Big Board ranking: #87
Positional ranking: #6
Overview
Position: TE
College: Ohio State
Class: Senior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’5 1/2″
Weight: 250 lbs.
Arm length: 32 3/4”
Hand size: 10 1/8”
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: 19 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Prototype overall size and frame. Impressive strength. Big target for the quarterback over the middle. Very comfortable working the intermediate level of the field. Often used as outlet receiver in the flat. Reliable on-the-ground target. Huge hands. Plus catch focus while on the move. Trusted in traffic. High intelligence to recognize holes in coverage. Great awareness and patience/feel running routes. Terrific on seam posts out of the slot. Creates separation on deep out routes versus safeties. Above-average speed and acceleration. Tough and physical runner. Very good overall ability as a blocker. Powerful on impact and will drive when he hits an opponent squarely. Has experience as traditional tight end, H-back, slot, and out wide.
Weaknesses
Lacks elusiveness after the catch. Had some double catches (even when wide open). Needs to be more consistent as a blocker. Will sometimes lower his eyes into contact and lunge. Misses some blocks in space.
NFL comparison
Dalton Schultz
Conclusion
Overall, Ruckert is a strong, well-rounded tight end that is at his best working the middle of the field as a complementary target. He should be one of several options that teams consider as a hopeful starter on Day 2.
Love TE this year
All skill player positions are deep.