Saints Draft Prospect: Luke Schoonmaker
The New Orleans Saints may take advantage of a deep draft pool of tight ends in 2023. Converted wideout Juwan Johnson had a strong year for the Saints in 2022, finishing with a career-high 42 receptions for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns.
Johnson is an adequate blocker, but in-line blocking is not his strength. Adam Trautman, a third-round pick in 2020, is the better in that capacity but has been a disappointment overall. In general, the position performed vastly better than the abysmal results from the year before.
New Orleans could even look to upgrade this spot with a first-round choice. Dalton Kincaid of Utah and Notre Dame's Michael Mayer could both hear their names called on the first night. However, it seems more likely that the Saints take advantage of the depth at this position with a later pick.
TE - Luke Schoonmaker
Michigan (Sr.)
6'5" 251-Lbs.
Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) makes a catch against Purdue Boilermakers safety Cam Allen (10) during the Big Ten Championship. Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
A four-year contributor for the Wolverines, Schoonmaker was mostly a run blocker that didn't become a full-time starter until 2022. After just 19 catches over his first three seasons, he came through with 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns for Michigan last season.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Schoonmaker put up numbers that ranked in the highest percentile of participating tight ends. His 40 time was 4.63, a 10-yard split of 1.59, a 20-yard shuttle of 4.27, 33'5" vertical jump, and broad jump of 10'7".
There isn't much film to judge Schoonmaker as a pass catcher. Even when on the field, he was usually used as a blocker in the Wolverines run-heavy attack. He'll certainly need to develop a more complete route tree at the NFL level and he can be stiff coming out of his breaks.
Despite his size, Schoonmaker doesn't use his frame extremely well to shield defenders from the throw. As a result, his catch rate in traffic is not as high as it could be. After the catch, he hasn't shown the burst or elusiveness to break big plays.
Even with his experience as a blocker, Schoonmaker needs to add more upper body strength. He's more reliant on finesse and technique than power and doesn't consistently sustain his blocks.
Schoonmaker is an excellent athlete for his size. His footwork and surprising quickness can make him a mismatch against linebackers, while his height is an advantage against safeties. He has reliable hands and good awareness of zone concepts.
Despite a limited route tree, Schoonmaker showed the natural abilities and precision to grow as a receiver. His footwork and athleticism even allowed him to line up in the slot. He won't be a consistent big-play threat, but has the skills and speed to make plays down the seam.
Schoonmaker has the frame to add bulk without sacrificing athleticism. He already has excellent technique as a blocker and will be even more formidable in that area with added strength.
Nov 27, 2021; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) after a catch against Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14). Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY
Luke Schoonmaker is likely an early Day 3 selection, but his two-way upside could sneak him into Day 2. It may take him a year or two to grow as a receiver, but he'll be an immediate asset for the running game.
Newly added Saints QB Derek Carr loved to use his tight ends while with the Raiders. Schoonmaker's prototype in-line skills along with slot versatility would also allow New Orleans to use Juwan Johnson even more as a matchup weapon in their passing game.
