Joseph Ngata Summer Scouting Report

Background

NAME: Joseph Ngata

POSITION: WR

SCHOOL: Clemson

HEIGHT: 6’3″

WEIGHT: 220

CLASS: 4SR

HOMETOWN: Folsom, CA

HIGH SCHOOL: Folsom

DOB: 1/9/2001

Psychology major. Stud recruit who played in 15 games as a freshman before missing time each of the past two seasons due to injury. Dabo Swinney said he was “almost afraid” to say anything about Ngata this spring to avoid jinxing another injury. “Looks like a pro” per Swinney. Abdominal strain in 2020 required surgery; foot injury in 2021 knocked him out of multiple games. Said this spring he’s improved his diet and sleep habits to try to aid in staying healthy going into 2022.

GAMES WATCHED: Georgia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse

Career Stats

2019 (15 games): 36 targets with 17 receptions for 240 yards and 3 TDs. 3 drops.
2020 (7 games): 10 targets with 7 receptions for 83 yards.
2021 (9 games): 44 targets with 23 receptions for 438 yards and 1 TD. 4 drops, 1 fumble.

Trait Grades

Route Running: 40 (Below Average)
Separation: 30 (Poor)
Ball Skills: 45 (Fringe Average)
Downfield Ability: 40 (Below Average)
Run After Catch: 45 (Fringe Average)
Contested Catch: 50 (Average)
Versatility: 45 (Fringe Average)
Release: 40 (Below Average)
Frame: 70 (Star)
Blocking: 65 (Star)

Analysis

Highly thought of recruit whose stock has fallen due to injuries and an abundance of talent at the position at Clemson. Has excellent size but gives up speed and agility because of it – while he has decent straight line speed, he struggles to shorten his stride to make cuts laterally. Excels as a blocker in the mold of bigger receivers like Allen Lazard or Jauan Jennings. Brings tenacity to his blocking assignments; in addition to his upper body strength this allows him to frequently pop runners free on downfield runs. Not a natural separator and rarely creates space for himself beyond what’s given to him. Frame lends itself well to breaking tackles, which adds some value as a player after the catch despite not having a ton of juice as an athlete. Doesn’t always extend outside of his frame for catches and lets the ball reach his pads too frequently. Likely needs a healthy, productive season to keep him on the right side of draftable, but his effort as a blocker will endear him to some coaches regardless.