Luke Farrell: ‘I’m the best blocking TE in the draft’
COLUMBUS, Ohio –– Former Ohio State tight end Luke Farrell isn’t selling himself to potential NFL suitors on the strength of gaudy receiving numbers.
That doesn’t mean he’s being modest about what he brings to the table, though.
“I think I'm the best blocking tight end in the draft,” the five-year Buckeye veteran said at Ohio State Pro Day this past Tuesday. “And I think I'm more than capable in the pass game. And I've showed –– by capitalizing on the opportunities I got you –– I think I showed that today."
Despite essentially being Ohio State’s TE1 for the past three seasons, Farrell has just 34 collegiate catches to his name, with a 20-reception season in 2018 standing out as by far his most productive in that regard.
In fact, the 2020 season saw Farrell catch the fewest passes (five) since his first year on the field in 2017. Still, those who have watched the Buckeyes game in and game out over the best several seasons don’t need much of a reminder about just how impactful Farrell has been for the Scarlet and Gray.
The example that Farrell set in the Buckeye tight end room is reverberating to this day, as senior tight end Jeremy Ruckert said Wednesday that he is still working to fit the mold that the Perry, Ohio, native created.
“Just Looking at Luke, how consistent he was in the blocking game, I think that’s something I really want to work on,” Ruckert said. “As you see now, all these teams talking about how no one really blocks in college at tight end, and to be that consistent as Luke was, I want to try and emulate that and be like.”
In preparation for the draft though, Farrell may have to do a little extra work to get on the radar of some teams that might not have been paying as close attention. Therefore, it was no surprise that Farrell was among the rotation of Buckeyes catching passes for Justin Fields’ highly anticipated workout session at OSU Pro Day, which drew representatives from all but one NFL team.
“It’s definitely nice to have the extra eyes on you and that attention they're giving him and definitely letting them see my receiving capabilities through him, which is nice,” Farrell said. “Great experience having him here.”
Farrell won’t be a first-day draft pick, and in a class with Florida standout Kyle Pitts, it may be easy for most to overlook a skillset like Farrell’s in favor of a player with more pizzazz in the passing game.
Farrell knows his worth though, and his workmanlike efforts will no doubt grant him NFL opportunities one way or another. He may be used to getting overshadowed, but Farrell’s moment to reach the next level is right around the corner.
“[I] try not to take offense to it. I mean, I understand my value at the next level and I think a lot of coaches and GMs understand that as well,” Farrell said. “Doesn't have to be flashy, but I know I can do what they ask me to do at a high level.”