Ben Utecht Available

The Colts tendered TE Ben Utecht with the lowest possible tender. He was undrafted, which means the Hawks could sign him to an offersheet with out giving up a pick. Some people really like Utechts potential and feel he has been stuck behind Dallas Clark. It will be interesting to see if the Hawks show interest, and how much competition there might be. He is 26yrs old and goes approx. 6'6'', 260. For a scouting breakdown.....

2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 65 | Key
Alert: B

Comment: Utecht is a three-year veteran out of Minnesota that was signed as a free agent by the Colts in 2004. He has excellent size to go with smarts, competitiveness and adequate speed and athleticism. He will line up at both TE as well as H back in the Colts spread offense but is used primarily as a blocking TE. After two years of primarily riding the bench he became an integral part of Indianapolis offense this year and came away with 37 catches. He is surprisingly agile and fluid for such a big TE but he lacks instant acceleration off the line and is susceptible to being pressed by a good LB. He has a long stride length that eats up ground and allows him to sneak up on the secondary and surprise them now and then. He is not a real strong blocker but is getting better as he matures and gains functional strength. He does a pretty good job of position blocking and staying in the way, but does not finish blocks off well. He struggles a bit with low passes but can reach out and pluck the ball away from his body with soft, natural hands. He fits the bill for a backup that does not hurt you when he has to play.