2014 2nd Round Cardinals pick Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame

[CtCardinals78]

Big athletic TE that can catch and block. Former linebacker. I like the pick.

 

[BigRedRage]

2014 (RND2) Draft pick #52 Troy Niklas

Player Overview

Niklas signed with the Irish as one of the country's most highly regarded preps, distinguishing himself as an offensive and defensive lineman, as well as a tight end in high school.


While overshadowed throughout his early career by future Mackey Award (and Cincinnati Bengals 2013 first round pick) Tyler Eifert, Niklas' imposing frame certainly caught the attention of Notre Dame's coaching staff, which moved him to linebacker as a true freshman to get him on the field.

Niklas played in 12 games at outside linebacker, including starting against Michigan State. He recorded 20 tackles, including half a tackle for loss in his first year at the position.

He made the switch back to tight end as a sophomore but clearly was a secondary target to Eifert, serving primarily as a blocking specialist. In 13 games (including seven starts), Niklas caught just five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown against Boston College. Niklas started all 13 games for the Irish and was third on the team in receiving with 32 catches for 498 yards and five touchdowns in 2013.

With only one full season as a starter, Niklas was a surprise early entrant into the 2014 draft. His imposing frame and underrated athleticism, however, scream upside. While still a bit inconsistent as a receiver, Niklas also shows off the ability to extend and pluck tough passes outside of his frame.
Scouts certainly are excited about his potential. The normally conservative Advisory Committee reportedly gave Niklas a second round grade, potentially hastening his early departure from South Bend.

6'6'' 270 lbs. Block first safety valve TE. Decent hands.

Bottom Line

A converted DE/OLB who emerged from the shadow of Bengals 2013 first-rounder Tyler Eifert, Niklas is the latest in a line of NFL tight ends produced by Notre Dame. He boasts an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, receiving ability and blocking ability to develop into a bona fide, balanced, No. 1 tight end. Has played tight end for just two years and arrow is pointing up.

Combine:
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/troy-niklas?id=2543628

highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8El7dM_d3I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FSD4H8Jm58

report:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/troy-niklas?id=2543628
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/co...09/troy-niklas-declares-nfl-draft-notre-dame/
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1893206/troy-niklas

 

[Brak]

WIN!

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Mayock really likes him. Thinks if he puts the effort he has the ability to be one of the better TE's in the NFL

 

[Chris_Sanders]

It is a fantastic pick. Smart player and a great blocker.

 

[Stout]

Eh, but can he really be a downfield threat? I don't want to draft a straight blocking TE in the 2nd round. That would be a waste.

 

[Brak]

Skillet-hands Housler on notice!

 

[Harry]

Outstanding blocker who is a medium range receiver that can really help in the red zone and on third down. He's a great choice. The offense just got better and Palmer just got a safety valve when he's under pressure.

 

[Stout]

Meh, sounds like a simple blocking TE to me. As a 2nd-round pick? Meh.

 

[redheat]

Perfect for our Double TE set and as an extra blocker. We need him in our division.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Eh, but can he really be a downfield threat? I don't want to draft a straight blocking TE in the 2nd round. That would be a waste.

If he is a Heath Miller clone..... He will be well worth it.

 

[WildBB]

Perfect for our Double TE set and as an extra blocker. We need him in our division.

If he is a Heath Miller clone..... He will be well worth it.

 

[Jetstream Green]

About time this team made a early TE selection and a TE that has the blocking ability which is crucial in our physical division... and yes he can catch

 

[the_future23]

Reach. You don't grab a blocking TE in the 2nd round. Cardinals not doing so hot this draft. But whose to judge without giving these guys a chance firstQ!

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Reach. You don't grab a blocking TE in the 2nd round. Cardinals not doing so hot this draft. But whose to judge without giving these guys a chance firstQ!

Totally agree...not focusing on premium positions at all. Willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but S and TE? Meh.

 

[GatorAZ]

Two reaches but good players.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Reach. You don't grab a blocking TE in the 2nd round. Cardinals not doing so hot this draft. But whose to judge without giving these guys a chance firstQ!

Yup, that is why this team has done so great of late drafting the positions later lol

 

[MadCardDisease]

Cardinals ahead of the curve. Picking players from positions right before they dry up. This kid is perfect for Arians offense.

 

[BigRedRage]

Meh, sounds like a simple blocking TE to me. As a 2nd-round pick? Meh.

He is like an extra tackle that has good hands

 

[Chopper0080]

So, not a sexy pick at all and I don't think he will ever be a top receiving threat. However, this is what Arians wants and Keim is giving it to him and that is a very good thing. Should expect a bunch more 2TE sets and Niklas gives us another physical blocker in a physical division. A big red zone and short yardage receiver which could be very useful.

The only reason I am disappointed is because I really wanted the Cardinals to take an edge rusher and they are pretty much gone. I have yet to see Keim or the Cardinals draft a 3-4 edge rusher or a QB in my lifetime. Until that is done, I don't believe the Cardinals will be a consistent contender. K9 could be right that the front office is gun shy in taking a rush OLB.

 

[CtCardinals78]

Eh, but can he really be a downfield threat? I don't want to draft a straight blocking TE in the 2nd round. That would be a waste.

Perfect short to mid range guy to sit down in the box, will give NFC West linebackers a good matchup IMO.

 

[MWOOD92]

Meh, sounds like a simple blocking TE to me. As a 2nd-round pick? Meh.

You don't like the pick... we get it.

GREAT PICK BY THE WAY!

 

[Chopper0080]

Cardinals ahead of the curve. Picking players from positions right before they dry up. This kid is perfect for Arians offense.

I believe you are correct in this. The Cardinals are taking players before those position dry up which can be a good thing. 3-4 DE, WR, CB, and RB are all positions where the draft is the deepest and the best chance for the Cards to get a contributor late.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Live Niklas presser: http://www.azcardinals.com/videos-photos/live-video.html

 

[D-Dogg]

They are grabbing the best guys available at positions that aren't very deep in the draft...SS there were a few only, they get probably the best fit and overall best measurables, and at TE there were basically none left, so we'd go another season with crap TE play. Now we have another dude who can open holes for Ellington, and can catch well over the middle for short release valve passes.

We are building a very solid roster, and no these are not sexy picks. They are solid players at positions where there isn't a lot of opportunity to pick from.

I do think they would have taken Attaochu had the chargers not grabbed him right before us. He was the last of that group.

So far, I like this draft though it isn't sexy at all. If either Mettenberger or Garappolo fall to us at 80 something, I think we take him. Though I'd rather see a C, or a LB, or a RT.