Dallen Bentley Draft Grade | Round 7, Pick 40 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Steal

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: #145 · Day 3 Sleeper

Dallen Bentley emerged as Utah's primary receiving threat at tight end during his final two seasons, developing from a raw athletic prospect into a reliable possession receiver. Standing 6-4 with excellent length and surprising mobility for his frame, Bentley's game is built around contested catches and creating separation with subtle route running rather than blazing speed. His progression from primarily a blocking specialist to a 50-catch receiver showcases impressive development, though questions remain about his ceiling against elite NFL competition. Bentley's combination of blocking willingness and receiving upside makes him an intriguing developmental piece, but inconsistent hands and limited after-catch ability keep him in the middle rounds.

Strengths

+Excellent catch radius and body control allow him to secure passes outside his frame, particularly effective on back-shoulder throws and fade routes in the red zone.

+Demonstrates strong blocking fundamentals with good hand placement and leverage, showing willingness to engage linebackers and safeties in both run blocking and pass protection.

+Routes are run with precision timing and subtle stem variations that create small windows of separation, particularly effective on crossing routes and seam patterns.

+High football IQ evident in his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and adjust his routes based on defensive leverage and field position.

+Physical presence at the catch point with good hands when focused, capable of making contested grabs over smaller defensive backs in favorable matchups.

+Versatility to align in multiple positions including inline, slot, and even occasional wide alignments, providing offensive coordinators with formation flexibility.

+Shows good awareness and timing on option routes, displaying chemistry with quarterbacks in scramble situations and broken plays.

+Reliable target in short-yardage and goal-line situations, using his size and body positioning to shield defenders from the ball.

+Demonstrates good effort as a blocker on running plays, willing to sustain blocks and shows understanding of gap scheme concepts.

+Leadership qualities evident in his role as a vocal communicator on offense, helping younger players with assignments and route adjustments.

Weaknesses

-Concentration drops are concerning, with several key passes hitting his hands and falling incomplete during crucial moments in games against quality opponents.

-Limited explosive athleticism after the catch, rarely breaking tackles or creating significant yards after contact due to straight-line speed limitations.

-Route tree is somewhat limited, with most success coming on intermediate routes rather than complex breaking patterns that require sudden direction changes.

-Inconsistent release off the line of scrimmage against physical press coverage, particularly struggling against bigger linebackers who can disrupt his timing.

-Blocking technique can be improved, occasionally getting too high in his pad level and losing leverage against stronger defenders at the point of attack.

-Lacks the dynamic receiving ability to consistently threaten defenses vertically, limiting his impact in play-action and deep passing situations.

-Ball security issues when running after the catch, with tendency to carry the ball loosely when focused on gaining additional yards rather than securing possession.

-Production somewhat inflated by scheme and target share, raising questions about his ability to maintain similar numbers with increased competition for targets.

NFL Comparison: Tyler Kroft

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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