Jimmy Graham

TE · Miami (FL)
The word "upside" was made for athletic players like Graham, who has gone from solid basketball big man to big-time NFL prospect in the span of a few months. Comparisons to former Cal basketball star and future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez are natural - and becoming more realistic every day. A top 100 national recruit, Graham signed on to play hoops for the 'Canes in 2005. He started between nine and 11 contests in each of his four seasons, blocking 104 shots in 120 games. He joined the football team last August, and scored a touchdown on his first reception against Georgia Tech. He had a rough game the next week against Virginia Tech, with two important drops, but bounced back to finish the season strong. His 17 catches for 213 yards included five touchdowns, making him the sort of red-zone threat NFL teams covet at the tight end position. Graham told scouts that football was his first love, even though he hadn't played since the ninth grade, and that he turned down six figures to play basketball overseas. He should earn a lot more than that if he continues to learn the game and improve as a blocker at such a fast rate. His ridiculous Combine testing (4.50 40, 38.5" vertical at 6-6) and nice week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl only heightened the interest from scouts - you can't coach his height and athleticism.