Miles Kitselman is a 6’5 251-pound TE prospect from the University of Tennessee. The 23-year-old played his high school football at Lyndon High School in Kansas. In high school, Kitselman played on the offensive and defensive lines. After high school, Kitselman went on to play at Hutchinson Community College, where he transitioned from an offensive lineman to a TE. He would later transfer to Alabama, where they saw how his physicality and athleticism would help their TE room. Kitselman caught the attention of Alabama scouts and legendary coach Nick Saban, who was originally scouting Malik Benson that day. In two years at Alabama, he would play in 19 games before transferring to Tennessee for his final two seasons. In Tennessee, Kitselman would become a key player and contributor for the Volunteers as a blocker in the run and pass game. His stats consist of 2022: 2 REC 18 YDS, 2024: 22 REC 301 YDS 5 TDs (1 Rushing), 2025: 26 REC 253 YDS 2 TDs
He is a very physical athlete with a huge frame. Very slow at his position, posting a 4.94 40 time at the combine, running routes are not a strength of his, although he can. His first step is very slow and has little to no burst. He can be a threat in the red zone because of his huge frame and large catch radius. He can get off the ground, posting a 34.5-inch vertical jump, making him effective in that area.
Kitselman has been very well recognized for his toughness and gritty playstyle. He runs basic routes, drags, ins, and block-and-release. He has a very good understanding of the playbook, based on his abilities as a route runner, thanks to his excellent feel for zones. He’s hard to bring down once the football is in his hands. He’s not going to beat a linebacker one-on-one in speed and route running, but he can make contested catches because of his size.
Kitselman’s blocking is the strength of his game. He uses his toughness and his experience playing offensive line to his advantage. He is noticeable as an in-line blocker and is effective as a move blocker. Blocks very well in run and pass. You can see his effort in the run game. He can chip if needed to, taking on powerful rushers and occasionally lining up at fullback. His hand placement is questionable, but makes up for it with his size and strength. Overall, a very intriguing blocker with the right mentality to dominate where he’s needed.
Kitselman has great hands when open in space, but has questionable hands when in contested situations. Although his frame is going to want you to throw it up to him, his 5 drops say otherwise. It could be timing-related or catching the ball at the high point. He can be coached up because of his work ethic, but be aware of his flaws in catching the football.
Overall, this is a football player who won’t wow you but can be a key contributor in the right situation. His blocking traits should stand out, and he excels at one particular aspect, adding a level of toughness and grit. Running backs will love this guy, filling holes and moving the pile in close-yardage situations. Good in-line blocker and moves well. Can be an effective target in the red zone for quarterbacks. He is a NFL level blocker and can stick on a team because of his strengths in the blocking game.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit
He can play for any team, but an offense that emphasizes running the football would suit him well. Teams that are looking for a blocking TE that can fill gaps, like the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and the Indianapolis Colts would be good fits.
NFL Player Comp: Harrison Bryant / Eric Saubert
The reason this is the comparison is that Harrison Bryant and Eric Saubert have had long careers as TE3s and have been impactful blockers in the NFL. Also have the ability to run occasional routes and catch an occasional touchdown. Both of these players also have similar height, body type, and playstyle to Kitselman.
Projection: TE3/TE4
Kitselman will have to earn his role in the NFL. TE3 or a TE4 is what is realistic for him, and he understands that. Has the ability to have a long career in the league or be a practice squad player. If he utilizes his strengths, he can stick on a roster and be a valuable contributor.
Grade and Round Projection: Day 3 / 3.4
Kitselman has a 3.4 (initially 3.8) projection between the 5th and 7th rounds. Undrafted isn’t out of the question, but expect a team to take a flyer on this kid late in the draft. If Saban and Heupel like this kid, expect him to be drafted. In a TE class that is somewhat weak, Kitselman provides value in an area where there aren’t many primary blocking TE’s in this draft.
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