However, isn't nearly as comfortable when asked to play with his hand on the ground. Looks a bit tight hipped trying to sit into his stance and his initial movement off the line when trying to release into a route is often upright, taking away from his initial burst and ability to keep himself clean getting into his route. Also, he struggles to generate consistent leverage for himself in the run game and despite his quick first step where he can step and seal on the edge, he doesn't do a good job keeping his base under him, which limits his power on contact and doesn't create a real snap into contact. Is a hard worker down the field trying to reach defenders at the second level, but again doesn't have a ton of power into contact and seems to try to make up for it by lunging himself into blocks and tends to whiff or fall off his target far too quickly.
Impression: A coordinated athlete with good hands and knows how to separate vs. man coverage down the field. Is a bit limited underneath and as a blocker at this stage because of his tight hips, but has a shot as a potential move tight end/H-back."
He played in six games with no catches in 2008 as he transitioned from junior college as a true sophomore. The following year, Graham was the team's third-leading receiver with 27 receptions for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Big East coaches voted him first-team all-conference in 2010, as he caught 40 passes for 450 yards and five scores.
Graham's size and speed are not elite for the tight end position, but his blocking effort and improving hands have put him squarely on NFL teams' radars as a late-round pick with potential as a reserve H-back, possibly more with coaching and time.
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Strengths: Good height for the position and continues to gain upper-body strength. Gets off jam from SAM linebackers with agility and a head fake. Fluid runner on crossing routes and down the seam. Shows some suddenness to get inside position down the seam and near the goal line. Will be a fine red-zone target, finds holes and has strong hands to fight for the ball in traffic. Gives effort as a blocker to reach linebackers and defensive backs at the second level, and to seal the edge as an H-back.
Weaknesses: Average release, pro linebackers may knock him off his routes when coming off three-point stance. Does not separate from quicker defenders with speed. Slow in turning around to present target on stop routes. Struggled with drops as a junior. Gets hands into defensive ends and linebackers quickly, but lunges towards his target and lacks strength to sustain blocks. Ineffective on cut blocks."
Positive: Solid college tight end with marginal upside for the next level. Fluid releasing off the line, run sharp routes, and gets separation from defenders. Effectively adjusts to the errant throw and looks he pass in. Extends to make the reception away from his frame. Blocks with leverage, stays square, and works assignments.
Negative: Shows minimal quickness and burst. Has marginal strength as a blocker. Timed poorly at the combine.
Analysis: Graham was a solid tight end at Louisville since stepping on the field in 2009 but possesses poor size/speed numbers for the next level. He's practice squad material who could make a team that keeps four tight ends."
Negatives: Not especially fast... Occasionally is a bit choppy in and out of cuts... Simply an underneath target... Lacks elusiveness in open field... Doesn't get thrown to enough... Not a very good blocker... Does not have a whole lot of blocking experience... Not very explosive, doesn't really fire out of his stance... Allows defenders to make first contact and will lose battles for leverage... Undisciplined... Battled injuries throughout the 2008 season, but has not missed a game in the last two seasons."
The numbers were not eye popping on a team that struggled to throw the ball consistently, but the 6-4, 253 pound Graham caught 27 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Even as a tight end Graham was pretty much the go-to-receiver for the Cardinals in 2010. He caught 40 passes for a team high 470 yards and five touchdowns. Graham proved to not just be a fine receiving option in the red zone, but a quality all-around pass catcher. For his efforts, Graham was named to the All-Big East First-Team by the conference's coaches.
Graham is not a bad blocker either and helped pave the way for running back Bilal Powell to easily eclipse the 1,000 yard mark. Since he is not the greatest blocker or pass catcher in this class, Graham is being overlooked. Yet, he is a well balanced tight end who could be a good value in the later rounds."
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