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UCLA Football: Grading the 2017 UCLA Football tight ends

By Michael Chavez

Nov 26, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears cornerback Josh Drayden (20) tackles UCLA Bruins tight end Caleb Wilson (81) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium the California Golden Bears defeated the UCLA Bruins 36 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears cornerback Josh Drayden (20) tackles UCLA Bruins tight end Caleb Wilson (81) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium the California Golden Bears defeated the UCLA Bruins 36 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) makes the game tying two-point conversation catch against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) makes the game tying two-point conversation catch against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Now we can look at the depth at the TE position for the UCLA Football program. Here the grades will be based on potential since these guys haven’t seen game action yet. Their grades will be very similar until mid season.

The next guy up would have to be newly eligible Jordan Wilson. While having no relation to Caleb, Jordan is built very similarly and will likely be used in a similar fashion. Another long strider, Jordan is a well built TE who gives the Bruins a big, reliable target.

He’s another true inline TE and in my opinion if the Bruins were in a goal line formation I’d like to see both Wilsons lined up tight or even put on the same side in jumbo packages. Both of them are capable blockers and exceptional receivers. Having them both on the field in those situations would be a huge headache for defenses.

Jordan played both QB and TE in high school so in theory he he understands coverages and might even subscribe to the idea that a TE is a QB’s best friend. His use as a TE may look limited this year but that is only to ensure that he’s more familiar with the nuances that make an elite college TE elite.

As a backup TE I give Wilson a C+ grade.

Jimmy Jaggers is a true freshmen that enrolled early to get a jump on the competition and there’s a good chance he will see the field at some point this season. Jaggers is more of an old school TE in the sense that he’s a solid blocker and can be a safety valve in the passing game.

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He will likely never be much of a receiving threat downfield but in the short to intermediate zone he will see plenty of targets. He’s a crafty route runner at this point but his routes still need refinement. He reminds me of former NFL TE Matt Spaeth.

Jaggers will, in my estimation, find work in some goal line or jumbo packages and on special teams this year. He may also find work in the full back role given his ability to block.

Jaggers gets a C grade in my book.

Now we are going to take a look at two guys who will almost certainly not see game action in 2017.

Moses Robinson-Carr is another incoming freshmen like Jaggers but I think will need some time improving his strength and technique as a blocker. He’s more explosive than Jaggers but the numbers ahead of him will make it difficult for him to see the field.

Lastly we have to talk about Devin Asiasi who transferred from the University of Michigan this offseaon. A huge Bruin target, literally and figuratively, Asiasi is all but guaranteed to red shirt this year unless a magical waiver from the NCAA falls from the heavens. My question is how much bigger will Asiasi get (he’s listed at 287 pounds) and will the coaches try to move him to DE?

This UCLA Football TE group gets a collective grade of 2.25 or a C from me. Now that number can change as the season approaches and gets underway. Also both backup TEs were essentially given the C grade because we haven’t gotten the chance to see them yet.

Related Story: UCLA Football: Grading the 2017 Bruin quarterbacks

Did anyone get a higher grade than you expected or do you think I was too low on someone? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter. Also make sure to keep an eye out for the next episode in “Grading The” series where next time we move over to the defensive line.