Justin Joly Draft Grade | Round 5, Pick 12 | 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: #112 · Day 3 Sleeper

Justin Joly developed from a lightly-recruited walk-on to a reliable four-year contributor at NC State, embodying the blue-collar mentality Dave Doeren's program values. The 6-foot-4 tight end carved out his niche as a move-tight end and H-back, excelling in the dirty work aspects while gradually developing into a legitimate receiving threat in the Wolfpack's RPO-heavy offense. His draft stock has steadily climbed throughout the pre-draft process due to his impressive athletic testing and strong interviews, projecting as a developmental prospect who can contribute immediately on special teams while growing into a complementary offensive role.

Strengths

+Excellent blocking technique in both run and pass protection, maintaining proper pad level and hand placement consistently while showing the strength to move defensive ends and linebackers.

+High football IQ evident in his pre-snap reads and route adjustments, frequently finding soft spots in zone coverage and making himself available as a safety valve for quarterbacks under pressure.

+Reliable hands in traffic with only three drops over his final two seasons, demonstrating the ability to secure catches while absorbing contact from linebackers and safeties.

+Versatile alignment capability allows him to line up inline, in the slot, or in the backfield as an H-back, giving offensive coordinators multiple ways to utilize his skill set.

+Strong work ethic and character traits have made him a team captain and respected leader in the locker room, with coaches consistently praising his preparation and professionalism.

+Solid route-running fundamentals on intermediate patterns, particularly stick routes, comebacks, and crossing patterns where his size advantage becomes most apparent.

+Effective red zone target due to his frame and ability to box out smaller defensive backs, converting 68% of his red zone targets over his final two seasons.

+Special teams value as both a coverage specialist and potential return man, showing good instincts and physicality on kickoff and punt coverage units.

+Good body control and spatial awareness allow him to adjust to poorly thrown balls and make catches outside his frame, particularly on back-shoulder throws.

+Demonstrates toughness and durability, missing only one game due to injury over four collegiate seasons while consistently playing through minor ailments.

Weaknesses

-Limited top-end speed prevents him from creating separation deep down the field, with most of his production coming within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage.

-Route tree remains somewhat limited, struggling with more complex option routes and timing patterns that require precise footwork and sudden changes of direction.

-Inconsistent as an in-line blocker against premier pass rushers, sometimes getting overwhelmed by speed-to-power moves and struggling to anchor against bull rushes.

-Lacks the explosive first step needed to consistently win at the line of scrimmage against press coverage from linebackers and slot defenders.

-Run-after-catch ability is below average due to his straight-line running style and limited lateral agility, rarely breaking tackles or creating big plays after the catch.

-Can be prone to concentration drops when running routes over the middle, particularly when anticipating contact from safeties coming down late.

-Pass protection technique needs refinement in his kick-slide and punch timing, occasionally lunging at pass rushers instead of maintaining proper base and leverage.

NFL Comparison: Kyle Rudolph

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