Grandson of golfer Jack Nicklaus, for whatever that’s worth.
Positives: Though he isn’t an especially large target, he has adequate bulk for the position. Is also strong enough and determined enough to be able to fight through multiple defenders in his routes. Runs with adequate speed and acceleration for his size and is fairly quick out of breaks when running routes. He has soft, natural hands. He is also an above-average downfield blocker who sustains his blocks and drives defenders back. Above-average in-line run blocker who hits defenders hard and knocks them back.
Negatives: Slightly below-average height for the position. Suspect tracking over outside shoulder. Isn’t very explosive off the line and also has below-average lateral quickness – causing him to have trouble maintaining blocks against quicker defenders. Below-average ball security and will fumble while diving for extra yards. When running routes – though he is pretty quick coming out of his breaks – he is less quick getting into them and also needs to work on completing his comeback routes to gain separation from defenders. Injured in motorcycle accidents in both 2013 and 2014. Missed spring 2014 workouts due to motorcycle-related ankle injury. Had a slight tear of his hamstring before 2015 bowl game but played through it, then tweaked it again before pro day workout.
Projection: Round 4. He isn’t strong enough receiver and a blocker to be a solid contributor in the pros. Some of his athletic deficiencies will probably keep him from being more than that.