Bauer Sharp Draft Grade | Round 6, Pick 4 | FanVerdicts

D-

Bottom 12%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

TE · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #238 · Day 3 Sleeper

Bauer Sharp emerged as a late-career contributor at LSU after transferring from Tulane following his redshirt sophomore season. The 6-foot-5 tight end carved out a valuable role as a blocking specialist and red zone target in Brian Kelly's offense, though he never became the featured pass-catcher many expected. Sharp's draft stock has fluctuated throughout the evaluation process, with scouts appreciating his NFL-ready frame and blocking acumen while questioning his route-running refinement and overall athletic ceiling. His blue-collar approach and positional versatility make him an intriguing developmental prospect who could stick on a roster as a blocking specialist.

Strengths

+Exceptional inline blocking technique with proper hand placement and leverage, consistently sealing edge rushers in run blocking schemes.

+Shows reliable hands in traffic with strong grip strength, rarely dropping catchable passes even when taking contact from linebackers.

+Outstanding red zone presence with ability to find soft spots in coverage and create separation using his frame in tight quarters.

+Demonstrates excellent football IQ and pre-snap recognition, rarely making mental errors in protection schemes or route adjustments.

+Possesses NFL-ready size and length that allows him to match up physically with edge rushers and linebackers in blocking assignments.

+Shows impressive catch radius on back-shoulder throws and fade routes, using his wingspan effectively to shield defenders.

+Exhibits strong work ethic and coachability, consistently improved throughout his LSU tenure after transferring from Tulane.

+Reliable pass protector who understands hot routes and can identify blitzing linebackers, providing quarterback with clean pocket.

+Displays surprising YAC ability for his size, showing balance and leg drive to gain extra yards after contact in short-yardage situations.

+Versatile alignment capability, comfortable lining up in multiple positions from traditional Y-tight end to flexed out wide or in backfield.

Weaknesses

-Limited route tree primarily consists of seam routes, comebacks, and short crossing patterns; struggles with more complex intermediate routes.

-Below-average long speed prevents him from being a consistent vertical threat, allowing safeties to cheat up in coverage.

-Inconsistent release technique against press coverage, particularly against physical cornerbacks when flexed out wide in 11 personnel.

-Lacks the explosive first step needed to consistently create separation at the stem of routes against athletic linebackers.

-Shows stiffness in his hips when asked to run sharp breaking routes, leading to rounded cuts that telegraph his intentions.

-Pass-catching production was inconsistent at LSU, with several games where he was targeted but failed to make impact plays.

-May struggle against NFL-caliber edge rushers who possess elite speed-to-power conversion in pass protection situations.

-Limited experience in motion and pre-snap movement concepts that are prevalent in modern NFL offensive systems.

NFL Comparison: Luke Stocker

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