Tanner Koziol

NFL Draft Profile: Tanner Koziol

Position: Tight End | School: Houston (via Ball State) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'7" | Weight: 250 lbs | Archetype: Receiving / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Tanner Koziol is one of the most productive, yet overlooked, tight end prospects in the country. He burst onto the scene at Ball State, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022. By 2024, he became a focal point of the Cardinals' offense, setting school records for a tight end with a massive 94-reception season.

Looking to prove his elite production translated to the Power Four level, Koziol transferred to Houston for the 2025 season. Standing 6'7", he immediately became a matchup nightmare in the Big 12. Koziol led the Cougars in receptions and was a frequent target in the red zone and on critical third downs. His performance in 2025 cemented him as a high-volume target with a massive catch radius, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and multiple postseason bowl invites (East-West Shrine Bowl).

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 74 | Receiving Yards: 727 | TDs: 6

• Average: 9.8 YPC | Long: 50 | Drops: 3

• Career Totals: 237 Rec, 2,234 Yds, 24 TD.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs UNLV	6 / 53 / 0	B	Solid debut; served as the primary chain-mover.
2	@ Oklahoma	9 / 82 / 0	A-	Proved he belongs in the Power Four; dominated the middle of the field.
3	vs Rice	7 / 65 / 1	A	TD 1. Displayed elite concentration on a contested end-zone grab.
4	@ Cincinnati	6 / 86 / 1	A	Career-long 50-yard catch; showcased surprising build-up speed.
5	vs Iowa State	2 / 10 / 0	C	Worst Game. Stifled by elite LB play; struggled with separation.
7	@ TCU	8 / 66 / 0	A-	High volume; reliable target in a tight, low-scoring affair.
8	@ Kansas	6 / 77 / 1	A	Red-zone force; used his 6'7" frame to shield defenders.
9	@ Arizona State	7 / 100 / 1	A+	The Apex. First 100-yard game at UH; physically dominant.
10	vs Utah	5 / 40 / 1	B+	Gritty TD catch through contact; effective goal-line weapon.
11	@ West Virginia	8 / 53 / 0	B	Massive target share; limited by game script but highly consistent.
12	vs Baylor	6 / 50 / 1	A-	Scored the game-winner; showcased elite high-point ability.
13	@ BYU	5 / 45 / 0	B-	Physical matchup; neutralized by BYU's veteran safeties.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 92/100

• Leadership: Vocal on the sidelines; praised by Willie Fritz for his professional approach.

• Mental Toughness: High; successfully navigated the jump from the MAC to the Big 12.

• Competitor: Elite. Relishes 50/50 balls and plays with a "basketball" post-up mentality.

• Team Player: Credits Houston’s coaching staff for his development as a blocker.

• Star Power: He is the engine of the Cougars' passing game; defenses must gameplan for him.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Height/Weight: 6'7", 250 lbs. (Exceeds both NFL benchmarks).

• Stamina: Exceptional; rarely leaves the field, even in high-tempo situations.

• Durability: High; played in every game during the 2025 campaign.

• Injury History: Medically clean; robust frame has handled high-volume hits.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Catching: Elite. Hands like a wide receiver; catches the ball away from his body.

• Route Running: Nuanced; understands leverage and how to sit in zone voids.

• Strength: Good functional strength, though could benefit from more "sand in the pants."

• Blocking: Improved. A willing blocker who uses his length well, though can be upright.

• Release: Fair; uses height to avoid jams, but needs more suddenness at the line.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 85/100

• Speed: 4.76 (Estimated). Not a burner, but has long-strider speed that eats up cushions.

• Agility: Solid for 6'7"; surprisingly fluid in and out of breaks for his height.

• Jumping: Elite. Basketball background shows in how he "boxes out" for rebounds.

• Acceleration: Build-up speed; takes a few steps to reach top gear.

• Break Tackle: Good; uses his massive frame to fall forward for 2-3 extra yards.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Awareness: High; exceptional at finding soft spots in the intermediate area.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Rare 6'7" frame with elite ball skills; massive catch radius that creates a "security blanket" for QBs; high-volume production in both the MAC and Big 12; elite high-point ability; high-character leadership traits.

• Weaknesses: Lacks "elite" suddenness or twitch; can be a bit "leggy" in tight route breaks; needs to continue developing core strength for in-line NFL blocking.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal "U" Tight End / Big Slot in a West Coast or Vertical system (e.g., Colts, Chargers, Bills).

• NFL Comparison: Mike Gesicki / Colby Parkinson.

Scout's Final Word

"Tanner Koziol is a skyscraper in cleats. In an NFL that values 'above the rim' targets who can win on third down and in the red zone, Koziol is a premium asset. While he isn't a traditional 'mauling' tight end, his sheer size and consistency as a pass-catcher make him a starter at the next level. Given the lower positional value of TEs, he is an early Day 3 value pick. Draft Projection: Round 4-5."