Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft inching closer, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Old Dominion TE Zack Kuntz.
Zack Kuntz NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Tight End
- School: Old Dominion
- Year: Redshirt Senior
Kuntz was a four-star recruit out of Camp Hill High School in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. He had offers to play at Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State. Instead, he chose to remain local and commit to Penn State.
Kuntz spent three years at Penn State but wasn’t part of the offense at all. As a freshman, he caught one pass for nine yards, resulting in him qualifying as a redshirt. In his redshirt freshman season, Kuntz caught two passes for 18 yards.
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At Penn State, Kuntz primarily played special teams. His special-teams experience will benefit him when he reaches the NFL, but as a college athlete, he wanted to be more involved on offense. As a result, Kuntz transferred to Old Dominion ahead of the 2021 season, which was technically his redshirt-sophomore season after not playing at all in 2020.
Kuntz immediately broke out as a receiver, catching 73 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. His performance earned him the honor of first-team All-Conference USA.
In his final collegiate season, Kuntz only played in five games before an injury cut his season short. Overall, Kuntz hauled in 85 receptions for 836 yards and seven touchdowns in his 18 games at Old Dominion.
Zack Kuntz Scouting Report
Strengths: Penn State transfer who quickly releases off the line of scrimmage into pass routes, uses his hands to separate from defenders, and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Smooth and fluid moving about the field, remains focused, and gets vertical to snatch the ball from the air.
Displays terrific blocking vision, stays square, and shows strength at the point. Seals defenders from the action or opens up running lanes. Above-average route runner for a tight end who sticks his foot in the ground and then quickly gets into breaks. Shows good route discipline. Possesses long arms and big hands. Turned in a tremendous Combine workout.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t show much burst. Not a true downfield threat. Gets average results as a blocker. Coming off an injury-shortened campaign.
Overall: Kuntz was highly rated coming into the season before suffering an injury that ended his campaign after five games. He went on to perform brilliantly during Combine workouts. Kuntz possesses the measurables and football skills necessary to develop into a starting tight end once he returns to the field.
Zack Kuntz Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’6 5/8″
- Weight: 255 pounds
- Arm Size: 34″
- Hand Size: 10 1/4″
- Bench Press: 23
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.55
Old Dominion TE Zack Kuntz Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Kuntz ranked 183rd overall and is projected to be drafted in the sixth round. With a 3.38 grade, he is Pauline’s TE13 in this class.
Kuntz broke out late but was incredibly dominant in his first season at Old Dominion. His 26.4% target share was exceptional. While he may be projected to be a late Day 3 pick, if ever there were a tight end who could overcome his draft capital, it’s a guy like Kuntz.
Kuntz checks many of the boxes NFL teams should look for when taking a shot on a Day 3 guy, particularly at tight end. In addition to displaying receiving chops and being involved in special teams, Kuntz has what cannot be taught — uber athleticism.
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As with any Day 3 pick, Kuntz is more likely to fizzle out than not. But the man ran a time of 4.55 seconds in the 40 at 6’7″, 255 pounds. His speed score ranks in the 98th percentile, and his burst and agility are also elite as well. Additionally, Kuntz has a massive catch radius.
We rarely see Day 3 picks go on to be superstars, but we’ve seen plenty of them go on to have solid careers. Kuntz would do well to add his name to that list. Superstardom certainly is not likely in the cards for him, but it’s at least a little bit more likely than the guys drafted around him who aren’t as athletic.
Kuntz has attributes that cannot be taught. If he can learn the TE position in the NFL, perhaps he can emerge as a starting tight end. Right now, Kuntz profiles as solid roster depth for the right team. His athletic abilities should keep him in the NFL, even if he’s never more than a team’s TE3.