Jelani Thurman
Jelani Thurman  TE  Ohio State | NFL Draft 2026 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Jelani Thurman
Height
6-6
Weight
258
College
Ohio State
Position
TE
Class
Sophomore
Home town
Fairburn, GA
46.7/100
Player Rating
6
PositionRank (TE)
4.75
FortyYD Time
Receptions
4
Rec YDs
42
Rec TDs
1
Rec AVG
10.5

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%*)
Measurables:
Height: 6-6 (82%*) Weight: 258 (64%*)
Forty: 4.75 (O) (57%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
ROLE: Inline Blocking TE
Last Updated: 09/27/2024
Draft Year: 2026
40 time: 4.75 seconds (57%*)
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-6 (82%*) Weight: 258 (64%*)
Forty: 4.75 (O) (57%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 46.7 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
75%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
QB Rating When targeted: 60.8
Hands:
64%
Short Receiving:
56%
Intermediate Routes:
63%
Deep Threat:
50%
Blocking:
63%
DRAFT PROJECTION: UDFA
Overall Rank: #653 Position rank: #6
College Games: 13 College Snaps: 173
Grade: 4 ESPN  Stars 4 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 84/100
Grade: 247 Sports 4  Stars 247 Sports 96 Stars 247 RATING: 96/100
Grade: 4 Stars 4 Stars RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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.