Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Lacks speed to maintain space, and can be run down by faster athletes.
• No elite athletic trait to heavily rely on.
• Catch radius is not great, not easily able to pull in off-target passes
• Needs to adapt to complex defensive schemes to be successful against the more sophisticated and faster-paced play in the NFL
• Plays too tall in routes, and lacks elite sink and flexibility.
• Blocking skills are very underdeveloped - due to his overall inexperience in playing offense

Scouting Report: Summary

Cade Stover presents a nice blend of toughness and explosiveness, making him a quality tight end prospect despite his relative inexperience. His transition from pass-rusher to tight end highlights his adaptability, though his rawness in the position manifests in his route running and blocking. Stover's ability to move in traffic and work between zones needs refinement, a skill that should improve with NFL-level coaching. His physicality and assertiveness as a blocker are notable, but he must develop consistency, particularly in driving his feet to maintain blocks.

However, questions about his route-running acumen and ability to separate against man coverage remain. This limitation might restrict him to specific roles or systems in the NFL.

Stover's current skill set and growth potential make him an attractive draft prospect, particularly for teams looking for a physically dominant tight end who can contribute both in the passing game and eventually as a blocker. While he may not project as a dynamic field-stretcher, his strong hands, physicality, and potential to develop into a more nuanced route runner position him as a promising developmental starter in the NFL.