He might have battled injuries throughout the duration of his senior season, but Ohio State tight end Jeff Heuerman was a crucial leader and integral part of his team's run at the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014.
A team captain, Heuerman shared snaps with Nick Vannett during the title run, forming a formidable duo who could both block on the edge and provide a big target for whoever was playing quarterback for the Buckeyes.
Heuerman did his best at February's NFL Combine to prove his foot and ankle injuries were healed and he's not just a blocking tight end who played for both Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer.
"But I did a lot of things in college, especially playing in Coach Meyer's offense," Heuerman said at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. "As a tight end you get to do everything. So I've shown everything on film and these coaches have seen that. I'm fortunate.”
Heuerman snagged 26 passes for 466 yards and four touchdowns in 2013, but his numbers slumped to 17 catches and 207 yards and two scores last year.
He still looks the part to get a fair shot in the NFL, and here are five squads that would be solid fits for Heuerman's skills.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Where they're picking: Fourth round (121st overall); Fifth round (160th overall)
Breakdown: The Steelers have arguably one of the game's best, most consistent tight ends in Heath Miller. At 32, though, Miller isn't getting any younger and Pittsburgh also signed Matt Spaeth to a two-year deal last season, so the franchise could take a chance on Heuerman to bolster the position's depth. Heuerman's draft grade sits him behind fellow Big Ten tight ends Devin Funchess from Michigan and Maxx Williams from Minnesota, but the Steelers could even lean his way in later rounds if he's still available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Where they're picking: Fourth round (118th overall); Fifth round (172nd overall)
Breakdown: The Chiefs did the unheard of in 2014 — no wide receiver caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Smith. Smith signed a four-year extension with the franchise with hopes he gets some more weapons on the outside, so it's pretty clear where the Chiefs will be going with their first few picks. However, tight end depth is a bit of a concern. Travis Kelce led the team with 862 receiving yards in his rookie season, but is one of two returning tight ends who caught a pass last year. Heuerman could be a fit with his blocking skills for perennial 1,000-yard running back Jamaal Charles.
Green Bay Packers
Where they're picking: Fourth round (129th overall); Fifth round (166th overall)
Could Heuerman be catching passes from two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers this fall?
Breakdown: It might seem odd to think the Packers and reigning league MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs more offensive weapons, but tight end has been a bit problematic since Jermichael Finley suffered a horrific neck injury in 2013. Andrew Quarless was solid last season and rookie Richard Rodgers caught two touchdowns, but they could take Heuerman to build depth and solidify the rushing attack for Eddie Lacy.
New York Jets
Where they're picking: Fourth round (104th overall); Seventh round (223rd overall)
Breakdown: The Jets have plenty of needs that supersede tight end, starting with the guy who throws the ball to them — quarterback. Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland were fourth and fifth in the team's receiving yards last season, but the team needs a solid third option to push the envelope. Heuerman could be that guy, but he likely won't fall to the seventh round if they don't select him in the fourth.
Buffalo Bills
Where they're picking: Fifth round (155th overall); Sixth round (188th overall)
Breakdown: The Bills said goodbye to four-year stalwart Scott Chandler in the offseason, who signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots. They replaced Chandler with Charles Clay, a solid contributor who spent his first four seasons in Miami. Beyond him, MarQueis Gray and Chris Gragg combined for 166 yards and one touchdown last season. Buffalo could take Heuerman to ramp up competition on the depth chart this fall.
Honorable mention: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns
