An In Depth Analysis

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Interested in your thoughts. Should we pick him if he is there at #11?

 

 

 

 

 

Scouting Report

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.16

 

Body Structure: Pettigrew has the prototype tight end frame - thick, with excellent arm length, broad shoulders, large hands and muscular throughout. He has thick, cut legs minimal body fat, no midsection softness, good chest width, with room to add more bulk.

 

Athletic Ability: Even though he was primarily a blocker, Pettigrew has natural hands, good arm extension and leaping ability and a powerful looking frame. He shows above average balance and functional quickness off the line of scrimmage, coming out of his breaks with no false steps. He has outstanding athletic ability and size for this position, showing above average agility, balance, speed, vision, change of direction moves and excellent hand/eye coordination. The thing that makes him stand out the most is his ability to swim past the jam or power his way off the line of scrimmage. GRADE: 7.4

 

Football Sense: Pettigrew shows adequate ability to quickly learn and retain plays. He is capable of handling the mental aspect of the game, doing a very good job of recognizing coverage, but does get undisciplined at times. He is effective at seeing and adapting to broken plays. His pass catching numbers don't tell his full story, as he is probably the best blocker at his position in several drafts. He is very effective at locating and stalking second-level defenders and while he lacks good timed speed, he does a nice job of working back for the ball and knows where the soft areas are to settle in. GRADE: 6.0

 

Character: Until his arrest in 2008, Pettigrew had no off-field issues. The incident was the result of action in the crowd, but he has never had any other issues. He handled himself well in interviews discussing the situation and the fact that his own coach refused to suspend him, despite media pressure, indicates that this was truly an isolated incident. Some teams might red flag him, but it could be their loss. GRADE: 5.3

 

Competitiveness: Pettigrew displays above average toughness on the field. He is a very physical and aggressive blocker, relishing his role in that area. He is stout at the point of attack and is certainly the toughest tight end in this draft. He is capable of producing in the clutch. He is very aggressive fighting for the ball and makes things happen when he gets his hands on the ball. He does have a lot of "old school" in him, as he will always look people up rather than stand around waiting for the whistle. That is what makes his 2008 season a bit puzzling, as there were times he just shut his motor off. GRADE: 6.3

 

Work Habits: Pettigrew is a tireless worker in practices and the training room. He is called the toughest player on the team by the coaching staff. He is not out to win popularity contests and will not hesitate to take a teammate to task. The staff said there are times they have to kick him out of the film or weight room so they can close the place down. Still, on the field, he does get undisciplined. After a bad play, he will let it linger, so he needs to play with better mental toughness. GRADE: 5.8

 

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 6.61

 

Release: Pettigrew uses power rather than quickness to get a release off the snap. It is very rare to see him held up, thanks to his impressive hand usage. He has the strength to power through the jam and adequate quickness, but is not the type that will surprise a defender with good speed, as he is best when he can release with his strength or his feet. He uses his hands effectively to escape the hold up at the line of scrimmage. He has enough foot quickness to elude and break free after the catch working in the short area, but lacks the burst and acceleration to take the ball to the house (no touchdowns in 2008). What he does show is good body lean and hand punch to leverage when blocking. With his upper body strength and hands, he has no problems negotiating past second-level defenders. GRADE: 6.2

 

Acceleration: Pettigrew is not the type that should be used to stretch the field, as he has just adequate speed and marginal burst. He is never going to threaten the secondary on deep routes and is better used on shallow, out and comeback routes. He can find openings in the zone, but is a marginal route runner. He uses his size, rather than quickness in order to be able to exploit the middle of the field. He does a good job of working back to the passer and locating the ball on short routes. He just does not have the deep speed needed to find the open seam. He does a decent job of looking the ball in and tracking the ball over his shoulders. GRADE: 5.4

 

Quickness: Pettigrew is never going to win long distance foot races. He is quick off the snap, but his speed trails off when having to run long distances. He is very quick to position as a blocker, though. He uses strength to gain advantage over a defender in his way of compensating for a lack of speed. GRADE: 5.5

 

Route Running: This is an area that needs refinement. Pettigrew is more of a one-cut runner and if he is not used on stop, go, comeback, out and shallow crossing patterns, he has little to offer as a route runner. He has better ability to break down and make the quick cut working in the short areas. He is smooth and athletic for a big man, but still has a little quite a bit of room to improve. He shows adequate quickness in and out of his breaks, but gets better production when using his body control to break down. He needs to get out of his breaks better and stop rounding off his patterns when utilized in the intermediate-to-deep areas. GRADE: 5.3

