Nick Eubanks, TE, Michigan – NFL Draft Player Profile

The tight end position has become increasingly important in the modern game. Over the last 10 years, an average of 14 tight ends have been drafted to the NFL each year. This year, Kyle Pitts could go within the first five picks. Although he might not have the prolific production of Pitts or the blocking ability of Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble, could Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks hear his name called in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Nick Eubanks NFL Draft Player Profile

• Position: Tight End
• School: Michigan
• Current Year: Senior
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 245 pounds

Tony Pauline’s Nick Eubanks Scouting Report

Positives: Athletic tight end who previously flashed ability but is coming off a poor senior campaign. Plays tough, nasty football, shows good awareness, and works hard as a blocker or pass catcher. Quickly releases off the line, runs solid routes for a bigger tight end, and extends his hands to offer the quarterback a target.

Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and extends to snatch the ball away from his frame. Makes the difficult catch with defenders draped on his back. Moves incredibly well for a big man, uses his hands to separate from opponents, and comes back to the ball to make himself an available target. Starts with good knee bend, blocks with proper pad level, and keeps his head on a swivel.

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Negatives: Looked like he was going half-speed at times last season. Struggles coming away with the difficult reception.

Analysis: Eubanks looked like he was developing into a top-100 pick off the 2019 film, but he struggled last season along with the entire Michigan offense. He possesses the size, blocking ability, and pass-catching skill, to play at the next level. He’ll be a steal in the later rounds.

Nick Eubanks Player Profile

Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks’ journey to the 2021 NFL Draft started as a heavily recruited high school prospect out of Florida. After leading American Heritage to an FHSAA 5A State Championship as a junior, he caught 23 passes for a team-high 344 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior.

A three-star recruit as per 247 Sports, he was ranked as the 47th best player in Florida and 15th tight end in the 2016 recruiting class. As a result, he received offers from schools across the nation. His first came from LSU, while notorious tight end producers Miami were also amongst the first to covet his services.

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Although he was linked to Alabama for the longest part of his recruitment, Eubanks surprised many by committing to Michigan. At the time he said, “I chose Michigan because it’s a better fit for me. I can play right away as a true freshman.” He also attributed the way that Michigan used their tight ends under Jim Harbaugh as a deciding factor.

Nick Eubanks college career at Michigan

Although he made his debut as a freshman against UCF, it wasn’t until Jake Butt departed for the NFL Draft that Nick Eubanks would get to start as a Michigan tight end. Even then, his sophomore season was short-lived. He saw playing time in four games, making his first career catch against Florida. His two receptions for 61 yards would serve as the highlight of a season lost to a broken arm.

As a junior in 2018, Eubanks began to make his presence felt. He appeared in 13 games while earning four starts. The Michigan tight end contributed 8 receptions for 157 yards and his first career touchdown against Indiana. He also continued to be a special teams contributor, something that will bode well for his NFL Draft stock.

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With Zach Gentry leaving for the NFL Draft, Nick Eubanks put together his best season as a Michigan tight end. He started 10 games and racked up 25 receptions for 234 yards. Additionally, he secured touchdowns against Michigan State and Maryland. He received an All-Big Ten honorable mention before putting in a touchdown performance against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl.

Although he underwhelmed as part of a poor Michigan side in a disrupted 2020 season, his standout game came against Rutgers as he totaled 5 receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. Even as a grad student in his fifth year with the program, Eubanks was still a willing and able special teams contributor. His teammates voted him team captain, demonstrating valuable leadership qualities he will take to the next level.

Following the season, Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Nick Eubanks’ best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft

Although he measured in slightly below expectation at the Michigan Pro Day, there are physical attributes that Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks possesses that could see him get selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. At 6’4″ and 245 pounds, Eubanks possesses good speed to be a threat in the passing game. During his time at Michigan, he worked on his blocking technique as well.

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Nevertheless, Eubanks needs to consistently show more willingness and ability in this area to stand any chance of success in the NFL. His lack of receiving production in college partly attributes to mediocre quarterback play. Once again though, he needs to demonstrate a more consistent approach.

Some potential landing spots for Nick Eubanks in the 2021 NFL Draft include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills.

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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.