Cade Stover Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

School: Ohio State

Class: 5th Year Senior

Position: TE

HT: 6’4

WT: 247 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #92

Background: Cade Stover was a 4-star linebacker recruit in high school. Some outlets even had him listed as a 5-star. Stover is originally from Mansfield, Ohio and attended Lexington High School. He was the 8th ranked linebacker nationally and was Ohio’s Division III Defensive Player of the Year. On top of being a linebacker, Stover added 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns as a running back. Stover was also named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year. Stover, unsurprisingly, chose Ohio State over Oklahoma, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

College: His first few seasons in Columbus were filled with uncertainty in terms of his role with the team and where he would be placed. The linebacker room was a crowded one and Stover was buried in the depth chart. Ultimately, Stover wanted to see the field, so he slowly made the transition to tight end, permanently becoming a tight end for the entire 2022 season.

Strengths: Stover has been able to transition as smoothly as a new tight end can and he has shown drastic improvements over the last few years. His history as a linebacker shines through with how physically he runs. As a player who was originally a linebacker, Cade Stover is a strong, densely built tight end. He is a proportionate player as his upper half is just as strong as his lower half. He is an excellent blocker. His background as a linebacker helps him better understand how to block rushers. He is best used along the offensive line. Whether it be run blocking, or just a chip block, Stover is excellent in this role. Stover is as strong as the linebackers that are typically covering him, but he is a much better athlete than his counterparts. He is a smart player who brings unmatched instincts to the position. He has a knack for making catches that seem improbable. Stover makes tough contested catches seemingly every week, largely in part due to strong hands. He has late hands and body control, which is nearly impossible to read, especially for those linebackers who are out in coverage. Stover can make athletic catches away from his body almost effortlessly. As a route runner, Stover does well to find open areas of the field or soft spots in the zone coverage to sit in and wait for the football.

Weaknesses: Stover still has weaknesses or negatives to his game. In terms of efficiency, he has never really had a breakout season. The potential and skill has always been there, but he has never been a top 2 option in that loaded Ohio State offense. There is not a ton on film for Stover in terms of pass catching. Additionally, he is stiffer than other tight ends. The strength and density that comes with his build takes away from his movement skills. Cade Stover will be a 24-year-old rookie tight end. Tight ends usually need 3 years once they get into the NFL to develop into the player they will become due to all of the responsibilities the position entails. Teams will not want to wait until Stover’s age 27 season for him to develop.

Scheme Fit: 12 Personnel

Ideal Role: In-Line TE

Best Team Fits: CAR, CIN, NO

Player Comparison: Josh Oliver

Player Grade: 76.2