 

Separation Ability: Pettigrew knows that the only way he is going to separate is by getting physical, as he lacks the burst. He does have good change of direction agility and smoothness in his short-area breaks. He is just not quick or explosive with the ball in his hands. He can be flexed out and beat the jam with his raw power, though. His frame is one of his best weapons, as he uses it to shield the ball from the defender, but while he can be smooth and balanced turning and running with the ball one moment, the next he is running sloppy patterns and not showing urgency to get to the ball. GRADE: 6.3

 

Ball Concentration: Pettigrew looks natural catching the ball. He will consistently fight for the jump ball and has the long reach and proper extension to pluck for the pass away from the body's frame. He is a big target and a physical runner after the catch. He shows no hesitation going over the middle and no one is going to intimidate him there. GRADE: 7.1

 

Ball Adjustment: Pettigrew will rarely drop the ball and when he does so, it is because he has lost focus. He is smooth getting under throws and excels at extending for the ball, as it is rare to see him fight for the ball. He has good body torque to get to throws behind him and the flexibility and vision to work back to the ball. He can make smooth body adjustment to the thrown pass and demonstrates the leaping ability to high point. He is adept at turning and adjusting to the off-target tosses. GRADE: 6.8

 

Leaping Ability: For a tight end, Pettigrew shows very good elevation and body control elevating for the ball in flight. He is athletic and smooth going up for the ball. He uses his size well to shield away defenders and despite his bulk, looks fluid extending for the pass at its highest point. GRADE: 7.0

 

Hands: Pettigrew has the large, soft hands and reach to get to the ball at its high point. He does a good job of securing the ball before heading up field and fumbling is not an issue. He is capable of catching the ball in his hands, as it is rare to see him use his body to absorb the ball. He looks very comfortable making the catch. Once he extends and brings the ball in, he knows how to properly shield it from the defender. As a blocker, he uses his hands with force to lock on and jerk down the defender. If he tags an opponent with his punch, he will stop that man dead in his tracks. GRADE: 7.2

 

Run After the Catch: Pettigrew won't win long distance foot races, but he has no problems powering his way to break tackles. He has gained considerable yardage after securing the ball, as he stays low in his pads when running upfield and knows how to keep the ball away from the defender (good distribution). He even shows some hip shake to fool the second-level defender. In the open, he is a load to bring down. He has decent foot speed, but it is his running strength to break tackles after initial contact that makes him excel in this area. GRADE: 6.9

 

Blocking Ability: This is Pettigrew's best area. He is physical, aggressive and downright nasty blocking in-line. He does a good job of getting under the defender's pads and shows nimble feet in his kick slide to protect the pass when working vs. the edge rushers. He even shows very good ability to climb to the second level and make the cut-off block, as he displays the vision to locate and neutralize moving targets. With his initial step, he does a nice job of locking on and sustaining at the line of scrimmage. When blocking in-line, he shows a good surge off the snap to make contact. He generates good pop and hand extension to sustain. GRADE: 9.0

 

Compares To: JIMMY KLEINSASSER, Minnesota -- Pettigrew towers over Kleinsasser, but both are regarded as outstanding blockers with underrated short-area receiving skills. The OSU product does not have the speed to rank with the elite pass catchers, but few show the power blocking skills that he brings to the table. He has also shown he is a good chain mover in the short-yardage passing game. He will never be a Tony Gonzalez-type of receiver, but will bring some value catching underneath. But, his true value lies in the hardware he brings blocking for the ground game.

 

OVERALL GRADE: 6.54

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Sorry...source: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/517620

[Lofton80]

I say no. I think Mack from Cal, Jerry from Miss, Raji from BC or any of the USC linebackers would impact the 2010 team more than a TE.

 

Enough with the skill positions early.

[Haven Moses]

Pettigrew is not the type that should be used to stretch the field, as he has just adequate speed and marginal burst. He is never going to threaten the secondary on deep routes and is better used on shallow, out and comeback routes. He can find openings in the zone, but is a marginal route runner.

 

I'll pass. We already have 2 of these.

[The Dean]

I hope the Bills get Scheff, so this is no longer a big priority. Even if they don't, then I still hope they find one of the many other fine TEs in this draft, in a later round.

 

But, if they do, for some reason, draft Pettigrew, I think he will look real good in the Bills offense.

[Deep2Moulds46]

I just don't know. Mike Mayock compares him to Jason Witten. If he is Jason Witten, then take him at 11. Others compare him to Bubba Franks and Daniel Graham. I respect the fact that he is an elite blocking TE, but I just can't justify taking an elite blocking TE 11th in the draft.

[Stl Bills]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/565753

 

SIMILIAR GRADE, COULD BE HAD IN THE THIRD.....

 

CHASE COFFMAN

 

GENERAL REPORT. GRADE: 6.80

 

Body Structure: Coffman has a well-built frame with good muscle definition in the chest and arms, thick quadriceps, thighs and calves. He has room to add more bulk, as he has a long torso and a developing frame with narrow hips and long limbs.

 

Athletic Ability: Coffman has a tall, linear build with a frame that can carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk with no loss in quickness. He has good foot quickness and balance, with very good flexibility when changing directions. He is explosive with his initial step off the line of scrimmage and shows the body control to easily adjust on the move. He demonstrates the wingspan and reach to adjust easily to the poorly thrown pass and looks agile and alert running his routes. Coffman has natural hands, above average lateral agility and does a fine job of getting open, displaying the power to break tackles and the leaping ability to hurdle over smaller opponents. Teams might put up a red flag due to his durability issues, as his recent surgery for a foot injury sidelined him for the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine and the team's first Pro Day, leaving just a tiny window for teams with interest to get an opportunity to work him out prior to the draft. GRADE: 6.6

 

Football Sense: Coffman comes from a football family and has a strong concept for playing the game. He makes quick decisions on the field and is an alert blocker with good vision in his routes. He understands the game well and is quick to come back for the ball when his quarterback is in trouble. He gives total effort until the whistle and competes hard in games and practices, showing the ability to make good adjustments on the fly. He is the type of player that needs only minimal reps to retain plays. Coffman is very alert to picking up stunts, twists and games. He also has a keen sense for finding the soft spot in the zone and the open area in the deep secondary. GRADE: 7.2

 

Character: Coffman is an all-around good character who is well-respected by the teammates and coaching staff. He is a well-spoken, straight-laced type. He receives very good family support, as his father played in the NFL and a younger brother is a reserve quarterback at Kansas State. He is a compliant sort with no known off-field issues. GRADE: 7.0

 

Competitiveness: Coffman is a tough blocker and performer who played through pain (ankle) the second half of his junior season and through toe and foot problems late in 2008, but still went out and suited up for the team. He has that fearless attitude going for the ball in traffic and will not hesitate to mix it up in the trenches. Though not used in this area in 2007, he has a nasty nature as a special teamer, keeping his head on a swivel, looking for targets to attack. He shows that fire in his belly to compete for the ball and plays until the whistle. He shows no hesitation in sacrificing his body to make the big play and is the type that wants the ball in pressure situations. He competes to finish as a blocker and you can see that he plays with an inherent mean streak. GRADE: 6.8

 

Work Habits: Coffman is a good worker in the weight room and practices, which also serves as an example for the team's younger players. He took on more of a leadership role as a junior and was counted on to mentor a young tight end crop in 2008. He's the kind of player you want as one of your captains, as he will not hesitate to take a teammate to task for a less than stellar effort. He is the type who works hard, as he shows the desire to get better and will do whatever it takes to improve. He has good strength, but needs to increase his bulk and continue to improve power base in order to compete at the next level (has the frame to add more weight). GRADE: 6.4

 

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 6.39

 

Release: Coffman has a decent get-off, but he does a good job of using his arm extension and hands to push and shove his way through press coverage. He uses his size well to escape the jam and has the strength to power through the hold up. His acceleration is not something that defenses need to account for at all times, but he is a threat to affect and stretch the coverage with his long stride. In the short area, he is an inviting target due to his above lateral agility. He might lack blazing speed, but his quickness in building acceleration lets him consistently stretch defenses when working deep, doing a very nice job of adjusting his routes to set up the defender. Few tight ends can power through tacklers like Coffman can when he gets going at full steam. GRADE: 5.8

 

