Of all the players who saw their numbers drop because of struggling quarterback play last season at Ohio State, tight end Nick Vannett had to feel like his opportunity to showcase his ability fell by the wayside most.
Jeff Heuerman's graduation after the 2014 season shifted Vannett into the lead tight end spot for the Buckeyes, a year after the latter finished fourth on the team in touchdown receptions with five.
How did things for for Vannett's senior season? He didn't reach pay dirt once and finished with 19 catches for 162 yards. Altogether, Ohio State tight ends caught 21 passes for 194 yards. Not much on the Richter Scale in terms of production.
However, Vannett led the North team with 58 yards receiving at the 2016 Senior Bowl in late January and received plenty of attention that week along with Braxton Miller. He has a solid frame at 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds and displayed enough blocking skills to be seen as a viable every down player at his position at the next level. Vannett will also benefit from what is seen as a weak tight end class in this year's draft.
The Westerville, Ohio, product is projected as a third round pick. Which teams could call his name this weekend? Here are five.
Los Angeles Rams
Where They're Picking: First Round (first overall), Fourth Round (110th overall, 113th overall), Sixth Round (177th overall, 190th overall)
Breakdown: Los Angeles sold the farm to Tennessee in order to take hold of the first overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, presumably to take Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. Still, the Rams are without many offensive weapons outside of running back Todd Gurley and their best tight end (Jared Cook) left in free agency for Green Bay. Cook finished second on the team in receiving yards last season with 481, so if Vannett falls to the fourth round, Los Angeles might grab him to pair up with their new quarterback and young stud running back. Outside of him, the best options at the position are Arkansas' Hunter Henry and Stanford's Austin Hooper. Neither of them should be available in the fourth round.
Houston Texans
Where They're Picking: First Round (22nd overall), Second Round (55th overall), Third Round (85th overall), Fourth Round (119th overall)
Breakdown: Houston is one of the few other teams outside of Los Angeles that needs to address its tight end position. The Texans need upgrades at tight end, wide receiver and running back to take some pressure off DeAndre Hopkins, who led them with 1,521 receiving yards in 2015. C.J. Fiedorowicz finished with 167 yards and one touchdown to lead all Houston tight ends — hardly outstanding. Vannett can step in and establish rapport with new quarterback Brock Osweiler at the start of camp, in the hope of putting himself in good position for the future with the franchise.
New England Patriots
Where They're Picking: Second Round (60th overall, 61st overall), Third Round (91st overall, 96th overall)
Breakdown: Can New England ever have enough weapons on its roster? It surely doesn't feel like it, considering how many players (17) caught passes last season. Rob Gronkowski is in a class of his own as one of the most difficult matchups in the entire league. New England traded for Martellus Bennett with Chicago last month after Scott Chandler didn't work out, but picking Vannett would add additional depth at the position for Tom Brady. With Bill Belichick calling the shots, the Patriots would certainly find a way to weaponize the Ohio State tight end.
Green Bay Packers
Where They're Picking: First Round (27th overall), Second Round (57th overall), Third Round (88th overall), Fourth Round (125th, 131st, 137th overall)
Breakdown: Adding free agent Jared Cook from the Rams delayed Green Bay's immediate need for a tight end another season, but Ted Thompson could take Vannett with and eye towards the future. Richard Rodgers and Cook are the two lead guys at the position on Green Bay's roster, but as last season proved, quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons — everywhere. Cook is only signed through the 2016 season, so Vannett would have an excellent opportunity to hone his game for a year without being asked to perform like a starter in Green Bay. The Packers need to address its linebacking corps in the early rounds, but Vannett might be the move in the third or fourth.
San Diego Chargers
Where They're Picking: First Round (third overall), Second Round (35th overall), Third Round (66th overall), Fourth Round (102nd overall)
Breakdown: Antonio Gates is bound for Canton, Ohio, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he ultimately hangs it up, but the Chargers are still trying to figure out what to do when the 13-year veteran does so. The only other tight end on roster last season to do anything of sustenance was John Phillips, and he only had one touchdown reception. The Chargers have more pressing needs, but must keep an eye on the tight end position in the year's draft even though the class is lacking. Vannett is a solid blocker and a more than serviceable possession receiver from the position. He has the versatility to be used as an H-back or other positions too for Philip Rivers. Plus, he'd learn from one of the best to ever do it.
Honorable Mention: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers
