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Jared Wiley 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Main Image: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Tight End

Height: 6′-6″

Weight: 253 pounds

School: TCU

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2024 NFL Draft: Jared Wiley Scouting Report

Jared Wiley is a 2023 first-team All-Big 12 tight end out of Texas Christian University. Wiley established himself during the 2023 season as a critical go-to target in TCU’s offense. He had the best season of his career, ending with 47 receptions, 520 yards, and eight touchdowns for 11.2 yards per catch. Wiley has exceptional size at the tight end position and a good understanding of how to get open and vertical speed, making him an ideal between-the-hashes target for quarterbacks in the NFL. 

Strengths

  • Surprisingly quick foot speed. Jared Wiley has a good burst for his size. Wiley pulls away from inferior athletes. Long stride and quick feet help him stack defenders in a hurry;
  • Elite size sticks out on film. Elite length. Good alignment versatility. Wiley is a potential threat in the seam because of the ground he can cover and the catch radius he gives the quarterback;
  • Remarkable at the catch point. His burst shows up in his vertical jumps. Great leg power. Great ascension to the ball;
  • Fluid athlete with flexible hips. Surprising fluidity for his size. Good vision as a runner. He quickly transitions into a ball carrier, looking to make a move. Wiley eats up yards fast;
  • Jared Wiley tracks the ball well across all levels. He makes some excellent focus grabs away from his body. Wiley erases terrible throws by the quarterback. He possesses unteachable physical tools in jump ball scenarios;
  • Vs. 2024 Draft Tight Ends: SpeedScore: Projected 120.16 (1st)

Weaknesses

  • Despite his size, Jared Wiley is a negative in the blocking area. He has good playing strength and needs to build his blocking technique from the ground up;
  • Lateral agility is a concern for Wiley. Big is too big sometimes, and that will limit his ability as a route runner. He will need to be used vertically, thus limiting his potential impact;
  • Disappointing yards after the catch threat;
  • Poor route tree exposure;
  • He must test well to convince a team to take a shot on his vertical prowess. He’s a vertical in-line tight end who could be a more complete player;
  • Vs. 2024 Draft Tight Ends: Yards After the Catch: 6.4 (9th), Career Yards per Reception: 11.2 (15th), Yards per Route Run: 6.4 (9th), Yards Per Team Pass Attempt: 1.15 (11th)

NFL Comparison: Colby Fleener

Teams With Need At Position: Seattle SeahawksNew Orleans SaintsLos Angeles ChargersCincinnati BengalsMiami Dolphins

Projection: Round 5

Bottom Line on Jared Wiley

Jared Wiley is an exciting tight end to watch. He possesses surprising linear speed and an unbelievable size, making him tower over defenders at the catch point. Wiley has a natural ability for receiving and knows how to attack the defense vertically. He is one of the smoothest giants on the field and can quickly gain separation with his speed and giant stride. However, he is not a threat after the catch and needs some NFL development to improve his route tree.

Due to his size, a team will likely use Jared Wiley as an in-line tight end at the next level. There’s a good chance he’ll rise draft boards after testing well at the combine. He’s not a good blocker now; he’s more of a jumbo receiver. He will need a good landing spot with an established blocking tight end to reach his ceiling in fantasy football. However, he may need draft capital help to carve out a role due to his limited upside as a route runner and his low floor as a blocker. Jared Wiley has a path to a receiving-friendly profile if he matches up with the right system.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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