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According to TheDraftWire’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts recently had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Oregon tight end Jake Breeland—along with the New York Jets:
Adding to this, #Oregon TE Jake Breeland recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Colts & #Jets. https://t.co/LCoMtiNjUu
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 17, 2020
The 6’5”, 252 pound tight end caught 26 receptions for 405 receiving yards (15.6 ypr. avg.) and 6 touchdown receptions in 6 games during 2019—before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. Prior to the injury, he had been a go-to target for projected top quarterback Justin Herbert—as the Ducks’ leading receiver.
He finished 4th all-time among Oregon’s career receiving leaders at tight end with 1,225 career receiving yards.
Breeland is the son of former USC and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Garrett Breeland, so football is definitely in his bloodlines.
Unfortunately, he did not participate in the NFL Combine, as he’s still rehabilitating his knee.
Breeland isn’t the most dynamic athlete, but he has solid hands, excellent ball skills, and the ability to stretch the field vertically a bit at tight end.
He’s a very physical player after the catch and a willing blocker—but at times lacks functional strength to move defenders and push the pile. He’s also been highly regarded for both his competitiveness and high football I.Q.:
Did a Film Session earlier today with Oregon TE Jacob Breeland (@JakeBreeland10). Probably the most underrated TE in this class. Former WR who is also a pretty solid blocker.
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 13, 2020
Met with all but 3 NFL teams at the combine.
Met with #Rams, #Titans, #Packers, and others at Pro Day pic.twitter.com/B3Me0paSva
In a very weak TE class, Oregon TE Jacob Breeland (#27) is a personal favorite of mine. Not an explosive athlete but a reliable blocker with good hands in traffic. Oregon used him as a FB, sniffer, in line TE, and slot WR at times. Versatile and competitive player. pic.twitter.com/fWJo6xw3ES
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 11, 2020
Jacob Breeland, TE, Oregon pic.twitter.com/hoJKNRxByb
— Boston Cream (@itsbostoncream) January 15, 2020
He's a freshman pic.twitter.com/nVy5hX9kJW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 8, 2017
Here’s a more extensive film breakdown with Breeland via Stampede Blue’s very own Zach Hicks.
As noted, Breeland has experience playing in the slot, in-line, and as an H-back at tight end.
The Colts could use additional depth at tight end—particularly a receiving TE2, as Pro Bowler Eric Ebron departed to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
While the Colts still have another Pro Bowler Jack Doyle—as well as emerging tight end Mo Alie Cox, head coach Frank Reich prominently features two tight end sets in his offense.
Coming off a major knee injury and with average athleticism, Breeland projects as a late round draft pick, but he could be a nice complementary TE2 or TE3 for the Colts in time given his dependable all-around skill-set.