Mike Gesicki

in our view

Gesicki did most of his work as a massive slot receiver or on the wing but also saw out of the traditional in-line position. Regardless of where he lined up, his ability to create separation and haul in passes made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. The savviest route-runner of this year's tight end class, don't be surprised when Gesicki hears his name called (and enjoys success in the NFL) earlier than most project.

strengths

Gesicki offers rare coordination and acceleration for a man of with his dimensions, which includes a prototypical blend of height, long arms (34") and a tapered, athletic frame. He glides off the snap, smoothly accelerating into his route and showing excellent body control and savvy as a route-runner at the stem to shake safeties, consistently creating separation. Gesicki scoops the ball with natural hands, never allowing it inside to his pads or to where the defender might be able to reach around him to bat it away. He possesses impressive flexibility for a tight end, showing a huge catch radius with catches hauled thrown low, high and outside, including behind him. He can contort in the air to make the circus catch and shows very good agility, leaping ability and competitiveness to generate yards after the reception, lowering his shoulder and keeping his legs driving through contact. While lacking prototypical size for an in-line role, Gesicki's competitiveness also comes into play as a blocker. He is alert and physical at the point of attack, bending at the knees and looking to initiate contact and working to sustain. -- Rob Rang 2/2/2018

compares to

Zach Ertz, Eagles - This isn't a perfect comparison because at 6-5, 250 pounds Ertz has a little bit more of a traditional compact tight end frame and Gesicki is both longer and more agile. What makes them similar is more important than what makes them different, however. Each possess the athleticism and route-running savvy to consistently create separation (whether split wide, in-line or on the wing), as well as soft hands and enough strength and competitiveness to help as blockers. Like Ertz, (picked 35th overall in 2013), Gesicki is a likely Day Two pick who may wind up playing like a first rounder.

weaknesses

Gesicki could be seen as a bit of a 'tweener as he does not possess the strength to consistently create movement at the point of attack as an in-line blocker and, while a smooth accelerator, may not possess the straight-line speed preferred as a full-time receiver. He was rarely pressed at the college level and will need to work on gaining a clean release with many of his touches manufactured out of the wing... Though he has no known injury concerns, Gesicki possesses a relatively gangly frame and shows no fear in leaping and contorting in space, leaving his long limbs in danger of some ugly hits which could result in injury. - Rob Rang 2/2/2018

Was one of the nation's most highly-touted tight end prospects after earning four varsity letters for coach Chuck Donahue at Southern Regional High School

Ended his superlative career as the Rams' all-time leading receiver with 1,817 yards on 103 receptions, with 16 touchdown catches

As a senior, made 33 catches for 530 yards and four scores to garner Under Armour All-America, all-state and first-team All-Shore honors

His junior season featured a NJSIAA state runner-up finish and 50 catches for 954 yards and nine TDs

Named first-team All-Shore as a junior

As a sophomore, made 16 grabs for 276 yards and three scores to help the Rams to an 8-2 record and the school's first Shore Conference title since 1972

Played on the defensive side of the ball and corralled six interceptions and 23 tackles

Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game following his senior season

Rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com and a three-star prospect by ESPN

Rated as the top tight end recruit in the class of 2014 by 247Sports.com and was a Top 15 tight end prospect nationally according to ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com

Also was rated a Top 15 recruit in the state of New Jersey by ESPN, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com

A prep basketball and volleyball standout, earning a total of 12 letters in the three sports

Ended his career as the Rams' all-time leading scorer in basketball (1,867 points)

Named MVP of the East/West Basketball All-Star Game and was the champion of the 2014 state dunk contest

Helped Southern Regional to the NJSIAA State Championship and was named the 2013 New Jersey Player-of-the-Year.

Full name is Michael William Gesicki

Son of Michael and Donna Gesicki

Has two older sisters, Ashley and Kelsey

Enjoys playing sports, strength conditioning, spending time with family and friends and going to the beach

Intends to enroll in Penn State's Smeal College of Business

Born October 3, 1995 in Lakewood, N.J.

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