2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Cade Stover, TE Ohio State
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Cade Stover, Ohio State TE. Stover, a four-star-rated prospect and the 5th-ranked outside linebacker in the 2019 class graduated from Lexington High School in Mansfield, Ohio.
During his freshman year, Stover was considered one of the top-ranked linebackers in the country and enrolled at Ohio State. Although he played multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball for the first two years, he only played a total of 3 games. However, in his third season with the Buckeyes in 2021, he found his niche as a tight end for the team. He played in 13 games, catching 5 balls for 76 yards. In the Rose Bowl game against Utah, Stover had a breakthrough moment when he realized he could make a difference as a tight end.
During the 2022 season, Stover worked with tight end coach Keenan Bailey to improve his explosiveness and hand-eye coordination. The results were impressive as Stover caught 36 passes for 406 yards and 5 touchdowns.
As he entered his senior year, Stover had his sights set on getting drafted into the NFL. His hard work paid off as Stover finished second on the team in receptions and yards, putting up 41 catches for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Stover set his sights on the NFL draft, and at the NFL combine put together an 8.33 Relative Athletic Score. Solidifying his stock for the 2024 draft in April.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2019 | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | LB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2020 | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | TE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2021 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SO | TE | 13 | 5 | 76 | 15.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 76 | 15.2 | 0 | |
| *2022 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SR | 13 | 36 | 406 | 11.3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 406 | 11.3 | 5 | ||
| *2023 | Ohio State | Big Ten | SR | TE | 12 | 41 | 576 | 14.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 576 | 14.0 | 5 | |
| Career | Ohio State | 82 | 1058 | 12.9 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 1058 | 12.9 | 10 | |||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Tough-as-nails player, who does whatever is asked of him at the NFL level.
- More than a capable blocker at his size.
- A natural athlete who is skilled at tracking the ball.
- More quick than fast, which shows up in his separation.
- He punishes defenders and makes you work hard to earn every tackle.
Weaknesses
- Still raw at the position, as he has only played tight end for 3 seasons.
- He needs to improve his route running in the NFL and can be indecisive at times.
- Tends to run upright, and loses edge in routes.
- Lacks the ability to stretch defenses deep.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 4
Ideal Landing Spot: New England Patriots
Cade Stover is an intriguing prospect as a tight end, given that he has only been playing the position for three years. However, he possesses a versatile skill set that can be utilized on all three downs, he often relies on his athleticism to compensate for his lack of experience at the position.
Pairing Hunter Henry with Cade Stover would be a perfect fit for the New England team. This would allow Cade to learn from a professional and develop his game without the pressure of being the go-to guy from day one. This approach will help build Cade’s skills and experience, and he can fully take over the job by 2025.
Cade is not expected to make an immediate impact in fantasy football but has the potential to become a top-12 tight end in the future.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 4.123 to the Houston Texans
Stoveer
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Cade Stover below.
