2019 NFL Draft: Second Round, 43rd Overall
The Detroit Lions select …
Name: Kahale Warring
Position: Tight End
School: San Diego State
Height/Weight: 6-5, 252
2018 Stats: 9 games played, 31 receptions, 372 yards, 3 touchdowns
Draft Round Projection: 3rd-4th round
Pick analysis: No position group on the Lions needed more upheaval this offseason than tight end. After a poor showing by the unit in 2018, the Lions added veterans at the position in free agency in Jesse James and Logan Thomas. Count on them adding a high-ceiling player in the draft as well, and Warring fits the bill.
This may seem a little high for Warring, but his stock continues to rise after a good showing at the combine and as teams are drawn to his ripped frame and significant upside. In a particularly strong class at the position, Warring still manages to stand out thanks to his great catch radius, jaw-dropping athleticism, sound blocking and solid work ethic.
As a former walk-on for the Aztecs, Warring has a varied athletic background. This includes participating in basketball, water polo, swimming and tennis in high school, which likely explains why football came naturally. His short time playing on the gridiron lent itself to a smaller level of production at SDSU, but also a low amount of wear and tear and lots of room to grow his game.
Aside from his relative inexperience and limited stat line, the main concern with Warring is dropped passes. He let too many hit the ground in 2018, but shoring that up could turn him into a near can’t miss prospect.
Assuming the Lions go in another direction with their first round selection, as many as four tight ends could be off the board by the time pick 43 arrives. Should the Lions wait until later rounds to add another piece to the tight end group, they could miss out on an exciting prospect like Warring. In this case, they don’t take that chance.