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.
- Rare size-speed combination at 6-6, 248 lbs with a 4.61 forty — his long strides and 21.75 MPH GPS speed create legitimate vertical threat for a tight end
- Strong pass-protection technique with a 77.3 PFF pass-block grade across 75 snaps, showing good leverage and grip strength despite a lighter frame
- Smooth receiver-to-runner transition after the catch, with the ability to split defenders in space on designed crossers and seam routes
- Willing, competitive blocker who plays with an edge — effort and toughness are never in question, and his Michigan pro-style experience translates directly to NFL inline responsibilities
- International background and late football start mean his development curve still has significant room — only been playing football seriously since high school, with just two years as a starter
- Extremely thin production résumé: 38 career receptions, 364 yards, and one touchdown across four seasons at Michigan — there is almost no receiving tape to project from confidently
- Run blocking technique is inconsistent — plays with too much forward lean, hand placement is erratic, and he gets stacked and shed by stronger edge defenders too often on film
- Route tree is severely limited to basic seam and crossing concepts; lacks the fluidity, nuance, and change-of-tempo ability to run the full route tree at the NFL level
- Poor contested catch rate (3 of 10 career contested targets per PFF) and difficulty locating the football raises questions about hands and ball tracking under pressure
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.