2022 DFF Draft Coverage: Charlie Kolar

Charlie Kolar | Iowa State 6’6 ½” 252 lbs. | 02/10/1999 (Age 23)

Charlie Kolar was drafted 128th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the seventh tight end and 128th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

 Year  Games Played   Receptions   Yards   Yards/Catch   TDs 
 2018 (FR)  7  11  137  12.5  3
 2019 (SO)  13  51  697  13.7   7
 2020 (JR)  11  44  591  13.4  7
 2021 (SR)    12  62  756  12.2  6

After growing up with NBA star Trae Young, Kolar took his talents to Iowa State after never receiving an offer from Oklahoma. He made an immediate impact after redshirting his freshman season in 2017. He hauled in 11 receptions for 137 yards and three touchdowns during his 2018 campaign. During the next three seasons, he earned many awards and accolades. Most notable were first-team All-Big 12 honors, serving as a Mackey Award finalist in 2020 and 2021, and winning the William V. Trophy (Academic Heisman). In that same span, Kolar appeared in 26 games, hauled in 157 receptions, and snagged 20 receiving touchdowns. He finishes fourth all-time in Iowa State football’s history in both career receptions (fourth) and career receiving yards (2,181), while also landing third in career touchdown receptions (23). 

STRENGTHS

Elite size and length measurements. Enormous catch radius, who uses his big frame to haul in contested receptions over smaller defenders. Works back to throws with great effort when the quarterback is in danger. Possesses ideal athleticism for his positions, and has the tools to become a reliable run blocker at the pro level. 

WEAKNESSES 

Needs to improve as a run blocker, as he lacks toughness and aggressiveness off the line. Tends to rely more on effort instead of using size to his advantage. Not a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Not a polished route runner, who could use some help improving his footwork when making cuts and getting out of breaks. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL combine, Kolar measured in at 6’6 ½” and 252 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 29.1. At his Pro Day, he ran a 4.67 40-yard dash (80th percentile), which at his height and weight equates to a 109.6-speed score (87th percentile). Kolar also recorded a 122.1 burst score (75th percentile), an 11.3 agility score (82nd percentile), a 10.33 catch radius (94th percentile), and a college dominator of 28.5 percent (86th percentile). 

Kolar has elite size for his position. His hand size (10”), arm length (34 ½“), and wingspan (81⅛“) are ideal sizes for a pro tight end. The concerns line more on his strength and aggressiveness.   

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Fair

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair

Kolar was selected with the 128th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle will be joined by Kolar in a very talented tight end room. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Kolar will likely serve as his team’s TE3 behind both Andrews and Boyle, but he may be used more as a pass-catcher over Boyle. Don’t expect much fantasy production from the former Cyclone as long as Andrews is on the field. He’s not worth the look in your rookie drafts or any other league formats. If you’re really feeling frisky, he could be a potential taxi squad candidate, but even that’s a stretch. 

Thank you for tuning in to DFF’s 2022 NFL Draft Coverage! Stay tuned as we break down every fantasy-relevant pick during the draft. Please consider becoming our yearly DFF subscription member so we can continue to deliver top-notch analysis and fantasy breakdowns. Our yearly subscription will save you $40 and lead you to fantasy championships. You can also follow me @dirrim23 where I love talking about all things fantasy football! #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeBuilding