Instant Analysis: Tennessee TE Brad Cottam

NFL Experts Analyst Tom Marino and Warpaint Illustrated.com Publisher Nick Athan offer instant analysis on the Chiefs third round pick Brad Cottam.

Instant Analysis: Tom Marino

The thing with Brad is you don’t know much about the guy. He’s been a four-year player and only caught 20 balls in four years. He was injured and missed most of the season. But I saw him at the senior bowl and really liked his ability to catch the ball. He’s a big target and really a good athlete. He runs very well. The problem I saw at the senior bowl was that he had a very difficult time breaking that body down at the point of attack. I’m not sure if he’s a pure tight end or someone like Tony Gonzalez, who you put in the slot or put in motion and make him a receiving tight end. But the biggest problem you’re going to have with him is his ability to stay healthy.

Instant Analysis: Nick Athan

With the release of veteran tight end Jason Dunn last month, the Chiefs need help along the offensive line. He’s a bit underrated as a pass catcher, but the Chiefs are going to pound the ball with the trio of runners on the roster now. Cottam was injured most of the 2007 season but he can catch the ball and his 4.6 forty speed is attractive. With Michael Allan still a work in progress the Chiefs could not pass up on the physical attributes that Cottam will lend to the offense as a blocker and receiver.

Pre-Draft Scouting Report:

Injured for most of the 2007 season. Is extremely tall with long limbs and big hands. The best area of his game was without question in the passing game. Has very good hands, a wide receiving radius and was extremely difficult to stop in the under zones. Used his body to shield defenders from the football. Will have a difficult time functioning as a blocker at the pro level (high center of gravity - can't leverage the point). Second-day draft consideration.