Acceleration: Coffman has the quickness to escape the press and adequate strength to power through the hold up. He shows no hesitation nor does he utilize any false steps getting off the line of scrimmage. He is a threat to affect and stretch the coverage. In the short area, he is an inviting target due to his above lateral agility. He also does a very nice job of adjusting his routes to set up the defender. GRADE: 6.0

 

Quickness: Coffman has just average quickness and timed speed for his position. He moves easily in and out of his cuts and flashes the ability to defeat the jam with his feet while maintaining his acceleration throughout the routes. He shows adequate suddenness coming off the snap and getting into his patterns. He displays urgency to gain advantage when blocking in-line, as he has the loose hip snap in his kick slide to get into position and the retreat ability to mirror edge rushers trying to attack from the backside. GRADE: 5.4

 

Route Running: Coffman is a crisp route runner who shows good definition when trying to break off his routes squarely. He was not featured much in the offense later in his last two seasons due to ankle and foot injuries, but he has the natural hands and ability to locate the soft areas underneath more in multiple receiver formations. Even when used on the tight end delay, he has that stride and balance to slip by defenders and get into the seam. He shows steady acceleration and the ability to adjust in the open and also displays good awareness of coverages. He does a good job of settling into the soft spot in the zone. He has the ability to isolate the linebackers and safeties and shows a valid second gear needed to elude in the open. He can power through, hurdle over or simply side-step to elude after the catch and does an excellent job finding the small crease when working in traffic. GRADE: 6.9

 

Separation Ability: Coffman moves easily for a player his size. He shows the ability to jab in one direction and suddenly wheel to break off a route squarely. He has strong hands to push off the defender in attempts to separate, using his size well to ward off before gaining separation with his foot quickness and balance. His body control allows him to uncover and get open underneath. He shows awareness of the sticks and good balance running down the sidelines. The thing you see on film is his ability to make sharp cuts underneath or accelerate to get open on intermediate routes (broke multiple tackles for gains of at least 10 yards after the catch on 77 of his 247 career grabs). He also uses his body very well to shield defenders from the ball. GRADE: 6.0

 

Ball Concentration: Coffman has a good feel for coverage and maintains his focus going up for the ball in traffic. He seems more comfortable catching the ball in stride than when having to leap for it and while he has good arm extension and decent vertical leaping skills, he does need to gather some and build his acceleration after his feet again touch ground after the leaping catch. He is a natural hands catcher, but will let the ball come into his body sometimes (does a good job of absorbing the ball though). Still, he is a physical receiver with enough strength to out-battle the defender for the ball and will do a very good job of looking the ball in over his shoulders. With his ability to adjust on the move, he is an inviting target underneath and on tight end delays. GRADE: 7.5

 

Ball Adjustment: Coffman does a very nice job of reading the flight of the ball and making adjustments to it, as he has that great body control that lets him adjust for the ball outside his framework. He has above average body control and enough vertical ability to get to the pass at its high point. Most of his RAC comes when he catches the ball in stride (broke 77 tackles for big gains on 247 catches), as he has that power to drive through tackles and the hip swerve to elude after the reception. He looks very flexible attempting to catch the off-target throws and has excellent hand/eye coordination. GRADE: 7.0

 

Leaping Ability: Coffman shows good leaping ability and adequate timing. He does not generate the same burst after the catch when he has to go up for the ball as he does when he catches it in stride, as he will sometimes brace and wait for impact, but he has made great strides in timing his leap to get to the ball at its highest point. He has the ability to turn and run with the ball after the catch, thanks largely to his above average balance. One very impressive statistic, in regards to his leaping ability and high-point skills, was the fact that defenders managed to deflect just one pass thrown to him in 2008, by far the lowest total of any starting receiver or tight end in college. GRADE: 6.1

 

Hands: Coffman is a natural hands catcher who will rarely ever bobble the ball (only dropped one throw last season). He has the large, soft hands to pluck the ball and his concentration working in a crowd makes him very good at attaining ball security (recovered the only fumble he had in college). He can extend and pluck the ball away from the body's framework with ease, thanks to soft hands that lets hum catch away from his body. On those rare occasions when he will trap the ball, he does a good job of maintaining focus and securing it before running (only one fumble in 50 games). Further evidence of his Velcro-type hands was the fact that he caught 88.24 percent of all the passes thrown to him (90 of 102) as a senior. GRADE: 8.1

 

