Sean

McKeon

Jarwin underwent a surgery for a hip injury that is “considered very uncommon” for an active NFL player, as reported in March, and was considered unlikely to be ready for Week 1. Dallas saves a little under $4 million in cap space with the move. Dalton Schultz took over as the main Cowboys tight end this season and was franchise tagged. This move will likely create more snaps for last year’s No. 3 tight end, Sean McKeon.

While McKeon did have a 31-catch season as a sophomore, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound tight end was mostly used as a blocker for the Wolverines. He was graded as one of Dane Brugler’s top undrafted players, and ranked 238th on his board. Brugler calls McKeon a smooth route-runner, and also notes he doesn’t have any drops on film. He could stick around on the practice squad or possibly a third tight end if things go well.

McKeon (6'3/242) made 23 starts across 40 appearances for the Wolverines, missing three games in 2019 with a leg injury. He’s typically used his good route running to create separation but lacks the strength to consistently win 50-50 balls through contact. McKeon’s receiving production also inexplicably dipped in his final three years at Michigan as he hauled in 31 < 14 < 13 catches from 2017 on. NFL scouts still attest that he’s a coachable and reliable teammate, and coach Jim Harbaugh routinely praised McKeon for his fundamental blocking. There are enough skills in the 22-year-old’s toolbox to see him stashed on a practice squad while his unimpressive body and build develop.

McKeon (6'5/242) is a standard NFL backup tight end. He has experience blocking in-line and out in space, and his “initial contact is accurate and centered in first phase of the block.” When layered on top of McKeon’s ability to provide baseline level of pass-catching versus short zones, it is easy to see where McKeon could provide value as a third TE. McKeon is expected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

After missing two games due to injury McKeon (6'5/246) was in uniform for last weekend’s win at Illinois, but he did not register any statistics. The senior tight end caught two touchdown passes in the Wolverines’ first three games, and his absence means that Nick Eubanks will be Michigan’s best available option at tight end.

McKeon (6'5/246) has been down for the count each of the past two games, but he’s rising to his feet for Saturday’s showdown with the Illini. It’s nice that Michigan will be getting the senior back in the fold, here, as the offensive could use any playmakers it can find.

McKeon (6'5/246) has been held out each of the past two weekends (against Rutgers and Iowa). He looks like he could potentially make his return to action against Illinois this coming weekend. UM TE coach Sharron Moore has indicated this week that the senior has been looking good in his progress. We’ll pass along word when McKeon’s status for Saturday clarifies in earnest.

McKeon (6'5/246) was injured while hauling in a touchdown pass against Wisconsin two weekends back and subsequently sat out last Saturday’s win over Rutgers. Pregame warmups will determine whether McKeon is good enough to give it a go upcoming.

McKeon (6'5/246), who was ranked amongst draft-eligible tight ends by Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller, landed awkwardly after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter of Saturday’s 35-14 loss to Wisconsin. Should the senior tight end not be able to play senior Nick Eubanks, who has started two games this season, would likely be next in line at tight end.

McKeon (6'5/251) has modest career production at Michigan, but there’s a path to more targets in 2019 with Zach Gentry off to the NFL. The senior tight end should have no issues surpassing last year’s 14-122-1 receiving line, but he’ll need to show more juice in the YPR department (career 9.2 YPC) to be a legit pass-catching prospect. We’ll see if he can show more in just a few more months.