boards, starting with the 40-yard dash in which he ran for 4.54 seconds. He also recorded the most repetitions with the bench press at 22.

As a former basketball player, Gesicki blew the roof with a 41.5-inch vertical jump and a 129-inch broad jump. These high numbers are perfect determinants for any team pursuing a potential red-zone threat on offense.

In addition, Gesicki posted 6.76 seconds, 4.10 seconds and 11.33 seconds in the 3-cone drill, the 20-yard shuttle and the 60-yard shuttle, respectively.

Alongside his physical attributes, the 6-foot-5, 247-pound tight end possesses great ball skills and the ability to separate himself from defenders. However, Gesicki is heavily criticized for his issues as a blocker.

But for a team looking to add a primarily pass-catching tight end, Gesicki would be the player to pick up. With his sheer size and athletic traits, Gesicki has the potential to dominate defenders in the pros.