Justin Joly

NFL Draft Profile: Justin Joly

Position: Tight End | School: NC State (via UConn) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 263 lbs | Archetype: Receiving / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Justin Joly transitioned from a two-star high school wide receiver to one of the most productive "move" tight ends in the country. After two standout seasons at UConn, where he led the Huskies in receiving as a sophomore, Joly transferred to NC State to prove himself in the Power Four.

His 2025 season cemented his draft stock, as he earned First-Team All-ACC honors. Serving as the primary engine for the Wolfpack's intermediate passing game, Joly led the team in receptions (49) and receiving touchdowns (7). He is widely regarded as a mismatch weapon who retains the fluidity of his wide receiver background while possessing the 260+ lb frame required for the NFL trenches.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 49 | Receiving Yards: 489 | TDs: 7

• Average: 10.0 YPC | Long: 59 | Drops: 2

• Career Totals: 166 Rec, 1,978 Yds, 15 TD.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs East Carolina	5 / 27 / 0	B	Solid floor; reliable chain-mover in a tight opener.
2	vs Virginia	4 / 41 / 0	B+	Dominant blocking; high-pointed a crucial first down.
3	@ Wake Forest	4 / 22 / 2	A	Red Zone Masterclass. Two scores on specialized packages.
4	@ Duke	5 / 63 / 0	B+	Mismatch against LBs; consistent separation in the slot.
5	vs Virginia Tech	6 / 60 / 0	A-	High-volume usage; technically sound route running.
6	vs Campbell	4 / 43 / 1	B+	Controlled the seam; effortless score in limited action.
7	@ #9 Notre Dame	2 / 8 / 0	D+	Worst Game. Stifled by elite speed; struggled to find windows.
9	@ Pittsburgh	6 / 101 / 2	A+	The Apex. Career game; 59-yard explosive play; pure dominance.
11	@ #10 Miami	1 / 7 / 0	C	Limited by game script; focus was on pass protection.
12	vs Florida State	5 / 66 / 1	A	High-intensity play; physical TD catch through contact.
13	vs North Carolina	5 / 30 / 1	A-	Rivalry hero; caught the go-ahead score in the "State" win.
14	vs Memphis (Bowl)	2 / 21 / 0	B	Gasparilla Bowl winner; capped a disciplined career.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 91/100

• Leadership: Developed into a vocal leader at NC State; praised for his "workman" attitude.

• Mental Toughness: High; moved from a focal point at UConn to a high-pressure role in the ACC seamlessly.

• Competitor: High. Plays with a "big receiver" edge; attacks 50/50 balls.

• Team Player: Total buy-in; praised by staff for his willingness to block in heavy sets.

• Star Power: He has the highlight-reel capability that changes defensive game plans.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 86/100

• Height/Weight: 6'3", 263 lbs. (Exceeds weight, but under 6'5" height benchmark).

• Stamina: Exceptional; stays fluid late into the 4th quarter.

• Durability: Played nearly every game across four seasons; high reliability.

• Injury History: Medically clean; robust build has handled the SEC/ACC physicality well.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Catching: Elite. High contested-catch rate; vacuum hands in traffic.

• Route Running: Elite. Rare hip-sink for a player his size; creates easy separation.

• Strength: Proportional; uses a wide base to shield defenders.

• Blocking: Average/Willing. Technically sound, but lacks the "mauler" length.

• Release: Wide receiver-esque; uses sudden footwork to bypass press.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 89/100

• Speed: 4.70 (Estimated). Good build-up speed; difficult to catch in the open field.

• Agility: Strength. Lacrosse background shows in his short-area quickness.

• Jumping: Excellent; verticality allows him to play taller than 6'3".

• Acceleration: Explosive first step; threatens the seam immediately.

• Break Tackle: High; uses a powerful lower half to churn for extra yards.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Awareness: Elite; former WR/QB background allows him to read zone rotations instantly.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Elite ball skills and body control; rare movement skills for a 260lb frame; extensive experience in the slot and in-line; "Move" TE potential is massive; First-Team All-ACC production against top competition.

• Weaknesses: Lacks prototypical "Y" height (6'3"); shorter arms can limit catch radius on high-velocity throws; blocking is functional but not "dominant."

• Scheme Fit: Ideal "U" Tight End / Big Slot in a Modern 11-Personnel offense (e.g., Packers, Vikings, Rams).

• NFL Comparison: Jonnu Smith / Chigm Okonkwo.

Scout's Final Word

"Justin Joly is a 'weight-room' tight end with 'wide-receiver' feet. While he might not be the 6'6" tower that scouts traditionally drool over, his ability to separate from linebackers and win at the catch point is among the best in this class. He is a perfect 'chess piece' for a creative play-caller. Draft Projection: Round 4."