From the multiple scouting reports and mock drafts now available, Michael Egnew's draft status is becoming clearer, and it looks like the Missouri product is going to end up somewhere in the middle rounds. There are a number of tight ends that are all projected around the same place, with names like Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen expected to go ahead of them. Egnew needs just one team to fall in love with him more than the others to go earlier, but it's likely he's a third-to-fifth round selection.
One player he draws comparisons to is Leonard Pope, according to Walter Cherepinsky, and given the longevity of Pope's career that's a good thing. He writes:
Egnew doesn't have the size of Pope (6-8, 264). However they have a similar-style game. Pope is able to contribute some as a receiver, but his lack of foot speed limits him from getting yards after the catch, just like Egnew. Entering the NFL, Egnew doesn't ever project to being as good a blocker as Pope is. Pope was a third-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and Egnew looks like a mid-round pick.
The 2012 NFL Draft runs from April 26-28.
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