Turf Show Times on Dan Villari

Undrafted TE prospect; developmental with only 3 years receiving experience, intriguing versatility

Undrafted tight end prospect originally signed by Michigan to play quarterback (redshirted, minimal playing time in two years), then transferred to Syracuse and moved to tight end for 2022. Slightly above-average arm length (32 1/4") and big, soft hands. On film, Villari looks like a fluid athlete used on simpler routes primarily out of the slot; he gets to his spot quickly (1.66 10-yard split) and gives his quarterback a nice square target. He plucks passes with his hands away from his body and tucks them away quickly. As an open-field runner, he gets north/south in a hurry and stays low, running through contact. Developmental prospect with only three years of receiving experience, but shows interesting versatility (ran wildcat, can throw), very good hands, and playmaking potential. Needs route-running work and additional strength, though his short-area agility, natural athleticism, and football IQ suggest he can handle a bigger route tree.