Luck: TE Fleener is an improved blocker
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, right, celebrates with tight end Coby Fleener after throwing him a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2011) Credit: AP
There's at least one person willing to vouch for the blocking abilities of tight end Coby Fleener: Andrew Luck.
Luck, who will be the Colts' No. 1 overall pick Thursday night, was Fleener's teammate for four years at Stanford. Luck said that while Fleener is more known for his receiving skills, he can be an every-down tight end in the NFL.
"He's dynamic enough," Luck said at an NFL Play 60 pre-draft event in Manhattan Wednesday. "Obviously his speed and his jumping ability [are good], but watching him improve as a blocker in college was special, especially his dedication in the weight room and the film room."
Fleener, who may be available to the Giants with the 32nd pick, said he considers himself a well-rounded player. Many scouts have concerns about his abilities as a blocker, even though he is 6-6 and 247 pounds. Luck used to be concerned, too.
"I know when I came in as a freshman he definitely wasn't the guy you wanted in there blocking, which is no knock to him," Luck said. "But he's worked on it and [last season] he was in there on the short-yardage, goal-line stuff. He was that guy."
1-800-wide-out
Stephen Hill, the wide receiver from Georgia Tech, said he hardly heard from the Giants during the scouting process. But in the last week or so they did contact him to get a phone number where they can reach him.
Last but not least
If they don't move up or back, the Giants will make the final selection in the first round for the third time in seven drafts. In 2006 they traded back seven spots from 25 to take Mathias Kiwanuka. After winning Super Bowl XLII they had the 31st pick. They took Kenny Phillips.
