2019 Dynasty Rookie Profile: Isaac Nauta
Isaac Nauta, University of Georgia
Position: Tight End Height:6'4" Weight:240 Lbs. Age:21
Strengths
- Great blocker at the point of attack and maintains blocks downfield. Also blocks well in pass protection.
- Big Athletic Frame
- Willing to fight back through defenders and make contested catches.
- Does well making a chip block and then getting open in space.
- Above average route running for a TE prospect. Seems to have a rather complete route tree.
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Weaknesses
- Limited usage in the passing game at Georgia.
- Gets jammed too frequently for a player his size.
- Wasn’t asked to go up and high point the ball much making it hard to evaluate his usage in the red zone in the NFL.
- Won’t make people miss after making the catch, but this is a rather minor flaw for a TE.
NFL Player Comparision | Hunter Henry (Los Angeles Chargers) Like Henry, Nauta does a good job run blocking. Another similarity is that neither are considered above average athletes for their positions. Both have shown that they have soft hands and enough size to contribute as 3 down Tight Ends and even work from the H-back role.
2019 Rookie Draft Projection | Unless he shows to be an above average athlete at the combine, which is not expected, I expect Nauta to be taken in the 3rd round in most rookie drafts.
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Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Nauta is a player that plugs in well to about any system and has the work ethic to thrive as a blocker and as a receiver. Most of his biggest drawbacks in terms of film is there is just simply not enough of it. As long as Nauta can show up to the combine and put up average numbers in the vertical, 40-yard dash, and shuttle drills, then he will lock himself in as a day 2 pick in the NFL draft. Finally, he may not have Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce upside, but if drafted by a team that will use him his floor could easily still be a top 12 TE year in and year out.
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