Arizona Cardinals Draft Profile: Eric Ebron

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead to the NFL draft next week, one of the names that comes up from time to time for the Arizona Cardinals is North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron.  The tight end position is not necessarily a need for the Cardinals now after the John Carlson signing and Jake Ballard re-signing but you also need to look at youth in the position as well.  Will he be available for the Cards at number 20?  We will find out on Thursday evening.  Draft time is 5pm Arizona time

There hasn’t been as much talk over the past couple of weeks about the Cards drafting a tight end in the first round as there was earlier in the offseason.  People still ask and wonder if they will go that route though.  I don’t see it at this point unless something significant happens before it is the Cards turn at 20.  If Ebron slips that far, it could be difficult to pass him up.

He is a smart player and plays with toughness.  He has good footwork and has good hands and can grab difficult throws.  That being said, Cards head coach Bruce Arians has always said his tight ends need to be great blockers first.  That’s where the iffy part of Ebron’s game comes in.  Ebron is strong and physical at times but he isn’t consistent in his blocking techniques.  He also has been knocked for his lack of aggression.  Blocking is a key element to the Cards offensive scheme at tight end.

On a scale of one to 10, 10 being the highest probability, I see the Ebron as a three.  I just can’t see the Cards taking Ebron now that they have John Carlson and want someone who possesses good catching and consistent blocking skills.