by Ryan Myers
Photo courtesy of University of Utah Athletics.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Utah, Tight End, Brant Kuithe
Name - Brant Kuithe
Pos - TE
Team - Utah
HT/WT - 6’2” 229 lbs.
Born - 12/14/1999
Home – Katy, TX
Brant Kuithe is a smaller, receiving-minded tight end out of Cinco Ranch High School in
his hometown of Katy, Texas. He was graded as a 3-star recruit by both Rivals.com and
247sports. He earned District 19-6A MVP as a senior in 2017 by rushing for 1,041 yards
and 18 touchdowns and having seven receptions for 70 yards and one receiving
touchdown. He did all this while only playing in seven games due to injury at the end of
the season.
As a freshman at Utah in 2018, Kuithe played in all 14 games while starting in two of
them, hauling in 20 receptions for 227 yards. This was enough to earn him nine starts in
both the 2019 and 2021 seasons while playing in each of the team’s 28 games in those
two years. He led the team in receiving yards in 2021 with 611 yards on 50 receptions.
He also scored 6 touchdowns. This is noteworthy considering that he shared the tight
end room with one of the top tight ends in last season’s draft class, Buffalo Bills’ Dalton
Kincaid.
In 2022, Kuithe played in the first 4 games of the season before suffering a season
ending ACL tear. In these 4 games, he was on pace for a 57 reception, 618 yard, 9
touchdown season, but was unable to return to the field. He used his medical redshirt
last season which gave him the opportunity to return to Utah this season for his final
campaign with the Utes. He has not seen the field yet in 2023.
As an NFL prospect, Kuithe has great body control, reliable hands, and good run after
catch ability. His shiftiness and quick feet paired with his body control and balance make
him an incredible route runner. He hauls in most throws within his catch radius, making
him a valuable receiving option for any offense. He is agile and sudden, taking
advantage of his compact frame and “quicks.”
Kuithe, however, is small for NFL tight ends, limiting his blocking ability and in-line
blocking assignments. He will likely need to be set up away from the line to be efficient
in the passing game. He possesses average speed for the next level and will have
issues breaking tackles. His size limits his ability to be a three down player and will
likely be relegated to duties as a passing down specialist.
Strengths
- Route Running
- Run After Catch
- Reliable Hands
- Creative Runner
Weaknesses
- Size/Strength
- Speed
- Blocking
- Injuries
Final Analysis
Brant Kuithe has proven that when he is healthy, the passing game can be run through
him. He led the team in receiving yards in 2021 and was on pace to do so again in 2022
before his injury. He uses his quickness and great hands to run efficient and effective
routes and catches any ball thrown his way with hands like glue.
He may not be as large or strong as other NFL tight ends, but he brings value in his
creative running and make-miss ability. He is great after the catch even though he
possesses average speed and is not strong enough to run through tackles. His
receiving upside will help him climb draft boards despite his mediocre blocking skills
from the tight end position.
Draft 412 Draft Prediction - 6TH OR 7TH ROUND