Luke Lachey, a tight end from the University of Iowa, enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects at his position. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 253 pounds, Lachey possesses the ideal size for an NFL tight end. Born on June 29, 2001, in Grandview Heights, Ohio, Lachey comes from a strong football pedigree as the son of former NFL All-Pro offensive tackle and current Ohio State radio color analyst, Jim Lachey.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Luke Lachey, Iowa
College Career
Lachey’s journey at Iowa began with a redshirt year in 2020. He gradually increased his role over the next two seasons, showing promise as a receiving threat. In 2021, he appeared in 13 games, making three starts and recording 8 receptions for 133 yards. His breakout came in 2022, where he started 6 of 13 games and significantly improved his production with 28 catches for 398 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Lachey’s 2023 campaign was cut short due to a season-ending ankle injury in the third game. However, he managed to showcase his potential with 10 receptions for 131 yards in limited action. In his final collegiate season in 2024, Lachey started 11 out of 12 games, finishing with 28 receptions for 231 yards.
Strengths
Receiving Skills: Lachey demonstrates exceptional catch radius and body control, consistently winning contested catches in traffic and along the sidelines. He showcases soft, reliable hands with a low drop rate, providing a safety valve for quarterbacks in crucial situations.
Route Running: A smooth and fluid route-runner, Lachey gets in and out of his breaks well to create ample separation and throwing lanes for his quarterback. He displays a natural feel for setting up routes and creating separation at the top of his stems.
Football IQ: Lachey is adept at finding soft spots in zone coverage, demonstrating high football intelligence and spatial awareness. His ability to read defenses and adjust his routes accordingly makes him a valuable asset in the passing game.
Versatility: Capable of lining up inline, in the slot, or split out wide, Lachey offers versatility as a receiving weapon. This flexibility allows offensive coordinators to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Blocking Potential: While his blocking technique needs refinement, Lachey shows promise in this area. He works hard to stay connected through the whistle and displays good grip strength when engaging defenders.
Weaknesses
Athletic Limitations: Lachey lacks elite speed and explosiveness, which may hinder his ability to consistently separate against NFL-caliber linebackers and safeties.
Blocking Technique: His blocking skills, particularly in drive-blocking situations, need improvement. Lachey can struggle to maintain leverage and anchor effectively against more powerful defenders.
Injury History: The significant ankle injury that cut short his 2023 campaign raises potential durability concerns. NFL teams will need to thoroughly evaluate his medical history.
Limited Production: Despite showing flashes of potential, Lachey’s overall collegiate production was somewhat limited. He only had one season (2022) with significant statistical output.
NFL Projection
Lachey projects as a high-upside tight end prospect with day two draft potential. His blend of prototypical size, soft hands, and football IQ make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their tight end room with an immediate contributor.
While he may not be an elite athlete at the position, Lachey’s well-rounded skill set and receiving prowess should translate well to the NFL. He profiles best in a scheme that utilizes tight ends in various alignments and values reliable chain-movers in the passing game.
Lachey has the tools to develop into a solid TE1 at the next level with continued refinement of his blocking technique and expanded route tree. His football bloodlines, academic achievements, and on-field production at Iowa suggest a high football IQ and strong work ethic – traits that should aid in a smooth transition to the pros.
Draft Projection
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Lachey grades out as a top-75 prospect and one of the top tight end talents in the class. His overall player rank of 54 suggests he’s viewed favorably in a competitive draft class, likely slotting into the second or early third round.
While his age (he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie) and injury history may give some teams pause, Lachey’s potential as a reliable target in the passing game and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense make him an intriguing prospect.
Teams running multiple tight end sets or those needing a dependable target over the middle will likely have Lachey high on their draft boards. With the right coaching and development, he has the potential to outperform his draft position and become a valuable asset in an NFL offense.
In conclusion, Luke Lachey presents an enticing package of size, skills, and football intelligence that should translate well to the NFL level. While he may not be the most explosive athlete, his well-rounded game and high ceiling make him a solid day two prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
