FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brevyn Spann-Ford
Brevyn Spann-Ford (TE – Minnesota)
6’7” – 270 lbs.
Background:
Minnesota native who also played basketball in school. Redshirted after four appearances back in 2018, and ended up catching just five passes over the next two seasons combined (two for touchdowns.) Started three of his appearances in 2021, catching 23-296-1 (12.9) on the year, then had his breakout season in 2022, taking over a starting role and posting 42-497-2 (11.8). Over eleven games this past season, totaled 25-239-2 (9.6).
Positives:
Massive tight end with two years of starting experience. Typically lines up as essentially an H-Back out of a two-point stance, but will go into the slot or play inline as well. Plays the game with a physical temperament and takes his blocking responsibilities seriously. Can attack the outside shoulder, get his feet churning, and seal the edge in the run game; functional strength is about what you’d expect given his size. Shows the grip strength and work rate to stay with his man through the whistle. Works hard to get out in space and line up opponents in the screen game, and easily overpowers smaller defenders at the point of attack. Shows some attention to detail as a route runner, with pretty clean footwork on his releases at the line of scrimmage. Gives good effort to add window dressing and sink his hips into the stem. Provides a big target for his quarterback. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders from the ball.
Negatives:
Will turn 25 years old as a rookie. Doesn’t seem to have the most flexibility in his lower body, and leverage can be an issue at times. Some tendency to waist-bend and lower his head as a blocker, leading to misses. Not a particularly athletic mover, with average coordination. Probably not going to run away from many defenders in man coverage. Receiving usage was mostly limited to working as a safety valve underneath the coverage; saw hitches, flat releases from motion, whip routes, and a few deeper ins/outs. Wasn’t as efficient in 2023, catching just over half of the passes thrown his way. Frame suggests he’d be an effective red-zone target, but only caught five career touchdown passes.
Summary:
A huge tight end who was used with more variety than his frame would suggest but is probably headed for a more limited role at the pro level because of his lack of ideal athleticism. As a blocker, flashes the ability to overpower defenders on contact and seal the edge in the run game, with good leg drive and competitiveness through the whistle. Projects as a blocking specialist and safety valve who will probably get consideration in the mid-to-late rounds if he tests reasonably well.
Projection: Round 5-6
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