Seahawks clearly stole Jacob Hollister from the Patriots
By Geoff Shull
Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister is the latest example how savvy John Schneider is with trades. Stealing away another teams dead weight with a late round pick and giving them a new opportunity to shine.
The last time the Seahawks traded a late round pick to the Patriots we ended up with star slot corner Justin Coleman. Jacob Hollister spent his collegiate career at the University of Wyoming. During his 3 years starting he accumulated 1,114 yards, 12 touchdowns with an average depth of receptions coming in just below 15 yards down field. He had the most passes caught over 20 yards and most touchdowns on deep balls in the nation in 2016.
Per PFF, Hollister also had the seventh best pass blocking grade in the draft class at 82.4. His receiving grade was fourth in the nation just behind Evan Engram (89.4), Gerald Everett (85.3), David Njoku (84.3) at a solid 82.4 grade.
This was truly a loaded a loaded tight end draft class which also included O.J. Howard, Jonnu Smith and George Kittle. Let’s compare some Pro Day numbers from the draft class:
Name Height Weight 40 yard Draft
OJ Howard: 6’6” 251lbs 4.51 1st round
David Njoku: 6’4” 246lbs 4.64 1st round
Evan Engram 6’3” 234lbs 4.42 1st round
Gerald Everett 6’3” 239lbs 4.62 3rd round
Jonnu Smith 6’3” 248lbs 4.62 3rd round
George Kittle 6’4” 247lbs 4.52 5th round
Jacob Hollister 6’3” 239lbs 4.64 undrafted
Despite testing well and even on par with many of the talented tight ends that were drafted, Hollister went undrafted. One can speculate this was due to his lack of overall strength and inconsistencies in run blocking. However, all of this was coachable and can fixed with time and effort. He is over average athletically and has an innate ability to make tough catches. He plays hard and has no hesitation playing through contact. The Patriots wasted no time scooping up PFF’s 7th highest rate tight end as an undrafted free agency.