OVERVIEW
Named two-time first-team FCS All-American (2014 and 2013) and was a three-time first-team All-MVFC selection (2014, 2013, 2012). In 2014, posted school record 81 catches and finished with 861 yards and 13 touchdowns. Led all Division I tight ends in catches, yards and touchdowns. In 2013, finished third in the nation in catches and second in receiving yards for a tight end. Missed the final two games after suffering a fractured left tibia. Started all 11 games in 2012 and ranked fourth nationally in receiving yards for a tight end. Named honorable mention All-MVFC as a redshirt freshman in 2011. In high school was a three time All-Conference defensive end before becoming a first-team All-Conference tight end his senior season. Played basketball and volleyball in high school. Holds the school record for receptions (221) and receiving yards (2,601). Had at least one catch in 43 of his 44 games played. His first name is pronounced my-COLE.
View images of new Vikings TE Mycole Pruitt from his time at Southern Illinois.
STRENGTHS
Hands are a plus. Hands-catcher who adjusts to the ball. Catches while covered and secures in traffic. Plays with above-average football intelligence. Finds openings in zones and exploits them. Highly productive four-year starter. Despite obvious attention from defenses, he still got his. Had 10 catches for 136 yards against Purdue in 2014. Displays the ability to be an in-line blocker with more coaching. Blocks with good base and core strength.
WEAKNESSES
Squatty and plays with limited bend. Tight through hips. Fails to sink hips into breaks, running tight routes and struggling to separate because of it. Inconsistent effort as back-side run blocker and pass protector. Play speed is marginal. Doesn't show consistent competitive toughness as a goal-line blocker and gears down in his routes if he doesn't anticipate getting the ball.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 4 or 5
NFL COMPARISON
Daniel Fells
BOTTOM LINE
The production is impressive. It warrants attention and accolades, but the tape shows an alarming inconsistency of effort and competitive fire. Pruitt won't be considered a plus athlete for the position by NFL standards, so he must crank up the motor and keep it running -- especially when asked to block since that might be his way onto a team.* *
Courtesy NFL.com