Run After the Catch: Coffman has decent quickness to run with the ball after securing it, but it is his leg drive that lets him gain most of his RAC, as he can power through initial contact. He shows deceptive moves and good hip shake to elude and turns it up hard to bleed extra yardage after the catch. He runs hard and has enough head fakes and hip snap to separate in the open. He is the type of player that can threaten a defense underneath and also be used on deep routes. He is elusive and has enough foot speed to win battles vs. linebackers and safeties, but can be captured by the quicker defensive backs in the open. Still, he has enough functional strength to break arm tackles and gain yardage with defenders draped on him. GRADE: 6.0

 

Blocking Ability: Coffman really relishes this daunting aspect of his game. He was the recipient of the team's Hammer Award, given for the most key blocks registered in a season, as a sophomore and can overpower smaller opponents or out-finesse the bigger ones. He gives good effort as an in-line blocker, where he has the foot quickness to position and stay square while consistently working to sustain. He is more effective when having to block in the open field, where his good body control lets him get on linebackers and stay in their faces. He has a strong hand punch to pancake defenders, working hard to maintain position and finish. On sweeps, when working as a lead blocker, he shows good balance and feet to control, gain movement and wall-off the smaller defenders. However, scouts feel that he does not have the size to be a consistent blocker at the next level. They might want to see his Hammer Award before coming to that evaluation. GRADE: 5.5

 

Compares To: HEATH MILLER, Pittsburgh -- Whether used in the classic tight end position or in motion, one thing is evident - Coffman has the natural hands and RAC ability to gain big yardage once he gets the ball in his hands. He has outstanding size, arm extension and balance to go along with good strength to break tackles. He shows great body control adjusting to off-target throws and flashes good aggression as a blocker. With Martin Rucker having graduated, Coffman emerged as the team's featured target in 2008 until he was injured late in the year. The foot surgery has set back his workouts for teams, making it possible that he will be drafted lower than his scouting report indicates.

 

OVERALL GRADE: 6.45

[The Dean]

I hear the Bills are very high on Coffman. I fear he may go mid-to-late 2nd round, though.

[Stl Bills]

I hear the Bills are very high on Coffman. I fear he may go mid-to-late 2nd round, though.

Well I think he's def. worth the second round pick I was thinking he could fall since he hasn't been able to work out yet.

[The Dean]

Well I think he's def. worth the second round pick I was thinking he could fall since he hasn't been able to work out yet.

 

 

Good call. He may fall, and the 3rd would be great. Honestly, there seems to be pretty good TE talent in this draft, from what I read, and hear. I think they could find a good one in the 3rd, even if Chase is gone. But, I would still prefer getting Schef, as this would be less of an issue, and they might be able to get a good prospect in the 5th or 6th (or UDFA). Also, maybe Fine really is a good prospect. He looked good in limited action. So, perhaps Schef and Fine are enough.

[Leonidas]

Does Coffman impress anybody? Does he come off as that much of an upgrade over Fine? I dunno, I just don't see it. I'd love to grab Cook or Nelson in the 2nd round (assuming we don't trade for Scheff, which would be ideal) and really open up the passing game.

[cody]

I think the Bills have a DE or OLB in mind for #11.

If the guy they want is gone, Pettigrew is the back-up plan.

[Stl Bills]

Does Coffman impress anybody? Does he come off as that much of an upgrade over Fine? I dunno, I just don't see it. I'd love to grab Cook or Nelson in the 2nd round (assuming we don't trade for Scheff, which would be ideal) and really open up the passing game.

Dude, although I admit my bias is one of epic proportions considering Chase Coffman did not only play for my alma mater but Derek Fine also played for our arch Rival Kansas Gayhawks. And although my hatred for Kansas runs so deep that it physically impairs from finding something good about a ChickenHawk.... I will say this: Derek Fine cannot hold Chase Coffman's Jock. Coffman is bigger, faster, taller, can out jump, make specatular catches and is a much better TE than Fine. Coffman catches everything!

 

[R!P REVOLUTIONARIES]

I have a strong feeling that we are going to take Pettegrew at #11. I don't know why but it feels like we are going to do something different this year. We never take players like a Pettigrew.

[Magox]

Does Coffman impress anybody? Does he come off as that much of an upgrade over Fine? I dunno, I just don't see it. I'd love to grab Cook or Nelson in the 2nd round (assuming we don't trade for Scheff, which would be ideal) and really open up the passing game.

Say no to cook.

 

Guy is definitely just a workout warrior. Has had nonimpressive career college production, Spurrier has doubted his competitiveness, I've read where he's not a "practice" player.

 

The only thing that I can think that I like about him is his athleticism, and we all know that isn't enough to translate into success at the next level.

[Fingon]

I'll take Travis Beckum, he's the best receiving TE in the draft.

[Trader]

Interested in your thoughts. Should we pick him if he is there at #11?

 

 

 

 

 

Scouting Report

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.16

 

Body Structure: Pettigrew has the prototype tight end frame - thick, with excellent arm length, broad shoulders, large hands and muscular throughout. He has thick, cut legs minimal body fat, no midsection softness, good chest width, with room to add more bulk.

 

Athletic Ability: Even though he was primarily a blocker, Pettigrew has natural hands, good arm extension and leaping ability and a powerful looking frame. He shows above average balance and functional quickness off the line of scrimmage, coming out of his breaks with no false steps. He has outstanding athletic ability and size for this position, showing above average agility, balance, speed, vision, change of direction moves and excellent hand/eye coordination. The thing that makes him stand out the most is his ability to swim past the jam or power his way off the line of scrimmage. GRADE: 7.4

 

Football Sense: Pettigrew shows adequate ability to quickly learn and retain plays. He is capable of handling the mental aspect of the game, doing a very good job of recognizing coverage, but does get undisciplined at times. He is effective at seeing and adapting to broken plays. His pass catching numbers don't tell his full story, as he is probably the best blocker at his position in several drafts. He is very effective at locating and stalking second-level defenders and while he lacks good timed speed, he does a nice job of working back for the ball and knows where the soft areas are to settle in. GRADE: 6.0

 

Character: Until his arrest in 2008, Pettigrew had no off-field issues. The incident was the result of action in the crowd, but he has never had any other issues. He handled himself well in interviews discussing the situation and the fact that his own coach refused to suspend him, despite media pressure, indicates that this was truly an isolated incident. Some teams might red flag him, but it could be their loss. GRADE: 5.3

 

Competitiveness: Pettigrew displays above average toughness on the field. He is a very physical and aggressive blocker, relishing his role in that area. He is stout at the point of attack and is certainly the toughest tight end in this draft. He is capable of producing in the clutch. He is very aggressive fighting for the ball and makes things happen when he gets his hands on the ball. He does have a lot of "old school" in him, as he will always look people up rather than stand around waiting for the whistle. That is what makes his 2008 season a bit puzzling, as there were times he just shut his motor off. GRADE: 6.3

 

Work Habits: Pettigrew is a tireless worker in practices and the training room. He is called the toughest player on the team by the coaching staff. He is not out to win popularity contests and will not hesitate to take a teammate to task. The staff said there are times they have to kick him out of the film or weight room so they can close the place down. Still, on the field, he does get undisciplined. After a bad play, he will let it linger, so he needs to play with better mental toughness. GRADE: 5.8

 

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 6.61

 

Release: Pettigrew uses power rather than quickness to get a release off the snap. It is very rare to see him held up, thanks to his impressive hand usage. He has the strength to power through the jam and adequate quickness, but is not the type that will surprise a defender with good speed, as he is best when he can release with his strength or his feet. He uses his hands effectively to escape the hold up at the line of scrimmage. He has enough foot quickness to elude and break free after the catch working in the short area, but lacks the burst and acceleration to take the ball to the house (no touchdowns in 2008). What he does show is good body lean and hand punch to leverage when blocking. With his upper body strength and hands, he has no problems negotiating past second-level defenders. GRADE: 6.2

 

Acceleration: Pettigrew is not the type that should be used to stretch the field, as he has just adequate speed and marginal burst. He is never going to threaten the secondary on deep routes and is better used on shallow, out and comeback routes. He can find openings in the zone, but is a marginal route runner. He uses his size, rather than quickness in order to be able to exploit the middle of the field. He does a good job of working back to the passer and locating the ball on short routes. He just does not have the deep speed needed to find the open seam. He does a decent job of looking the ball in and tracking the ball over his shoulders. GRADE: 5.4

 

Quickness: Pettigrew is never going to win long distance foot races. He is quick off the snap, but his speed trails off when having to run long distances. He is very quick to position as a blocker, though. He uses strength to gain advantage over a defender in his way of compensating for a lack of speed. GRADE: 5.5

