2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: McCallan Castles, TE, Tennessee
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | McCallan Castles, # 34 |
| School (Code) | University of Tennessee (TNUN) |
| DOB, Class Yr | 12/3/1999, Sixth-Year Senior. |
| Height, Weight | 6044e, 238e |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.72e |
| Arm, Hand | 3268, 0958 |
| Position/Depth | TE, #2 |
| Honors/Captainship | 2022 All-Big Sky Second Team; 2021 FCS Sophomore All-American (Hero Sports); 2021 All-Big Sky First Team; 2021 Spring All-Big Sky First Team |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 (CADA), 2023 (TNUN) |
| Games Watched | TXAM, SCUN, @FLUN, TNAP, IDUN (2022) |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 10/19/23 |
Per Year Stats
| 2023 | (At Tennessee) 6 GP, 9 Rec, 124 Rec Yds (13.7 AVG), 1 TD |
| 2022 | (At UC Davis) 11 GP (11 GS), 20 Rec, 347 Rec Yds (11.6 AVG), 2 TD |
| 2021 | (At UC Davis) 12 GP (12 GS), 27 Rec, 387 Rec Yds (14.3 AVG), 4 TD |
| 2020 | (At UC Davis) 5 GP, 12 Rec, 194 Rec Yds (16.2 AVG), 3 TD |
| 2019 | (At Cal) 2 GP |
| 2018 | (At Cal) 3 GP, 1 Rec, 15 Rec Yds |
Player Summary:
Castles began his career at Cal, where he played sparingly during his first two collegiate seasons. He transferred to UC Davis after his redshirt freshman season and became a three-time All-Big Sky performer under Aggies Head Coach Dan Hawkins. Entered the transfer portal during the 2023 offseason and opted to attend the University of Tennessee for his final season of eligibility. Possesses quality height, an athletic, well-developed build, and a slender lower half. Operates from multiple alignments in Tennessee’s spread-heavy offense. Mostly lines up on the perimeter as an in-line Y TE yet has extensive playing experience as an attached TE in ace packages and as a lead-blocking H-back in short-yardage situations. He is most effective when flexed out as a Y TE, where he can use his plus athleticism, sufficient play speed, and strong ball skills to provide a big target in the MOF in short & intermediate concepts. Boasts a decent release off the LOS. Does not have the deepest route tree, but moves efficiently and changes direction fluidly to beat man coverage at the top of the route & threaten soft spots in zone coverage. Flashes dependable hands-catching ability and uses his proficient length to come down with 50/50 balls at the highest point. His physical measurements, ball skills, and catch radius provide him with intriguing red zone value. Has ample straight-line speed and twitch to pick up YAC. Drives his feet through contact to push a pile and drag defenders for extra yardage. Displays productive stalk-blocking ability against smaller defenders on the perimeter. Lacks an edge and motor at the POA as an interior run blocker. Will set an edge to create openings in outside running lanes, but does not hold or sustain blocks consistently due to adequate play strength and moderate physicality. Must work heavily on developing his overall blocking technique, hat + hand placement, hip unlock, and play strength at POA. Would benefit from adding 15 pounds of mass to improve his viability and durability as an interior run blocker at the next level.
Scheme Fit:
Y Tight End in a spread-heavy system
Power Statement:
Castles is a primary receiving tight end with solid ball skills, impressive physical measurements, and notable athletic ability. Blocking ability and lower-body play strength needs to be developed before seeing consistent snaps at the next level.