A converted soccer goalkeeper from London who is still learning football fundamentals, Traore plays like a big slot receiver more than a traditional tight end — fluid in space, capable of beating linebackers vertically, and dangerous when he can turn short catches into chunk gains. His 233-pound frame is significantly undersized for NFL tight end work, and his blocking is more willing than effective, which limits his early-down utility. The receiving flashes are real — an 89.6 PFF grade as a sophomore at Arkansas State proves the ball skills exist — but production dropped significantly when he faced SEC competition, and the combine snub signals NFL teams aren't convinced the tape translates. This is a developmental UDFA swing on a raw athlete with a fascinating backstory and legitimate movement skills who needs time, weight, and a patient coaching staff.

• +Exceptional fluidity and movement skills for a tight end — no stiffness in his game, transitions seamlessly between routes
• 🤲Ability to beat defenders downfield and track the ball in stride, with reliable hands extending away from his frame
• 💨Legitimate YAC threat who can turn short catches into larger gains with open-field elusiveness
• 🃏Versatile alignment — can flex out wide, work from the slot, or operate in-line
• 🪵High-effort blocker who competes despite physical limitations — willingness is there

• 🧱Severely undersized at 233 lbs for NFL tight end — will get physically overwhelmed at the point of attack by NFL defenders
• −Production dropped from elite Sun Belt levels to modest SEC output, raising competition-level translation concerns
• 🪵Blocking is effort-based rather than technique-based — lacks the functional strength and anchor to sustain blocks against NFL-caliber edge defenders
• −Combine snub suggests NFL teams see limited draft-day value despite the athletic profile