Watch Out for Juszczyk

Harvard has not had a player selected in the NFL Draft since Ryan Fitzpatrick ’05 was taken in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Now, though, with the 2013 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, senior tight end Kyle Juszczyk has a chance to buck that trend.

Juszczyk, listed at 6’1” and 248 pounds, is considered too small to play tight end at the game’s highest level but is drawing significant interest as a fullback. The two-time All-American’s stock is rising after he showcased impressive blocking skills at the Senior Bowl in January and posted strong numbers at his pro day, including a 4.71-second 40-yard dash and 24 reps of the 225-pound bench press. Representatives from 15 different NFL teams attended his pro day.

The Crimson’s all-time leader in receptions (122), receiving yards (1,576), and touchdowns (22) for a tight end has 12 official visits planned, according to Tony Pauline on Twitter.

Juszczyk, projected as high as a fourth-round pick by some experts, has reportedly drawn special interest from two teams as the draft approaches. He will visit with the Buffalo Bills, who this winter cut ties with Fitzpatrick after Doug Marrone took the helm at head coach, and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who tied for the worst record in the NFL last season at 2-14, are looking for a fullback to fit new head coach Andy Reid’s West Coast offense.

The 2013 NFL Draft runs from April 25th-27th. Until then, Juszczyk will continue to visit teams in hopes of bolstering his stock.