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Former Bowling Green Falcons tight end Alex Bayer was as consistent as they come. A three year starter, at 6-4 257 pounds Bayer is looking to give BG two straight years with at least one player taken in the Draft (*we incorrectly said a BGSU player hadn't been drafted since 2008, when in fact Chris Jones went in the sixth round in 2012). It is a feat both he and teammate Jerry Gates are hoping to accomplish on Draft weekend.
The MAC NFL Draft Scouting Report
More than a dozen MAC players are considered serious candidates for the 2014 NFL Draft. We're breaking each of those players down here.
Bayer caught at least 20 or more passes in all four of his seasons at BGSU. As a freshman he caught 22 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown. Bayer stayed consistent as a sophomore posting 20 receptions for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a junior he finally made a big leap when he hauled in 36 receptions for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bayer put together his best season as a senior posting 37 receptions for 593 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. He finished his BGSU career with 51 games played, 115 passes caught, 1,543 yards receiving (13.4 yards per catch), and 10 total touchdowns.
Bayer currently projects as a pick anywhere between the sixth round and an undrafted free agent. The latter may not be the worst option for him. He has a unique skill set and can be utilized immediately in the right scheme. A team such as the Seahawks or Buccaneers who rotate tight ends may be a great fit.
Bayer is a consistent receiver all season, and has great blocking skills. He picked a great game to have his best showing as a Falcon. Bayer caught seven passes for a team-high 124 yards and a touchdown in the MAC Championship game against the Northern Illinois Huskies. Bayer was sure to make people know his championship game was no fluke, posting 57 yards and a touchdown reception in the Little Caesar's Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Bayer came on late for the Falcons and finished the year as a Third-Team All-MAC player for a second consecutive season. Bayer is a durable guy, starting for three consecutive seasons without missing a game.
Bayer enters the 2014 NFL draft as the 19th ranked prospect at the position, out of 106 players eligible at the tight end position. Bayer had a good showing at his Pro Day with a 4.77 40-yard-dash, as well as a 31.5 vertical jump. His 7.26 cone drill, and 20 reps on the bench press were both impressive for his position.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been scouting Bayer pretty hard. Tight ends coach Jon Embree was on hand when BGSU hosted its Pro Day. The Bucs have also brought Bayer in for an interview, which could indicate just how excited the Bucs are to pursue him on Draft Day.
The bottom line for Bayer is that he currently projects as a depth tight end. He will need to hit the weight room, and work on his blocking to fight for a backup or starting gig. Depending on where he lands he can make an immediate impact as a second tight end in the right offense, and can be vital to any pass blocking scheme in the NFL. Bayer most likely will be receiving several phone calls once the NFL Draft is over, and should have the ability to pick where he wants to play at the next level.