Scouting Profile: Elijah Arroyo - TE - Miami (FL)
Sales Pitch: Fluid moving TE with the tools to be a positive in the run and pass game. Struggles with injury have delayed his on-field growth but possesses an intriguing blend of tools.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Elijah Arroyo is a former 4-Star recruit from the state of Texas. Arroyo had a difficult time getting on the field to start his career, suffering an ACL injury early in 2022, an injury with complications that kept him out most of 2023 as well. He broke out as the Canes starter in 2024 with 600 yards and 7 TDs on the way to 2nd Team All-ACC honors.
Arroyo is a long limbed tight end with fluid movement skills. He is an excellent receiver with easy burst off the line of scrimmage. He is smooth in and out of his breaks allowing him to separate at all three levels from the slot and in-line. Arroyo is a long strider with good speed. It makes him a threat up the seam and across the field on crossers, as well as with the ball in his hands. He displays strong dependable hands that attack the ball outside his frame to safely throws. Arroyo was primarily used as a move blocker at Miami. His quickness and balance allow him to get to 2nd and 3rd level defenders and stay attached in space. He is excellent at kicking out edge defenders when working across the formation on slide blocks as well. Arroyo wasn’t asked to do a ton of in-line blocking, but the bones of a good player are there. His length and flexibility allow him to control and seal off defenders on base and reach blocks. When he isn’t able to get quick wins, he keeps his feet moving, straining to recover and creating a stalemate.
Arroyo had a fantastic 2024 season, but as a one year starter he is still rough around the edges. He wastes too much movement as a route runner, which slows down his breaks and limits his separation against quality coverage players. His ability to recognize coverages and find soft spots in zone is a work in progress as well. Arroyo fails to play up to his size as both a route runner and receiver. Physical coverage players are able to reroute him and force him off his spot far too easily. He struggles to bring in catches through contact despite his size and otherwise dependable hands. As a blocker Arroyo’s hand placement is inconsistent and a narrow base creates issues sustaining blocks. If he wants to be a starting TE in 11 personnel looks, he will need to add more mass and clean up his technique to realize his ceiling as an in-line blocker.
Arroyo profiles as a starting Y TE with the ability to play in-line and flexed out. Early on in his career he will likely be a receiving TE2 until his frame and blocking technique get to starter level. Arroyo projects as a mid to early Day 2 pick with the physical tools to be a plus player in the passing game who holds his own as a blocker.