Jake Briningstool Clemson’s Tough Tight End with Potential to Shine in NFL Despite Limited Speed

Clemson’s Jake Briningstool has emerged as one of the Tigers' most reliable offensive weapons, proving himself as a top-tier tight end with NFL potential. At 6'6" and 241 pounds, the senior from Brentwood, Tennessee, is a physical presence in the passing game and a capable run blocker, but his ability to separate from defenders in tight coverage remains his biggest challenge.

Briningstool’s path to NFL success hinges on his strengths—he is a possession-based tight end who thrives in zone coverage situations, showing excellent body control and strong hands to make tough catches. His ability to disguise his route direction at the top of his break and settle into open zones makes him a threat in possession situations. He uses his frame well to keep defenders on his hip and catch passes in traffic, landing with pop on blocks and displaying tenacity in run blocking.

Despite his skill set, Briningstool's lack of explosiveness limits his ability to break away from defenders in man coverage. His routes tend to struggle when heading beyond the first level, and while his touchdown catches have mostly come on misdirection plays, his ability to create separation remains a concern. Additionally, he tends to focus-drop in traffic, which can limit his impact in high-pressure situations.