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CHARLIE GANTT
6-4/252
Michigan State Senior
40: 4.97
PROS:
Has good hands and does a nice job adjusting to the throw. Has good concentration and makes the grab in traffic. Uses his size well on the slant and can get position on the option route. Secures the ball quickly after the catch and not going to shy from contact as a runner after the catch. Gets a decent release off the line when he's uncovered as an inline blocker. Able to line up inline, at H-back, or working as a fullback in the backfield. Shows nice pop as a run blocker and is able to get position. Shows some ability to finish his blocks and drive linebacker downfield. Willing to take on the defensive end and contributes in pass protection.
CONS:
Lacks speed and is not a factor to get downfield. Doesn't separate from the defender. Needs to do a better job initiating contact when he's blocking in space. Needs to improve his balance and do a better job keeping his feet as a blocker. Will get high in his blocks and needs to improve his hand placement in order to lock on.
OVERVIEW:
Gantt is a reliable receiver that has potential as a blocker. But because of the inability to generate a lot of explosive plays in the passing game, he's probably just a role player at the next level. He had fairly consistent production over his three seasons as a starter, catching 65 passes for 951 yards (14.6 avg) and 9 touchdowns. He's most comfortable and productive as an inline tight end, but at least offers the versatility to get some reps as an H-back and fullback on occasion.
NFL FORECAST:
Gantt is a guy that projects well as a No. 2 tight end in the pros. He's a good enough receiver that he can be a nice stopgap starter in case of injury, but he is not a guy that is going to consistently make a ton of plays in the passing game to really do that over the long haul. He isn't quite as polished a blocker to come in immediately and make an impact as a No. 2 guy, but with coaching, inside two or three seasons he should be solid there. He has the size, although he might want to play closer to 260 or so pounds to maximize his potential. Eventually, he can have a nice long, productive career as a reserve in the same vein as a Justin Peelle. A team that likes to run the ball and is looking for a guy that can give you 15-25 receptions along with his blocking ability would be a good fit for him.
ATL FORECAST:
Gantt would be a nice backup in Atlanta because he can fill the same niche as Peelle currently does. He is a good enough blocker that he can possibly beat out Palmer for the No. 3 job as a rookie, although he's not quite as athletic as Palmer is in the passing game. But he would at least make the practice squad. He's not a candidate to really be a starter in Atlanta, but if the Falcons added a good receiving tight end to replace Gonzalez, he would be an ideal candidate to be developed as the long-term No. 2 right behind him.
VALUE:
His lack of upside as a starter means that the earliest he should go off the board is a fifth round pick to a run-oriented team looking for a No. 2 blocker.
SKILLS
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite
Speed: 2.0
Hands: 3.5
Blocking: 3.5
Body Control: 3.0
Range: 2.0
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"Vincere scis, Hannibal, victoria uti nescis" -- Maharbal, 216 B.C.E.
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