 

Route Running: This is an area that needs refinement. Pettigrew is more of a one-cut runner and if he is not used on stop, go, comeback, out and shallow crossing patterns, he has little to offer as a route runner. He has better ability to break down and make the quick cut working in the short areas. He is smooth and athletic for a big man, but still has a little quite a bit of room to improve. He shows adequate quickness in and out of his breaks, but gets better production when using his body control to break down. He needs to get out of his breaks better and stop rounding off his patterns when utilized in the intermediate-to-deep areas. GRADE: 5.3

 

Separation Ability: Pettigrew knows that the only way he is going to separate is by getting physical, as he lacks the burst. He does have good change of direction agility and smoothness in his short-area breaks. He is just not quick or explosive with the ball in his hands. He can be flexed out and beat the jam with his raw power, though. His frame is one of his best weapons, as he uses it to shield the ball from the defender, but while he can be smooth and balanced turning and running with the ball one moment, the next he is running sloppy patterns and not showing urgency to get to the ball. GRADE: 6.3

 

Ball Concentration: Pettigrew looks natural catching the ball. He will consistently fight for the jump ball and has the long reach and proper extension to pluck for the pass away from the body's frame. He is a big target and a physical runner after the catch. He shows no hesitation going over the middle and no one is going to intimidate him there. GRADE: 7.1

 

Ball Adjustment: Pettigrew will rarely drop the ball and when he does so, it is because he has lost focus. He is smooth getting under throws and excels at extending for the ball, as it is rare to see him fight for the ball. He has good body torque to get to throws behind him and the flexibility and vision to work back to the ball. He can make smooth body adjustment to the thrown pass and demonstrates the leaping ability to high point. He is adept at turning and adjusting to the off-target tosses. GRADE: 6.8

 

Leaping Ability: For a tight end, Pettigrew shows very good elevation and body control elevating for the ball in flight. He is athletic and smooth going up for the ball. He uses his size well to shield away defenders and despite his bulk, looks fluid extending for the pass at its highest point. GRADE: 7.0

 

Hands: Pettigrew has the large, soft hands and reach to get to the ball at its high point. He does a good job of securing the ball before heading up field and fumbling is not an issue. He is capable of catching the ball in his hands, as it is rare to see him use his body to absorb the ball. He looks very comfortable making the catch. Once he extends and brings the ball in, he knows how to properly shield it from the defender. As a blocker, he uses his hands with force to lock on and jerk down the defender. If he tags an opponent with his punch, he will stop that man dead in his tracks. GRADE: 7.2

 

Run After the Catch: Pettigrew won't win long distance foot races, but he has no problems powering his way to break tackles. He has gained considerable yardage after securing the ball, as he stays low in his pads when running upfield and knows how to keep the ball away from the defender (good distribution). He even shows some hip shake to fool the second-level defender. In the open, he is a load to bring down. He has decent foot speed, but it is his running strength to break tackles after initial contact that makes him excel in this area. GRADE: 6.9

 

Blocking Ability: This is Pettigrew's best area. He is physical, aggressive and downright nasty blocking in-line. He does a good job of getting under the defender's pads and shows nimble feet in his kick slide to protect the pass when working vs. the edge rushers. He even shows very good ability to climb to the second level and make the cut-off block, as he displays the vision to locate and neutralize moving targets. With his initial step, he does a nice job of locking on and sustaining at the line of scrimmage. When blocking in-line, he shows a good surge off the snap to make contact. He generates good pop and hand extension to sustain. GRADE: 9.0

 

Compares To: JIMMY KLEINSASSER, Minnesota -- Pettigrew towers over Kleinsasser, but both are regarded as outstanding blockers with underrated short-area receiving skills. The OSU product does not have the speed to rank with the elite pass catchers, but few show the power blocking skills that he brings to the table. He has also shown he is a good chain mover in the short-yardage passing game. He will never be a Tony Gonzalez-type of receiver, but will bring some value catching underneath. But, his true value lies in the hardware he brings blocking for the ground game.

 

OVERALL GRADE: 6.54

 

 

Gronkowski Check out his production and his stats and his character. He will sell tickets in Buffalo and give you a better long term prospect on the field. Pettigrew is as good now as he is going to be.

 

Pettigrew would have a tough time out running Jason Peters.