Elijah Arroyo Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
School: Miami
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: TE
HT: 6’5
WT: 250 lbs
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Background: Elijah Arroyo was a consensus 4-star tight end out of Frisco, Texas. Arroyo was a top 5 tight end in the 2021 class and a top 20 player in Texas. Arroyo played for Independence High School and had over 1,200 yards in 2 varsity seasons. Arroyo committed to Miami over Penn State, USC, and others.
College: Elijah caught 5 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman in 2021. In 2022, Arroyo saw action in 4 games before suffering an injury to end his season. He battled through injury until the 2024 season, one in which he recorded 35 receptions, 590 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He was an All-ACC Second Team member in his last season at Miami.
Strengths: Elijah Arroyo brings speed and athleticism to the tight end position. Arroyo attacks the seams with aggression and consistency. He is dangerous at all three areas of the field. Arroyo is used in the flats and tight end screens for designed touches. He is creative with the ball in his hands. Arroyo is able to shake defenders in open space to gash teams down the field. Arroyo is able to find the soft spots in the defense in zone coverage where he can sit back and wait for the quarterback to deliver him a strike. He is a heady route runner who has excellent cuts and finds those openings on the break of his option routes consistently. Arroyo does well to complete the process of the catch before turning up field to gain yards after the catch. Arroyo’s blocking ability allows him to play as an in-line tight end just as often as he lines up in the slot. He absorbs heavy contact and establishes a firm anchor as a blocker.
Weaknesses: Elijah Arroyo does not have good contact balance for the position. He goes down easily, even when being tackled by the lighter defensive backs. Arroyo is an inconsistent blocker. At times he seems stout, but he has an issue landing his initial punch and his foot speed on the line is lackluster. His injuries should also be taken into consideration. 2024 was his first fully healthy season with the Hurricanes. He will be an injury risk until he can prove that he isn’t.
Conclusion: Elijah Arroyo is a dynamic athlete who provides incredible receiving upside. He is used all over the field, no matter the offensive system. He is still improving as a run blocker, but he is a certified playmaker.
Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile
Ideal Role: Slot TE
Best Team Fits: LAC, DEN, LAR
Player Comparison: Isaiah Likely
Player Grade: Round 3 (74.4)
