Max Klare Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 29 | FanVerdicts

C-

Below averagePick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

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: #72 · Day 2 Value

Max Klare emerged as one of Ohio State's most reliable offensive weapons over three seasons, developing from a raw athlete into a polished receiving threat. The 6-foot-5 tight end combines impressive athleticism with steadily improving route-running skills, making him an intriguing mid-round prospect. Klare's ability to create separation in the intermediate passing game and his reliable hands in traffic make him an attractive option for teams seeking a versatile pass-catching tight end. While his blocking remains inconsistent, his receiving upside and coachability project him as a quality starter with the right development.

Strengths

+Exceptional body control and spatial awareness allow him to adjust to off-target throws and maintain concentration through contact at the catch point.

+Natural hands catcher who secures the ball away from his body and rarely uses his chest, showing consistent technique on passes at all levels.

+Creates effective separation on crossing routes and comebacks through subtle head fakes and tempo changes that keep linebackers guessing.

+Strong contested-catch ability in the red zone, using his 6-foot-5 frame and 36-inch vertical to high-point throws over smaller defenders.

+Shows impressive acceleration for his size after the catch, capable of turning underneath routes into explosive gains through broken tackles.

+Demonstrates excellent route discipline and timing within Ohio State's RPO concepts, finding soft spots in zone coverage consistently.

+Displays good football IQ in recognizing defensive coverages and adjusting his routes accordingly, particularly effective against Cover-2 schemes.

+Reliable pass protector in max protection situations, showing proper hand placement and anchor strength against edge rushers.

+Versatile alignment flexibility allows him to line up in the slot, out wide, or in traditional Y-receiver positions effectively.

+Strong work ethic and coachability evident in his steady improvement each season, particularly in route precision and blocking fundamentals.

+Excellent catch radius extends well beyond his frame, making difficult catches look routine on back-shoulder throws and corner routes.

+Shows natural leadership qualities and served as a mentor to younger tight ends in Ohio State's program throughout his career.

Weaknesses

-Inconsistent run blocking technique, particularly struggling with proper leverage against stronger defensive ends and outside linebackers in gap schemes.

-Limited breakaway speed after catch prevents him from turning intermediate gains into explosive touchdowns once he reaches the second level.

-Route tree lacks diversity beyond intermediate concepts; struggles with complex route combinations that require multiple breaks or option routes.

-Durability concerns after missing games due to ankle and shoulder injuries, raising questions about his ability to withstand NFL physicality.

-Sometimes allows his body to catch passes instead of extending his hands, leading to unnecessary drops on routine throws.

-Blocking in space on screen plays and sweeps remains underdeveloped, often missing assignments or failing to sustain blocks on moving targets.

-Can be overwhelmed by physical press coverage at the line of scrimmage, particularly against bigger safeties who jam him aggressively.

-Limited experience in true flex tight end roles where blocking and receiving responsibilities are equally demanding within the same game.

NFL Comparison: Tyler Higbee

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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