The 2023 NFL Draft class features one of the more talented and deeper tight end classes in a few seasons with plenty of value to be found in the later rounds, which is where Albany TE Thomas Greaney is a name to watch as a potential mid-round value. While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Greaney’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Thomas Greaney NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Tight End
- School: Albany
- Year: Redshirt Senior
A two-sport athlete at Lawrence Academy, Greaney followed a similar path to many tight ends nowadays with a basketball background. Not only did he average 14 points and 10 rebounds, but he also played both sides of the ball as a tight end and as a safety. He caught 10 passes for three touchdowns and made 30 tackles in his final year before committing to FCS Albany.
Greaney appeared in four games but maintained his redshirt. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he appeared in 12 games at TE and recorded five catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns on the season, which both came against Maine in early November.
2020 and 2021 didn’t account for much. Greaney only appeared in one game and pulled in one reception during the COVID-shortened season. Although he did appear in 10 games as a redshirt junior, he accounted for 234 yards on 17 receptions, including a long of 73 against Morgan State.
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2022 saw him put everything together. Greaney finished the year with 50 receptions for 693 yards in nine touchdowns while appearing in all 11 games. Greaney was named to the Phil Steele All-American Second Team, the All-ECAC Offensive Team, the All-CAA First Team, and the Stats Perform FCS All-American Second Team.
Greaney measured in at 6’6″ but is a bit undersized at 249 pounds. At his pro day, Greaney ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash with a 4.36 20-yard shuttle and a 7.28-second three-cone drill. He jumped 33″ in the vertical, 9’4″ in the broad, and put up 16 reps on the bench for a slightly underwhelming 4.24 RAS.
But to get a better picture of Greaney’s overall skill set, we have to look at his scouting report heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Thomas Greaney
Strengths: Large pass-catching tight end with average speed. Smooth releasing off the line of scrimmage, quickly gets to top speed, and displays good route discipline. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands, and makes the reception away from his frame.
Displays soft and strong hands with the ability to snatch the ball from the air. Follows the quarterback across the field to make himself an available target and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Bends his knees, stays square as a blocker, and gives effort.
Weaknesses: Slows into blocks, lacks explosiveness at the point, and struggles finishing off opponents. Plays to one speed and isn’t a vertical threat as a tight end. Displays average quickness.
Overall: Greaney was considered a potential late-round choice entering the season, and he showed a lot of improvement in his game in 2022. That said, he lacks the speed and athleticism to be a move tight end and doesn’t show enough strength at the point of attack to be an in-line blocker. While Greaney has enough skill to be a third TE for an NFL team, he’ll have to do it the hard way as an undrafted free agent.
Thomas Greaney’s Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 249 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 1/2″
- Hand Size: 10″
- Bench Press: 16 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.81
- Vertical Jump: 33″
- Broad Jump: 10’0″
- Three-Cone Drill: 7.28
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
Note: All times and measurements are from Albany’s Pro Day.
Albany TE Thomas Greaney Current Draft Projection
If you need a tight end, the 2023 draft class is for you. Between Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, Luke Musgrave, Sam LaPorta, Darnell Washington, and Tucker Kraft, we could see six TEs hear their name called in the first two rounds, with multiple potentially in the first round.
However, Greaney will likely have to wait a while to hear his name called, assuming it does. Currently, Greaney is the TE21 on Tony Pauline’s Big Board and the No. 332 overall prospect, with a 3.22 grade and a draft projection that places him outside of the draftable range as a UDFA.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Greaney is smaller compared to the NFL standard for his position, but he has the frame where he should be able to put on weight once he enters an NFL conditioning program — something which will feel very different than what he was accustomed to at Albany.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely Greaney will see the field anytime soon, as his blocking skills will not translate as easily, given his frame. However, a team could take a gamble on him in the later rounds to avoid the UDFA bidding process. If he puts together a successful summer, Greaney could be in contention for a spot on the practice squad where he can develop or even the 53-man roster as a potential red-zone threat.