Ben Skowronek is the draft gem that no one is talking about

It’s becoming so hard to find the ones that can actually make a difference in the league. All the Gronk’s, Kittle’s, and Kelce’s of the world are scarce. In this year’s draft, there is one tight end who is quietly waiting to change the game- and his name is Ben Skowronek.

Skowronek was a budding star at Northwestern University who transferred to Notre Dame for his senior year. In his lone year in South Bend, Ben Skowronek was given the task of taking over for the departed Chase Claypool.

During his sophomore and junior seasons in Evanston is where he had his most productive seasons, including this Big Ten West title-clinching catch against Iowa that was absolutely incredible to watch.

Skowronek is 6’2″, 220lbs with 10″ hands. He may not be ready for a WR1 role, but more of a WR2/WR3 usage. There’s also the fact that he could become a tight end, similar to how Dan Arnold evolved when he came into the league.

Teams will most likely have to be patient with Skowronek who suffered a Jones fracture in his foot during practice in the week of this year’s Senior Bowl.

Scouts have said that he’s not the greatest on speed. Which really isn’t an issue because he makes up for it with great ball skills and being able to make great cuts no matter which part of his route tree he is running.

The Arizona Cardinals need to replace Arnold because Darrell Daniels is pseudo-offensive lineman with a pass-eligible number. The team doesn’t need to sweat as Skowronek will be a day 3 pick that other teams may not pay much attention to.

Arnold was the teams best tight end since Jackie Smith and/or Jay Novacek. Arnold accumulated around 540 yards and 6 touchdowns In his short two years with the team. The athleticism he had will be matched by Skowronek, albeit just not that much in the straight line speed department.

Skowronek’s ability to be crisp in his route running is a strong case for why Andy Isabella should be concerned if  Ben Skowronek is drafted. The height, smarts, and leadership skills will be a bonus for the wide receiving corps.