Marlin Klein
Michigan
Scouting Report

Klein is the ultimate projection bet at tight end — a 6-6, 248-pound former German soccer player whose raw athletic tools flash on seam routes and vertical shots but whose football résumé remains startlingly thin at just 38 career catches. The blocking is where he earns his paycheck right now: strong pass-protection technique (77.3 PFF pass-block grade) and willing effort in the run game, though inconsistent hand placement and a lean frame limit his anchor against NFL-caliber edge defenders. As a receiver, the long strides and 4.61 speed create genuine vertical threat, but the route tree is basically seams and crossers, and a 30% contested catch rate is a red flag. He's an inline TE2 on Day 1 who could surprise as a vertical weapon in play-action if a patient coaching staff can unlock the receiving game — but don't count on more than that for at least two years.

Strengths
Weaknesses
Pro ComparisonAJ Barner

Fellow Michigan tight end with limited college production who tested well at the combine. Both profile as developmental inline blocking tight ends with athletic upside who could carve out TE2 roles if receiving skills develop. Barner was a 4th-round pick by Seattle and has provided value as a blocking tight end.

Trait Grades
🏀 Receiving
59
✂️ Route Running
54
🪵 Blocking
74
🦅 Athleticism
91
🤲 Hands
57
🏎️ Speed
87
College Production (2025)
Receiving
24 rec, 248 yds, 1 TD
Per catch
10.33 YPR
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