Luke Lachey TE Iowa | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Luke Lachey TE Iowa
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 09/25/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.72 seconds (65%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 23.3 DOB: 06/29/2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE | |
Last Updated: 09/25/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.72 seconds (65%*) | |
Age: 23.3 DOB: 06/29/2001 | |
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Overall Rating: | 80.8 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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76% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
QB Rating When targeted: | 74.9 | |
Hands: |
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71% |
Short Receiving: |
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77% |
Intermediate Routes: |
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82% |
Deep Threat: |
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68% |
Blocking: |
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60% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
6th
Overall Rank:
#191
Position rank:
#9
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College Games: 33 College Snaps: 1311 | ||
College Combine Results
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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AJ Barner - Michigan |
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99% |
Cole Turner - Nevada |
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91% |
Josh Whyle - Cincinnati |
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90% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Luke Lachey, born June 29, 2001, hails from Grandview Heights, Ohio, where he made his mark as a versatile two-way player at Grandview Heights High School. The son of former NFL All-Pro Jim Lachey, Luke brought a football pedigree to Iowa as a four-star recruit. He redshirted in 2020 before gradually increasing his role over the next two seasons.In 2021, Lachey appeared in 13 games with three starts, recording 8 receptions for 133 yards. His production jumped significantly in 2022, starting 6 of 13 games and hauling in 28 catches for 398 yards and 4 touchdowns. Lachey's 2023 campaign was cut short due to a season-ending injury in the third game, but not before he showcased his potential with 10 receptions for 131 yards in limited action.
Throughout his college career, Lachey has racked up numerous academic accolades, including being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and earning spots on the President's List and Dean's List.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional catch radius and body control, consistently winning contested catches in traffic and along the sidelines
- Showcases soft, reliable hands with a low drop rate, providing a safety valve for quarterbacks in crucial situations
- Adept at finding soft spots in zone coverage, demonstrating high football IQ and spatial awareness
- Possesses ideal NFL tight end size at 6'6", 253 lbs, with frame to add bulk without sacrificing mobility
- Versatile weapon in the passing game, capable of lining up inline, in the slot, or split out wide
- Displays natural feel for setting up routes and creating separation at the top of his stems
- Strong bloodlines and football background, son of former NFL All-Pro Jim Lachey
- High character individual with impressive academic achievements, indicating strong work ethic and coachability
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite speed and explosiveness, may struggle to consistently separate against NFL-caliber linebackers and safeties
- Blocking technique needs refinement, particularly in drive-blocking situations where he can struggle to maintain leverage
- Limited production prior to 2022 season, with only one year of significant statistical output
- Coming off a significant ankle injury that cut short his 2023 campaign, raising potential durability concerns
- Route tree could use expansion, primarily relied on as a short to intermediate target in college
Scouting Report: Summary
Lachey projects as a high-upside tight end prospect with day two draft potential. His overall player rank of 54 suggests he's viewed favorably in a competitive draft class, likely slotting into the second or early third round. Lachey's blend of prototypical size, soft hands, and football IQ make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their tight end room with immediate contributor potential.While Lachey may not be an elite athlete at the position, his well-rounded skill set and receiving prowess should translate well to the NFL. He profiles best in a scheme that utilizes tight ends in various alignments and values reliable chain-movers in the passing game. Teams running multiple tight end sets or those needing a dependable target over the middle will likely have Lachey high on their draft boards.
With continued refinement of his blocking technique and expanded route tree, Lachey has the tools to develop into a solid TE1 at the next level. His football bloodlines, academic achievements, and on-field production at Iowa suggest a high football IQ and strong work ethic - traits that should aid in a smooth transition to the pros. While medical evaluations of his 2023 ankle injury will be crucial, Lachey appears poised to make an impact early in his NFL career, with the potential to outperform his draft position as he develops.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Luke Lachey (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
87.6
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
3.0
*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.