John Nalbone SELECTED BY: Dolphins Round 5 (25)

SI Grade 3.27 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his freshman season. Led the team in receiving as a senior, posting 42/491/5 after 22 /252/3 as a junior.

POSITIVES: Athletic, pass-catching tight end with a large degree of upside. Fluid releasing off the line, quick to top speed, and effectively reads defenses, and then finds the open spot on the field. Adjusts to the errant throw, extending his hands and making the reception in stride. Sells routes, fluid moving about the field, and shows enough speed to make plays into the secondary. Gets up in a crowd and comes down with the difficult reception, takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. Bends his knees and blocks with a wide base.

NEGATIVES: Displays marginal quickness to his game. Poor blocker who does not get the results he should on a small-school level.

ANALYSIS: Nalbone is one of the true sleepers at the tight end position and a terrific developmental prospect who could eventually grow into a productive number two at his position.

PROJECTION: Seventh Round/Free Agent