NFL Draft 2014: Scouting Broncos Prospect, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz

Sep 28, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (86) runs with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Hawkeyes won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

In case many of you didn’t know, I am an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and the Broncos don’t seem to bring in a lot of Hawkeyes to give me some guys I can cheer on throughout their collegiate careers and then straight into the professional ranks.

The Broncos could use a little black and gold on the roster in the form of a Hawkeye, and one such player they have their eye on is Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (FEH – dor – oh -wicz) who is a mammoth prospect at his position that has the potential at the next level to be an absolute stud.

I want to take a deeper look at Fiedorowicz after the news broke that the Broncos brought him in for a pre-draft visit.

I have to say, I’d be elated if the Broncos added this player to their TE competition. Here’s what he brings to the table.

Vitals

Ht: 6’6″
Wt: 265 pounds
40: 4.74
Bench: 25 (reps at 225 pounds)
Vertical: 31.5″

2013 Stats

30 receptions
299 yards
6 TDs

Positive Attributes

• Major size mismatch
• Excellent vertical speed
• Red zone nightmare
• Phenomenal blocker
• Versatile
• Soft hands
• Physical
• Better pro than college player

Negative Attributes

• Not overly elusive after he catches the ball
• Didn’t have great production as a receiver at Iowa (lots of credit to poor QB play)

Bottom Line

There’s not much negative to talk about when you look at the total package CJF brings to the table. He has good straight line speed, comes from an offense where he was required to block — a lot — and has soft hands as a receiver to go along with a 6’6″ 265 pound frame.

If you were to draw up the ideal tight end for a traditional NFL offense, this guy would be it. For whatever reason, he’s being projected as a third or fourth round pick. If the Broncos could steal him in either of those rounds, it would be highway robbery.

This is a team with far more pressing issues than tight end, but if they want to be more physical running the football but maintain their passing game prowess, CJF is a player who can come in and provide significant contributions in both areas as a rookie.

If the Broncos were able to snag him in the 2nd or 3rd round, I would consider that a major win. His collegiate production as a receiver was due to the horrid play of Iowa’s quarterbacks, and the mis-use in an overly conservative offense with no diversity whatsoever.

The fact that CJF is considered a top 5 TE after the way his college career at Iowa went is a testament to his abilities. This is a soft-handed, well-rounded TE prospect with ideal measurables. He’d be a great pickup for Denver and would fit the BPA strategy.