Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Tight End for Every Round
By Ash Thompson
Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas
The Y tight end role is exactly where Sprinkle was born to line up. He spent his collegiate career as a versatile and rugged player who stayed on the field in all situations. Sprinkle led SEC tight ends in touchdown production in 2015. He showed the ability to compete in tight quarters against some of the best competition in college football.
The main reason he will likely slip in the draft is an off the field incident involving a shoplifting accusation before the Belk Bowl. Arkansas players were given a $450 gift card at the department store sponsoring the event, and Sprinkle exceeded that value. There are obvious question about Sprinkle’s maturity.
On the field, the most impressive aspect of his game in relation to the rest of the tight end class is his ability to sell fake blocks. He personally makes play-action more functional for his team by slowing down pass rushers and confusing linebackers. He is a big enough player to give safeties fits in coverage, and a good enough athlete that many linebackers will have difficulty staying with him. Sprinkle also has a knack for high pointing jump balls, using his 6’5″ height to it’s full advantage.
He does need some time in an NFL strength and conditioning program to put weight on however. He’s not going to outrun the defense after the catch, but appears to take pleasure in making tacklers wish they had a different job description for a few moments.