Jack Velling TE Michigan State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jack Velling TE Michigan State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Inline Receiving TE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 06/04/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.78 seconds (49%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ROLE: Inline Receiving TE | |
Last Updated: 06/04/2025 | |
Draft Year: 2026 | |
40 time: 4.78 seconds (49%*) | |
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Overall Rating: | 79.0 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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74% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
QB Rating When targeted: | 70.9 | |
Hands: |
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71% |
Short Receiving: |
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80% |
Intermediate Routes: |
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83% |
Deep Threat: |
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80% |
Blocking: |
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58% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#249
Position rank:
#13
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College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1453 | ||
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Hunter Long - Boston College |
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85% |
Mitchell Evans - Notre Dame |
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84% |
Cole Turner - Nevada |
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81% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Jack Velling arrived at Oregon State in 2022 as one of the nation's most coveted tight end recruits, earning recognition from major recruiting services as a top-30 prospect at his position and a top-15 player in Washington state. His father Jerry's basketball background at Santa Clara and grandfather Roy's baseball legacy at Gonzaga and Washington established athletic bloodlines that would manifest in Velling's own versatility on the gridiron.Velling's freshman campaign with the Beavers showcased immediate impact, hauling in 16 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns across 11 games. His 60-yard touchdown reception against Colorado marked the longest score by an Oregon State tight end in over two decades, earning him College Football News Freshman All-American honors. The following season delivered his breakout performance - 29 catches for 438 yards and a program-record eight touchdowns for a tight end, garnering second-team All-Pac-12 recognition and establishing himself as one of the conference's premier receiving threats at the position.
When coach Jonathan Smith departed Corvallis for Michigan State, Velling followed his mentor to East Lansing, bringing 35 career collegiate games of experience and 81 receptions for 1,130 yards. His 2024 Spartan debut season produced 36 catches for 411 yards across 12 games, though the statistical output didn't match the explosive scoring pace that defined his Oregon State tenure.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional seam-stretching ability with smooth acceleration that consistently creates separation against zone coverage in the vertical passing game
- Refined route-running technique featuring nuanced releases and tempo variations that manipulate defensive back leverage across all three levels
- Reliable hands with natural catching radius, demonstrating consistent ball skills when working outside his frame on difficult throws
- Impressive run-after-catch instincts with long striding ability that maximizes yardage after securing possession in open field situations
- Formation flexibility allows deployment from traditional Y-receiver, H-back, and detached slot alignments without compromising route precision or timing
- Proven red zone threat with eight touchdown receptions in 2023, showcasing ability to win contested catches in compressed field situations
- Special teams coverage experience adds immediate roster value with demonstrated competence on field goal protection and coverage units
- Advanced route concepts understanding enables effective execution of option routes and hot reads within complex passing schemes
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Insufficient anchor strength as inline blocker, consistently loses leverage battles against power rush moves from defensive linemen
- Hand placement technique needs refinement, frequently allows interior pass rushers to establish position inside his frame
- Struggles defeating press coverage from longer defensive backs, lacking the initial burst to create immediate separation at the line
- Hip flexibility limitations become apparent on sharp breaking routes under 15 yards, resulting in rounded cuts that telegraph intentions
- Base tends to narrow through contact situations, compromising balance and effectiveness when working through traffic or absorbing hits
Scouting Report: Summary
Velling's natural hands and route-running polish give him an immediate advantage in passing situations, yet the blocking deficiencies that plagued him in college won't disappear overnight against stronger, more technical NFL defenders. The anchor issues and hand placement problems that allowed defensive linemen to control him at the collegiate level represent fundamental concerns that demand significant development time.However, his receiving versatility creates multiple deployment options that can mask those weaknesses early in his career. The ability to align detached from formation while still threatening vertical seams offers offensive coordinators flexibility in personnel packages, though his struggles against press coverage limit some of those opportunities. His special teams experience provides the additional roster value that late-round selections desperately need, creating a pathway to active game days while his blocking technique catches up to his receiving skills. The red zone production and intermediate route precision translate well to professional concepts, particularly in situations where size mismatches can exploit linebacker coverage.
Development timeline becomes crucial for Velling's long-term success, as his receiving foundation is already established while his blocking remains a work in progress. The physical tools exist to improve as an inline player, but the technical refinement needed suggests he'll initially contribute in specialized packages rather than every-down duties. His ceiling remains tied to how quickly he can develop the strength and technique to handle diverse defensive fronts, while his floor is established by proven receiving ability and special teams competence that should guarantee roster opportunities.
How other scouting services rate Jack Velling (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
172.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
15.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.