ERIC SAUBERT
TE - DRAKE PIONEER
GRADE
5.37
OVERVIEW
The Chicago Tribune named Saubert a top-five player in the Mid-Suburban League, but FBS teams apparently didn't see the potential. Drake's coaches did, however, and they were handsomely repaid for their foresight. Saubert started nine games and was a first-team All-Pioneer Football League pick as a redshirt freshman (47-549, two TDs). He missed three games due to injury in 2014, but still earned honorable mention all-conference notice (seven starts, 32-348, two TDs). Over the past two years, the Bulldogs' top receiver was a first-team all-conference pick and an All-American, winning third-team honors from the Associated Press as a junior (55-580, seven TDs) and second-team accolades in 2016 (56-776, 10 TDs).
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Good combination of size and speed. Gets into routes with good quickness from the slot. Adjusts route to defender and does a good job of setting up his pattern breaks. Good separation acceleration. Man amongst boys in red zone where he dominated lesser competition. Posted 17 touchdowns over last two seasons. Gets maximum extension out of long arms to attacks downfield throws at their highest points. Has ability to make acrobatic catches when he's focused. Used in wide receiver screens. Athletic runner after the catch. Lines up all over the field. Flashes ability to become a blocker in future.
WEAKNESSES
Routes could use better knee bend to fight off redirections by linebackers. Short routes need attention to detail. Slow getting hands catch-ready on short, possession throws. Tape is littered with drops for days. Open catches became drops and contested catches became drops. Hand-eye coordination simply isn't where it needs to be. Doesn't always play to his size. Allows smaller defenders to crowd him in space. Inconsistent finishing routes. Run blocking isn't important enough to him. Gives half-efforts on secure blocks and doesn't look for work when uncovered.
SOURCES TELL US
"He's body beautiful but he can't catch. I don't think it's correctable either. I just think he doesn't see the ball well and doesn't have good hand-eye. You are drafting an athlete and not a tight end if you take him." - AFC regional scout
"One of the worst prospects I've ever seen. Ya know what would be embarrassing? Starting a thread on some sports forum pining for the guy. LOL. But who would do that?" - CowboysZone scout
NFL COMPARISON
Jace Amaro
BOTTOM LINE
Tape study is absolutely maddening on Saubert as it roller coasters from eye-popping potential to lapses in concentration and effort as a blocker. Saubert's speed and athleticism will get him open and he should test well at the combine. Teams will have to balance the flashes with the drops and decide how early they want to pull the trigger on a tight end with starter's potential but a low floor.
