NFL scouts already buzzing over mismatch ability of Oklahoma Sooners offensive weapon at the next level
The NFL is starting to take notice of Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak
The Oklahoma Sooners have enjoyed a breakout season from position convert Jaren Kanak, who flipped sides from linebacker to tight end. Kanak has vaulted himself into contention for the John Mackey Award as the best tight end in the country with his production and frequent big plays for the Sooners’ offense in 2025.
Despite only playing four games, Kanak still leads the country in receiving yards by a tight end with 304 and is doing so on just 18 catches (12th in the nation). He and quarterback John Mateer have formed a strong connection, and have become a duo that has delivered time and time again for Oklahoma this season.
His strong play has caught the attention of NFL scouts already, who see the mismatch potential that Kanak brings as an option out of the backfield. As the NFL turns back the clock with heavier personnel, Kanak brings a lot to the table that will intrigue NFL scouts, especially with his athleticism.
Kanak’s Movement Skills Pop to Scouts
Kanak isn’t an ordinary tight end prospect. I don’t believe people understand just how tremendous of an athlete he was coming out of high school, and he’s only gotten better throughout his college days. As a junior weighing ~200 pounds, Kanak ran a 10.37 in the 100M and a 22.06 in the 200M. There’s an argument to be made that Kanak is pound-for-pound the best pure athlete on the Sooners’ roster.
He’s a natural athlete and it shows on the field. Not only that, but his fundamentals at the position have stood out so far. He’s a strong catcher with zero drops so far and boasts a 100% contested catch success rate this season.
NFL scouts have already come knocking on Oklahoma’s door asking about him, and it’s no surprise. The NFL is turning back the clock some on offense, and we’re seeing an uptick in usage in heavier personnel and two-back sets, two areas where Kanak could see plenty of action. Even as a traditional tight end, there are so many creative ways that an NFL playcaller can take advantage of his athleticism.
Kanak isn’t a strong blocker. How can an NFL team mitigate that? Simple, copy the formula that teams have already used for Pat Freiermuth, Zach Ertz, Sam LaPorta, Juwan Johnson, Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Trey McBride, and Dallas Goedert by lining him up inline less than 35% of the time. Want a high-target plan for a tight end you can deploy in multiple formations and alignments? Look at what the Colts are doing with Tyler Warren.
With this turning back of the clock offensively, Kanak is entering the NFL at the perfect time. NFL playcallers have never been as creative, and the tight end position has never been as versatile. Whether he’s being used as a traditional fullback in a similar mold to Kyle Juszczyk or Alec Ingold, an H-back, or tight end, Kanak has the tools and traits to be a mismatch threat in the NFL, and scouts are starting to take notice.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Oklahoma Sooners looking to close deal on five-star son of future NFL Hall of Famer who could make everyone feel very old
The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to land the commitment of five-star Cooper Witten, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten
