Jake Briningstool NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Clemson TE
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 240
HAND: 8⅝"
ARM: 31½"
WINGSPAN: 77⅝"
40-YARD DASH: 4.75"
VERTICAL: 31"
BROAD: 9'7"
POSITIVES
— Buildup speed to threaten the seams and deep areas in the middle of the field.
— Accuracy-extending receiver with outstanding catch radius and leaping ability.
— Alignment versatility, creating mismatches as a flex tight end
— Red zone threat due to size, ball skills, and leaping ability.
NEGATIVES
— Lean frame, could benefit from adding more muscle mass to handle NFL physicality.
— Despite his traditional height, he will not be viewed as an in-line tight end at the next level.
— Run blocking improvement is needed to have three-down value for NFL offenses.
NOTES
— Born Dec. 9, 2002
— 4-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports
— 2024: Third-Team All-ACC
— 2023: Third-Team All-ACC
OVERALL
Jake Briningstool is a talented pass-catching tight end who is a mismatch for linebackers and safeties in coverage.
At 6'6", Briningstool is well aware of the advantages his height and arm length provide. He wins at the catch point consistently. Briningstool is never truly covered because of his ability to leap over defenders and high-point passes like a power forward catching alley-oops in basketball. He boxes smaller defenders out at the catch point on the quick and in-breaking routes. Briningstool makes plays in multiple ways for Clemson's offense—in the quick screen game, off-of-play action, and on underneath route concepts.
Athletically, Briningstool is a long strider with buildup speed to race up-field for potential explosive plays. He will threaten the defensive seams with his burst/acceleration and catch radius. Linebackers will struggle to combat his height and speed advantage, while safeties will be too small to disrupt him down the field consistently. Briningstool plays with a strong football IQ to recognize defenses pre and post-snap. He thrives working in the middle of the field as a big-body threat who will settle into the weak points of the defensive coverages. He is a well-tempered route runner who does not tip off defenders on his intentions. He plays at his pace and is rarely sped up by the defense—he can operate in a timing and rhythm offense. As a flexed tight end, Briningstool adds a big/power-slot receiving archetype.
His best blocks in the run game come when flexed out into the slot, where he is matched up against smaller nickel defenders. He can work in short motions to crack down on unsuspecting linebackers from an angle. At best, Briningstool is a seal blocker using body positioning to secure leverage.
Run blocking from a traditional in-line alignment is not a strength for Briningstool. He is more effective in operating in space where he can attack angles than physically attempting to move a defensive end upfield. In space after the catch, Briningstool is not an elusive or shifty mover. He has some segmented movements when forced to break down and make a smaller, more athletic defender miss one-on-one in a phone booth. He will win those exchanges with strength. Concentration drops are a slight concern with Briningstool's draft profile. This, combined with a tendency to be a body catcher, can limit his time on the field if it becomes a routine issue.
In closing, Jake Briningstool projects as a skilled pass-catching tight end at the next level. Putting him in the slot and outside as a flex weapon is the best for his development. He offers multiple passing game benefits to an NFL offense. The run blocking will be a storyline to watch early in his career as an NFL player.
GRADE: 7.0 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — Third Round)
OVERALL RANK: 112
POSITION RANK: TE6
PRO COMPARISON: Mike Gesicki
Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson
