C.J.

Conrad

Conrad (6’5/248) made 42 starts in four years at Kentucky, tallying a career 80/1,015/12 (12.7 YPR) receiving line and securing 30-of-31 catchable targets in 2018. Conrad showed well at the Wildcats’ Pro Day with a 4.7-flat forty, 33-inch vertical, and 7.13 three-cone time. Conrad’s versatility stands out on college tape as an H-back, in-line tight end, and move blocker who contributed in the running game and operated as a possession target in Kentucky’s passing attack. Conrad has a shot to become a workable No. 2 tight end in the pros.

Conrad (6'4/249) has been cleared by doctors for his dilated aortic valve -- that’s great news -- but he did, unfortunately, test like an average to below average athlete. In addition to his forgettable forty, Conrad posted a 33-inch vertical, 113-inch broad, 4.40-second short shuttle, and 7.03-second three-cone, all results close to tight end averages. After going through receiving drills at an earlier event, Conrad decided to only participate in blocking drills this time around, something he’ll have to be good at to make a 53-man roster.

Conrad (6'4/249) was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but didn’t participate due to a potential issue with his heart and a need for further cardiological testing. Since then he’s been cleared for Kentucky’s Pro Day n March 22nd. Zierlein believes Conrad’s “technique needs work, but he’s tenacious enough” and he “lacks the quickness and functional athleticism to get open against man coverage so scheme is critical for him as a pass-catcher.” With a strong performance at his Pro Day, Conrad can potentially land as a late-round draft pick.

According to Linta, Conrad is hoping to be cleared for Kentucky’s pro day on March 22. No guarantees, though. The specific cardiological issue which doctors are looking into is not immediately known, but the 6-foot-4, 249-pounder did tell reporters that this was newly-discovered issue, rather than one which was known about prior to his physical in Indianapolis. These kinds of situations are always scary and we hope Conrad can come back strongly (and safely) after further tests are administered.

Conrad had his best season with the Wildcats in 2018, hauling in 29 passes for 297 yards with three touchdowns. He’s battled injuries in his time with Kentucky, but the 6-foot-5, 252-pound tight end is the type of player who could be a better pro than college player; mainly because the Wildcats didn’t look his way very often. He’ll certainly have his share of eyes at the event in January.

Conrad (6'5/252) scored Kentucky’s lone points of the game when he hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass near the end of the third quarter. The Wildcats finished Saturday’s game posting just 262 yards of total offense. Through nine games played this season, the senior tight end has caught 23 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Middle Tennessee shows next on Kentucky’s schedule as they look to move past Saturday’s disappointing defeat.

Conrad (6'5/245) was a four-star recruit out of high school. He started 11 of 13 games last season, finishing up the campaign with a 19-262-4 receiving line. The bulk of that statistical action came in the second game of the season, when Conrad caught five passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns against New Mexico State.

Conrad underwent season-ending foot surgery in 2017 and looks to be doing well with his rehab. He was ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s No.2 underclassmen tight end entering last season and should have some draft potential after 2018. Conrad had 14 receptions for 270 yards and four touchdowns through eight games in 2017 and will likely play a major role in Kentucky’s offence in 2018.

Conrad is followed by USC’s Tyler Petite, Boston College’s Tommy Sweeney, LSU’s Foster Moreau and Michigan State’s Matt Sokol among the seniors at the position. Conrad has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the Wildcats, but the 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end hasn’t put it all together yet, and he missed several games with injuries in 2017; a season that ended with foot surgery. If he puts it all together, he could be one of the first tight ends off the board in 2019.

“Unfortunately C.J. will be out for the remainder of the year,” HC Mark Stoops announced. Currently, Conrad is the team’s third-leading receiver with 16 catches for 286 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder, Mel Kiper’s No. 2 underclassmen TE prospect heading into the year, has an NFL decision to make. Meanwhile, Greg Hart will take over as starter for the Wildcats.