2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: John Copenhaver, TE, North Carolina

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	John Copenhaver, #81
School (Code)	University of North Carolina (NCUN)
DOB, Class Yr	07/04/02, Graduate Student
Height, Weight	6030, 240
40 Yd Dash	4.79e
Position/Depth	TE/2nd
Honors/Captainship	All-ACC Academic Team
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Campbell, NC State
Scout Name / Date	Brittany Roman, 08/27/24

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	18 REC, 279 YDS, 15.5 AVG, 4 TD, 40 LNG (12 Games)
2022	15 REC, 222 YDS, 14.8 AVG, 0 TD, 47 LNG (13 Games)
2021	2 REC, 9 YDS, 4.5 AVG, 1 TD, 7 LNG (11 Games)
2020	Appeared in 3 games as a reserve TE

Player Summary:

Copenhaver is a 5th year Graduate TE at UNC. He has played in 39 games, making 11 starts. Hx of hand, shoulder, and foot injuries that all occurred on the right side in 2023. Utilized the off-season to recover from three surgeries. Displays good mental toughness to play through a hand fx and foot stress fx throughout the 2023 season. Copenhaver has an avg build with a muscular/stocky frame for position. TE with adequate AA, good quickness, and ball skills. Decent lateral quickness and solid footwork when getting off the LOS. Utilizes avg strength for push-off and size to create separation in man coverage. Average route runner with long strides who can be dynamic and cover a lot of ground within open space. Sufficient speed to make plays. Adequate upper and lower body strength for blocking assignments. In run-blocking, Copenhaver struggles with controlling his balance against top-tier defenders. During the 2023 season, the injuries led to below avg blocking capabilities and preference to the left (dominant) side. Has good explosiveness and vertical jumping ability to win contested catches in the red zone. Excels with deep ball over the shoulder passes. Reliable in short to intermediate passing and has the ability to make one-handed catches. Good football IQ and versatility which allows him to be effective in multiple roles. Copenhaver can be considered a low-end starter or a valuable rotational player.

Scheme Fit:

TE, H-Back/FB & Special Teams 

Power Statement:

Copenhaver has a good understanding of defensive coverages and situational awareness. He consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage and is reliable when healthy. Additionally, he can be considered a good complementary player instead of the focal point.