Luke Schoonmaker NFL Draft Scouting Report

TE, Michigan Wolverines

Coming out of high school, Luke Schoonmaker was rated as a three-star recruit. Schoonmaker was a versatile athlete—he was on the baseball team along with football. He played multiple positions on the gridiron like quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, and cornerback. After a little time, he became a starter and staple of the Wolverines’ power run game. 

Schoonmaker is a willing and effective blocker in the run game. He fits his hands well and shows the play strength to turn defenders to seal the edges. Blocking may be his best trait overall. Schoonmaker’s ability to block allows him to work on tight end delay concepts in the passing game. He is an effective receiving option off of play-action. Whether attacking up the seams, in the flats, or on crossers, Schoonmaker can find open opportunities within the defensive coverage. He has a good feel for attacking zone coverages. As a result, he can be a reliable quick option in the passing game. I like the way he fights through contact initially during his stems. He displayed good strong hands to make his share of difficult catches. 

Schoonmaker’s receiving production was underwhelming, to say the least. He was never viewed as a priority in Michigan’s passing attack. Only one season of over 200 yards receiving leaves a lot to be desired regarding his receiving potential. I believe he can benefit from improving his angles in run blocking, especially climbing/leading into the second level of the defense. This will improve his efficiency as a movement blocker. Schoonmaker lacks the elusiveness to create yards after the catch. I can envision him struggling to separate from man coverage at the next level. 

Schoonmaker’s ceiling is more than likely limited due to his age. He will be a 25-year-old rookie tight end in 2023. I project him as a TE2 or 3 for a run-oriented offense. His ability to block and work underneath coverages will provide opportunities for success in 12-personnel packages. He can line up as an H-back in pistol sets and motion into the slot. I believe he will be most effective in an offense with vertical receivers to free up space in the short and intermediate regions of the field.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Blocking upside
• Vertical seam threat
• Competitiveness

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Underwhelming production
• Yards after the catch
• Contested catch

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 6′ 5”

Weight: 251 lbs

Arm Length: 32 7/8”

Hand Size: 9”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.63s

Vertical Jump: 33.5”

Broad Jump: 10′ 7”

Short-Shuttle: 4.27s

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: TBD 

Ideal Role: Secondary tight end

Scheme Fit: Run-oriented offense

TDN Consensus Grade: 75.00/100 (Third-Round Value)

• Parson Grade: 75.00/100

Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Maryland (2022), Purdue (2022), Michigan State (2022), Indiana (2022)

Luke Schoonmaker NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.