Saints trade up for TE Adam Trautman near end of 3rd round

The New Orleans Saints selected tight end Adam Trautman out of Dayton in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 105th overall.

New Orleans made a deal with the Minnesota Vikings to trade up for Trautman, sending the NFC North team Nos. 130, 169, 203, and 244 for No. 105.

The Saints don't have any more picks in the remaining four rounds.

Trautman caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final season at Daytona.

Prospect Profile

School: Dayton
Height: 6-5
Weight: 255 lbs

Positives

• Ideal size and frame for the position
• Good burst off the line of scrimmage to begin routes and out of breaks
• Sure-handed tight end with long arms and a massive catch radius
• Versatile - used often as a blocker, over the middle, and out wide/in space
• Effective run blocker with power at the point of attack and an ability to drive defenders forward
• Excellent ability to sink his hips in order to change direction
• Physical runner after the catch - has the ability to rack up yards after contact and has good contact balance

Negatives

• Didn't face a high level of competition in the FCS
• Average athlete, and his straight-line speed doesn't compare favorably to other prospects in his class
• Still learning the nuances of route-running versus zone coverage - at times will run into defenders before his breaks

Bottom line

Trautman is easily the most fascinating prospect in the 2020 tight end class. After dominating FCS competition at Dayton, the reigning PFL Offensive Player of the Year won't be able to bully defenders in the pros. Still, clubs will see potential due to his physicality, athletic profile, and polish as a route-runner. You'd assume the former Flyer is among the rawer prospects of his class since he didn't play the highest level of college football, but he's equally adept as a blocker and receiver, something most 2020 prospects can't say. While his lack of speed and ability to consistently separate may eventually limit his NFL production, Trautman can impact all offensive packages and create mismatches in the second level.