Andrew Rappleyea, TE, Penn State: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Tight End (TE) |
|
Jersey Number |
#87 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Junior |
|
School |
Penn State |
|
Height / Weight |
6’4″ / 251 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Millbrook, N.Y. / Milton Academy |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Receiving Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Rec |
Yds |
Y/R |
TD |
Y/G |
|
2023 |
Penn State |
Big Ten |
FR |
3 |
0 |
0 |
— |
0 |
0.0 |
|
2024 |
Penn State |
Big Ten |
FR |
1 |
0 |
0 |
— |
0 |
0.0 |
|
2025 |
Penn State |
Big Ten |
SO |
13 |
20 |
180 |
9.0 |
3 |
13.8 |
|
Total |
17 |
20 |
180 |
9.0 |
3 |
10.6 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his receiving profile, fluid movement skills, and verified frame.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.72 – 4.82 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 33.0″ – 35.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’10” – 10’2″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.62 – 1.68 seconds
- Bench Press: 18 – 22 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Andrew Rappleyea came to Happy Valley as a highly coveted consensus four-star prospect out of Milton Academy (via Millbrook, New York), where he established himself as one of the premier receiving tight end prospects in the country. Despite battling unfortunate early-career injury luck that derailed his redshirt freshman season after just one start, Rappleyea proved his resilience by returning to anchor the Nittany Lions’ tight end room in 2025. With his smooth route-running background and mismatch capability as a pass catcher, he enters the 2027 draft discussion as an ascending receiving threat.
Key Strengths
- Advanced Route Running: Displays exceptional fluidity and change-of-direction skills for his size, routinely snapping off route breaks to create immediate separation against linebackers and safeties.
- Soft Hands and Extension: Reliable pass catcher who naturally extends away from his frame to secure the football, showing comfort working the seams and intermediate zones.
- YAC Ability and Big-Play Capability: Demonstrates good linear acceleration once he secures the catch, highlighted by his explosive 53-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Rutgers.
- Frame and Athleticism Profile: Built at a clean 6’4″ and 251 pounds with the functional flexibility to line up both in-line as a traditional tight end or flexed out into the slot.
Developmental Focus
As Rappleyea builds toward the 2027 draft cycle, scouts will look for him to continue expanding his physical strength to lock down as an inline blocker against rugged Big Ten defensive ends. Maintaining health after missing the bulk of his early career will also be vital to showcasing a full, uninterrupted body of work to evaluators.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending