Miami’s Elijah Arroyo has always flashed the potential of a big-time NFL tight end, but injuries have limited his time on the field. Now, after a strong 2024 season (590 yards, 7 TDs) and an eye-catching Senior Bowl performance, Arroyo has put his name on the map as a legitimate draft prospect.
Elite Receiving Traits & Playmaking Ability
At 6’4, 245 lbs, Arroyo blends size, speed, and natural receiving ability, making him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
Soft Hands & Natural Catching Ability – Arroyo is one of the more fluid pass-catching tight ends in this class, with strong hands and the ability to track the ball in traffic.
YAC Specialist – His ability to find soft spots in coverage and create yards after the
catch makes him an explosive option. He consistently turned 2-4 catch games into 50+ yard performances at Miami.
Mismatch Weapon – Arroyo’s speed stood out at the Senior Bowl, allowing him to separate from defenders and intrigue scouts about his NFL Combine 40-yard dash time.
Versatility – With his wide receiver-like skillset, Arroyo can line up in-line, in the slot, or even outside, giving an NFL offense a movable chess piece.
Development Areas & Concerns
Despite his high ceiling, there are two main concerns surrounding Arroyo heading into the draft.
Injury History – Back-to-back season-ending injuries earlier in his college career have left some teams wondering if he can stay on the field. Durability will be a major talking point in his evaluations.
Blocking Needs Improvement – Arroyo’s blocking is functional, but he will need to improve his technique and strength to be an every-down tight end.
Expanding His Route Tree – While he’s effective in finding openings in coverage, adding more route diversity will help him excel at the next level.
NFL Draft Projection & Best Fits
With his combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability, Arroyo fits the mold of a modern NFL tight end who can create mismatches.
Projected Round: Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) – A strong Combine performance could push him into the late second round, but injury concerns could also make him an early Day 3 steal.
Final Thoughts
If Elijah Arroyo stays healthy, his upside as a pass-catching tight end is undeniable. He has elite ball skills, speed, and playmaking ability, giving him a real shot at becoming a high-impact NFL player. While his injury history and blocking ability raise concerns, teams in need of a dynamic offensive weapon will be keeping a close eye on him.
If things break right, Arroyo has All-Pro potential at the next level.