Riley Nowakowski Draft Grade | Round 5, Pick 29 | FanVerdicts

Bottom 20%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: #211 · Day 3 Sleeper

Riley Nowakowski emerged as a reliable possession tight end during his four-year tenure at Indiana, developing from a lightly-recruited walk-on into a consistent contributor for the Hoosiers. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound prospect built his reputation as a fundamentally sound receiver with excellent hands and route-running precision, though he lacks the elite athleticism to be a game-breaking threat. Nowakowski's draft stock has been buoyed by his exceptional blocking technique and football IQ, making him an intriguing developmental prospect for teams seeking a traditional Y-tight end who can contribute immediately on special teams while learning the nuances of NFL offensive systems.

Strengths

+Exceptional hands with a documented drop rate under 3% over his final two seasons, showing the ability to secure passes in traffic and maintain concentration through contact.

+Advanced route-running technique for a college tight end, displaying crisp breaks on comebacks and hitches while selling routes with subtle head fakes and body positioning.

+Outstanding blocking fundamentals with proper hand placement and leverage, capable of handling defensive ends in base packages and excelling as a lead blocker in gap schemes.

+High football IQ evident in his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make subtle adjustments to routes based on defensive alignments pre-snap.

+Excellent ball security with zero fumbles in 847 career touches, demonstrating the reliability that coaches value in possession receivers.

+Strong work ethic and coachability that allowed him to transform from walk-on to three-year starter, suggesting he can continue developing at the professional level.

+Versatile skill set allows him to align in-line, in the slot, or split out wide, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in personnel packages and formations.

+Reliable red zone target with 18 touchdown catches over his final two seasons, showing the ability to use his frame effectively in tight spaces.

+Natural leadership qualities as a three-year team captain who earned respect from teammates through his preparation and on-field performance.

+Special teams contributor with experience on punt coverage and field goal protection units, adding immediate value as a depth player.

Weaknesses

Limited top-end speed makes him vulnerable to being covered by linebackers in man coverage, particularly on seam routes and crossing patterns.

NFL Comparison: Daniel Bellinger

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