Trey McBride – TE – 22 – Senior – Colorado State
Cut : 1m95
Weight : 111kg
Estimated draft position: 30-50
Stats 2021: 90 receptions for 1121 yards (12.5) and 1 touchdown
NFL Comparison: Pat Freiermuth (Steelers)
Strong points
This game is physical and Trey McBride is its embodiment. Growing up in the countryside with brothers, crashing into each other and sending each other to the ground. “Country Boy” who was built with this mentality, Trey McBride is not reluctant to duel. Above all, that he wins it most of the time. His size will not be among the most important of his position in the NFL, but winning a duel does not depend only on his size. Far from there. As for receptions, his hands are reliable (3 drops for 90 receptions). Able to extend his arms to catch a badly dosed ball then, folded against his chest, he knows how to resist the charge to gain a few more yards.
Voluntary blocker, Trey McBride is also a receiver emeritus. In 2021, if the other tight-end was more targeted when concluding (Gary Williams), he produced more than 1,000 yards after receptions. Precious for an attack that runs more than it throws, he was also the most targeted player in the air (2 times more than the WR1). Although being the number 1 option of his attack, and therefore very watched by the opposing defenses, Trey McBride produced. It must be said that he has the complete panoply: it is not for nothing that in 2021, he won the Mackay Award given to the best university TE. The record of this award is also impressive: Mark Andrews (Ravens), Hunter Henry (Patriots), Kyle Pitts (Falcons), TJ Hockenson (Lions) or formerly Aaron Hernandez and Dallas Clark.
Weak points
In an NFL fond of speed in all positions, that of tight-end has evolved over the years. Trey McBride is not that type of player. If a franchise is looking for a Noah Fant (Seahawks) or a Brevin Jordan (Texans), he won’t be their player. A team that needs a big target in the end zone won’t consider it either. If he is not small, Trey McBride is far from OJ Howard (Bills), Darren Waller (Raiders) or Kyle Pitts (Falcons).
The story
Trey McBride has a family. Normal. Rarer, the children were raised by two female parents. Trey McBride does not know the identity of his father since he was born after artificial insemination. Kate and Jane had 5 children, with 4 different donors. Trey also has a twin (Dylan). Another brother also plays football, Toby McBride has 40 tackles including 7 for losses in 2021, also with Colorado State.
“We decided not to do any research. Sometimes people question us because our lack of approach surprises them. But most accept it, it’s 2019, right? Toby McBride told the Denver Post in 2019.
And the family is even bigger than that since over the years, the children have been able to grow up with dogs and cats, ducks and geese, horses and even llamas (animals effective in keeping coyotes at bay).
Possible destinations
Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings
The Bengals signed Hayden Hurst, to give back to Joe Burrow that precious middle target lost with the departure of CJ Uzomah. But he was only signed for one season. A second tight-end to use, in rotation first, to be this weapon for the next few years would be smart. Same situation in Florida with Trevor Lawrence and newcomer Evan Engram (under contract for 2022 only).
In what will look like a “prove it year” for Daniel Jones, the Giants could allow him to move the chains with a regular player and able to impose himself without having created much separation. Irv Smith will return from injury but if his duo with Kyle Rudolph was complementary in 2020, he has since lost his playmate, as well as Tyler Conklin. The Vikings could then add a player effective in both aspects of an attack.
