2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Bethune-Cookman TE Kemari Averett
Updated: Mar 2, 2022
After not playing football for almost three years Bethune-Cookman Senior TE Kemari Averett returned to the field with a vengeance, and he did not miss a step. This season, Averett had 51 catches 876 yards with 10 TDs earning him spots on the STAT Perform and HERO Sports FCS Second Team All-American teams. He also was selected for American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Athletic Directors Association (ADA) All-American teams.
Averett showed his versatility and playmaking ability a lot this season at 6'6 260 lbs. BCU had him line up in many different positions, some games he lined up almost exclusively out wide to abuse the mismatch on the outside, then they line him up in the traditional in-line position where he uses his athleticism and great release to toy with linebackers. But they can also line him up in the slot to either force a team to go big against a spread offense or put a corner or safety on him. Averett is a matchup nightmare there are not many defenders that can take on the task on sticking with him. But outside of the passing game Averett is a very willing and capable blocker. He will stay in on pass protection and hold his own against defensive ends and then he'll drive linebackers, defensive backs, and even lineman down the field as if he's a schoolyard bully, he seems to enjoy manhandling his opponents.
Averett on multiple occasions showed his playmaking ability this year in the short yardage game, the middle of the field and deep down the field. As you will see in my film breakdown, Averett can find his way to the endzone in a lot of ways. Firstly his ablity to feel defenders and understand the angles they want to attack him at. In this Film breakdown I'll go over some of the things that make Averett stand out as a Tight end prospect in the 2023NFL Draft
*All Video is from Cut Day Sports* on YouTube*
Kemari Averett reminds me a lot of Darren Waller of the LV Raiders because of his combination of size and route running ability. He should be considered a top TE in this 2022 class. If he is able to get in front of NFL scouts in like a pre-draft bowl game or any showcase, he should be one of the biggest pre-draft risers.