Jelani Thurman TE Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jelani Thurman TE Ohio State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Inline Blocking TE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.75 seconds (57%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Inline Blocking TE | |
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.75 seconds (57%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 46.7 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 60.8 | |
| Hands: |
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64% |
| Short Receiving: |
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56% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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63% |
| Deep Threat: |
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50% |
| Blocking: |
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63% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#653
Position rank:
#6
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| College Games: 13 College Snaps: 173 | ||
ESPN RATING: 84/100
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247 RATING: 96/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
Jelani Thurman from Langston Hughes High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Thurman opted to join Ohio State.In 2023 as a freshman Thurman saw action in 5 games for the Buckeyes as he made 2 receptions for only 18 yards for an average of 9.0 yards per reception, with no TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 104.2.
As a sophomore in 2024 he played just 3 games and had only one catch for 3 yards for an average of 3.0 yards per catch, with no TDs, and only QB rating when targeted of 39.6.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- He’s coordinated with soft, reliable hands, and Thurman shows the ability to adjust to balls thrown behind him, as well as a knack for digging out low throws.
- Above-average acceleration for a big man.
- Has smooth body control, reliable hands and natural ball skills to adjust to off-target throws and make impressive catch.
- Has a strong, athletic frame with room for an additional 10 pounds of muscle mass.
- Thurman is a highly competitive player and quickly gets to the perimeter, blocking well in space and at the second level.
- Has enough speed to challenge the seam but does not possess elite top-end speed.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- While Thurman has the athleticism to be a catch-and-run threat, he never seemed comfortable catching, gathering, and transitioning to a runner.
- Is a bit high-hipped and slow to get rolling. Frame limits upside as a blocker.
- High cut frame and limited power in hands prevent a top blocking grade.
How other scouting services rate Jelani Thurman (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
651.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
39.0
*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.