TANNER KOZIOL | TE

Board Rank: Top-75
NFL Role: High-volume TE2 → TE1 upside
Player Type: “Quarterback’s Best Friend”

When the board starts to settle and front offices shift from traits to trust, Koziol’s name carries weight. Not because he’s the flashiest tight end in the class—but because he’s one of the most bankable projections on the board.

Turn on the tape and the profile is clear: this is a volume-driven, quarterback-friendly target who understands how to win in the margins of an offense. Koziol doesn’t rely on scheme gimmicks—he thrives on timing, spacing, and reliability, the exact traits NFL passing games are built on. Leading all FBS tight ends in receptions while finishing near the top in yards isn’t just production—it’s proof of role ownership and consistency.

In a draft cycle filled with projection at the position, Koziol offers something front offices value late on Day 2: clarity. He wins early in routes, presents a wide strike zone with his length, and consistently gives quarterbacks answers on critical downs. That translates.

From a war room perspective, this is the type of tight end who doesn’t need to be featured to be effective—but ends up becoming essential anyway.

Tape, Traits, Translation

https://twitter.com/big12studios/status/2046323764888051927?s=20

Koziol’s profile starts with production — but it doesn’t end there. Leading all FBS tight ends in receptions (74) isn’t scheme luck. It’s route trust + spatial awareness + reliability. He consistently presents clean throwing windows and understands leverage against both linebackers and safeties.

His catch radius and length show up in high-traffic areas — especially on third down and in the red zone. He doesn’t need perfect ball placement to finish.

Trait Breakdown:

  • Hands: Strong, confident, extends outside frame

  • Route Feel: Advanced vs zone, understands soft spots

  • Frame/Length: Natural mismatch vs smaller defenders

  • Blocking: Functional, not dominant (limits TE1 ceiling early)

Film Doesn't Lie:
He wins early in the rep, not just at the catch point. That’s what translates.

Front Office Tag:
“High-Floor Target. Immediate Trust. Sunday Contributor.”

NFL Translation:
Fits offenses like the New England Patriots or Los Angeles Chargers that rely on timing, spacing, and middle-of-field efficiency.