Sources: Njoku leaning towards NFL draft

Nov 26, 2016

Although this should not be a surprise to Miami Hurricanes fans, sources tell CanesInSight.com tonight that redshirt sophomore David Njoku is leaning towards declaring for the NFL draft.

Njoku, who had two receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Duke on Saturday night, cracked a smile when asked after the game if he had put any thought into leaving, but did not commit to leaving or staying.

"We’re just focused on the bowl game right now and then I’m sure I’ll figure it out afterwards -- we’ll see," Njoku said.

Njoku has had a superb season for the Hurricanes, tallying 38 receptions for 654 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has career numbers of 59 catches, 1,016 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Scouts are intrigued by his combination of size (6-5, 245) and speed. The product of Cedar Grove High School in New Jersey doubles as a high jumper for Miami's track team.

Sources told CanesInSight that he has had his eye on the next level all season, and that his strong finish of 6 touchdowns over the last 5 games has all but sealed the deal. Mark Richt said tonight that he will sit down with draft-eligible Hurricanes players in the coming days to discuss their future.

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jw410

Nov 26, 2016

A dark skin Jordan Reed.. he will make a fortune in the league.. especially if he can cure those hands. Hankerson never could.. I hope he does

orange&green84

Nov 26, 2016

Looks like Njoku will be the next to add his name to TEU. Good lord, we'll have Olsen, Graham, Walford and Njoku.

Personally I'm 50/50 on him leaving. He's a great TE and it's an absolute joke he's not considered as a finalist for the Mackey award. The NFL drafts on potential, but he can be taught to block as you can't teach his speed and athleticism. Look at Jimmy Graham, not many were sold that he'd have the career that he's having, but here we are. Njoku looks more ready now then Jimmy did by a wide margin.

INCaneFan

Nov 26, 2016

I didn't see Graham being anywhere as good as he is and I'll be the first to admit that.

orange&green84

Nov 26, 2016

INCaneFan said:
I didn't see Graham being anywhere as good as he is and I'll be the first to admit that.

Don't think anyone did really. Graham's college stats are meh for the 1 year he played football. I remember his performance during that beatdown against Va Tech in Blacksburg back in 2009.

252cane

Nov 26, 2016

See what he does when they give him a 4th round grade.

INCaneFan

Nov 26, 2016

252cane said:
See what he does when they give him a 4th round grade.

I am bad with names, but are you the guy who I went back and forth last year about how I said Burns would go in the first? 4th round, he's not dropping that far and anyone giving that grade should consider a new profession.

theibisrules

Nov 27, 2016

Best to do his homework

C
canes_aaron

Nov 27, 2016

IMO njoku should stay. Come back have a monster year and be a top 15 pick next year . He is a physical freak and shown what he has capable of, and would Improve stock at the combine, that's for sure...but still think he could I,prove on returning for extra year. If kaaya stays also and somehow we improve OL play I think we contend for playoffs next year

Freddie Bear

Nov 27, 2016

It will be interesting to see if he gets a first or second round grade. If so he is gone. Walford stayed the extra year and it benefited him.

AHURT12

Nov 27, 2016

Would make a great Raven.

C
Canedude08

Nov 27, 2016

Tony Perps said:
Njoku is better than all of those guys and he has barely scratched the surface.

He's not, those guys actually have film to back up their physical attributes. Bucky Hodges is similar to Njoku, only he has caught almost double the passes in his career. Jake Butt is a complete tight end, he can play both inline and split. Did I mention that both of those two players can block, something Njoku can't do? I think David is the kind of player that a GM falls in love with, based on how he looks, and his combine, but the kind of team you want to play for will look at his film and ask some pointed questions. How can a guy this athletic, this talented be a nonfactor for most of his career?

C
Canedude08

Nov 27, 2016

orange&green84 said:
INCaneFan said:

I didn't see Graham being anywhere as good as he is and I'll be the first to admit that.

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Don't think anyone did really. Graham's college stats are meh for the 1 year he played football. I remember his performance during that beatdown against Va Tech in Blacksburg back in 2009.

Jimmy was a weird case because he could only play one year. People drafted him based on potential, and his basketball background. That said, Njoku has the opportunity to come back, and play another year to boost his stock. It doesn't make sense to ***** yourself just so you can be in the league a year early, if you are cheating yourself out of first round money.

Brometheus

Nov 27, 2016

He's amazing, but I think it would benefit him to come back next year ( especially if Kaaya stays). He balls out next year and he's a top 10 pick like Ebron.Simple as that.

Tony Perps

Nov 27, 2016

Canedude08 said:
Tony Perps said:

Njoku is better than all of those guys and he has barely scratched the surface.

Click to expand...

He's not, those guys actually have film to back up their physical attributes. Bucky Hodges is similar to Njoku, only he has caught almost double the passes in his career. Jake Butt is a complete tight end, he can play both inline and split. Did I mention that both of those two players can block, something Njoku can't do? I think David is the kind of player that a GM falls in love with, based on how he looks, and his combine, but the kind of team you want to play for will look at his film and ask some pointed questions. How can a guy this athletic, this talented be a nonfactor for most of his career?

Njoku was more productive than all of them this year but I guess he doesn't have "film" to back up his atrributes. Please shut up.

S
sfowler06

Nov 27, 2016

Chief Njoku will be the best TE in the draft this year or next. Get that money, youngin! Herndon's time to grind and shine!

Dwinstitles

Nov 27, 2016

Giants need a te and he should go

Tad Footeball

Nov 27, 2016

Kid looks pro ready but maybe wait and get that Draft evaluation first? (Weirdly) He hasn't even been on Ol' Mel Kiper's radar.

cane since birth

Nov 27, 2016

2-3 rounder

OBLIVION

Nov 27, 2016

Needs to come back and improve himself and this team.

TemplarCane

Nov 27, 2016

Deep draft for tight ends. There may be others projecting a complete skill set - hands and blocking. I think Njoku could drop to the second round unless his combine and private workouts show he can develop into a complete TE and not just a big WR.

If he declares I hope the Bucs draft him.

FWIW, one online 'guide' ranks Njoku the third-best TE. All prospects seem to need work on blocking.

https://walterfootball.com/draft2017TE.php

I think Njoku may not be on some lists since he's a redshirt sophomore. He will be near the top of most lists once/if he declares.

Last edited: Nov 27, 2016

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Sources: Njoku leaning towards NFL draft

Sources: Njoku leaning towards NFL draft

Comments (118)

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