Corey Dyches NFL Draft Scouting Report
Corey Dyches, TE, California
Size:
Height: 6’0” (v) | Weight: 212 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Third-team All-Big Ten (2023)
“Corey Dyches projects as a versatile offensive weapon whose immediate path to snaps could come as the power slot flex option in a multi-TE offensive structure.”
Strengths:
Quick twitch
Versatility
Playmaking ability
Route-running
Concerns:
Tweener
Play strength in-line
Film Analysis:
Corey Dyches projects as a versatile offensive weapon whose immediate path to snaps could come as the power slot flex option in a multi-TE offensive structure. He has snaps in-line, in the slot, and flexed out to the perimeter. His frame and skill set showcase a larger wideout, but his toughness in the run game could see Dyches live at TE at the next level.
Moving into his first season at Cal after four campaigns in the Big Ten at Maryland, Dyches remains an intriguing athlete at the position. He showcases good explosiveness regardless of his alignment and has shown the ability to threaten coverage at all three levels. Dyches has sudden footwork and a diversified release package to keep defenders honest. Opposing defenses are wary to place linebackers or heavier box defenders on Dyches as his quickness and burst can lead to quick separation in the shallow areas. Does well in utilizing his body to keep defenders in his hip pocket, but more consistency is warranted in that area of his game.
Dyches has good hands but they're not elite by any means. Does well to get north-south after the catch and will utilize varied tactics to make defenders miss in open grass. Has the athleticism to accelerate past less fleet-of-foot defenders and the toughness to lower his shoulder and put a defender on the turf. Dyches’ skill set will allow offensive coordinators to remain unique in their personnel groupings and their correlating alignment at the snap. Along with his success in-line or flexed out, Dyches has flashes of aligning as the H-back in the backfield both as a lead blocker and as the primary on designated touches (Ohio State).
As a blocker, Dyches has room to improve both in his overall strength to hold up and in his technique at the position. His willingness to mix it up at the line is evident, but he can often be pushed around and thrown out of the play by more nuanced and experienced defenders. Asking Dyches to hold up for more than a few seconds is well-wishing at this point in time, further expanding his projection into a primary slot weapon at the next level.
Overall, Dyches is an intriguing playmaker whose skill set showcases a player worthy of touches within an offense. He has the release package and creativity as a runner to evolve into a rotational piece within an offense that prioritizes athletes in space. While his future remains muddy as a primary tight end, Dyches flashes the ability as a hybrid that could force mismatches at TE in 11 personnel.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Ohio State (2023), Penn State (2023), Michigan (2023)
