2019 WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Noah Fant | Iowa | TE

WorldWide Rams

Doug Nelson

​Noah Fant
TE
HOMETOWN              |            CLASS
Omaha, NE                |           Junior

DRAFT YR:  2019     COMBINE INVITE: YES



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​Player Bio: Fant is from Omaha, Neb. where he was a two-time all-Nebraska player and set a school record for receptions as a tight-end at South High School. Fant is not a player who can be called the stereotypical "dumb jock" type (actually far fewer football players meet that criteria than is generally believed). Fant is highly intelligent and a good student who has ambitions of a medical career at some point. Chose to play college ball at the University of Iowa, where he sparingly was used as a freshman in 2016. However, he came of age in 2017, with 30 catches for 494 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was even better last season, when he racked up 39 catches for 519 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning recognition as a first-team all Big-Ten player and third team All-American. The Hawkeyes have sent a long-list of tight-ends to the NFL. Could Fant be the next George Kittle? Many scouts do not think that is a huge reach. In terms of pure athleticism, Fant could possibly be even better than Kittle.

Noah Fant
Tight End
​SCHOOL:  IOWA      |      CONFERENCE:  BIG ten   
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:  6-4 / 249             40:  4.55   |    DRAFT YR:  2019

COMBINE RESULTS
BENCH |   40 YD DASH  |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE
​     20     |        4.50           |              39.5"           |           127"         |             6.81           |             4.22             |            11.49

PRO-DAY RESULTS
BENCH:  N/A |  40:  N/A  |  VERTICAL JUMP:  N/A"  |  BROAD JUMP:  N/.A” (IOWA PRO DAY MARCH 25TH)

Game Film
 #87 Noah Fant vs Penn St. (2018)

Strengths: First of all, this is a player who can run, as his forty-yard dash time shows. A 4.5 forty time for a man his size is perfect, and Fant also can make defenders miss in the open field, where he has been mistaken as a wide receiver at times. Moreover, instinctive, smart player who runs routes well and will hang onto the football. Creates substantial matchup problems, as he is too fast for most linebackers and too big for most safeties. Fant has elite athletic ability and can make things happen.

Weaknesses: Fant is not a terrible blocker, but he will never be known for that skill.  He indeed is not a "bulldozer" type who will do a lot of excellent run blocking. As athletic of a player that man shows on the field, there are those who believe that Fant needs to get a little stronger. While he generally has good hands, he occasionally has lapses in concentration and drops easy catches. He is only 21, which can have its' pluses and minuses. 
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Draft Grade: 5.75

Draft Projection:  1st Round

Does He Fit?: Yes, if he is available when the Rams pick towards the end of the first round. When Head Coach Sean McVay was the Redskins offensive coordinator, he utilized his tight ends in the passing game frequently. That process has not continued with his tenure with the Rams.  Also, while incumbent tight ends Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee have both had some big moments, there is a belief among many that they could improved. As good as Fant is, there is a chance that his Iowa teammate and fellow tight end, T.J. Hockensen might be picked ahead of him. Iowa has a long history of producing NFL tight ends and this year looks to be no exception.

​NFL Comparison: Eric Ebron
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