Peyton Hendershot is tall, solidly-built receiving specialist Tight End who has moments of productive play and also strentches of inconsistency.  He was primarily used as a F-Type Big Slot option in the Hoosiers’ passing offense, with his blocking deficiencies making him less effective as an in-line TE.

Hendershot is a former basketball standout, so his athleticism is above average but he is still working his way into being strong enough to be a competent blocker at the NFL level.

The Measurables

Peyton Hendershot

TE – #86 Indiana

HT: 6037
WT: 240
WING: 80 3/8″
ARM: 33 3/8″
HAND: 8 7/8″
DOB: 4/23/1999 (22.9)

Year: Senior
High School: Tri-West, Lizton, IN

HS Rating: 2-3 Star (TE 53)

Phil Steele: 

Peyton Hendershot Scouting Report

Good ability to adjust to the ball on poor throws. Can spin or gear down without losing track of the ball.

Despite his explosive vertical ability, he’s not instinctive nor aggressive about high-pointing the football, often waiting for the ball to descend to his body before attempting a catch.

Often schemed open or running off motion, so a lot of his production comes from getting lost in coverage, but he also shows some urgency in the red zone to get behind LBs, especially in Red Zone on wheel and corner routes.

In trouble as a pass protector if asked to block an EDGE but gives good effort in run blocking, although not asked to do it often––replaced by other TEs in running situations at times.

Primarily issue as a blocker is propensity to waist-bend and get over his shoes, losing leverage. EDGE rushers with push-pull moves left him grasping at the ground.

Shows good fight after the catch, with a nose for the end zone. Not the biggest nor strongest TE but he isn’t the “glorified basketball player” who predictably goes down at first contact.

At the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl week, Hendershot showed a disturbing issue with both his hands and with awareness––leading to multiple interceptions in practices where offenses were mostly taking safe checkdown options. He has to improve on concentration and getting his hands up earlier.

Hendershot’s contributions on Special Teams will make him a lot more palatable as a potential draft pick, especially as a personal protector on the punt team who was often the first downfield. He’s good enough on STs that it might swing a tie-breaker in his favor.

What we want to see from Brandon Smith in Indianapolis

• Hendershot needs to have a solidly athletic workout in Indy, especially inlight of character concerns, blocking questions, and his stumbles in Pasadena. If he can show some above average atleticism and explosion, he could end up on a team’s board as a developmental project with STs skills.

Pre-Combine Projection

Peyton Hendershot is already carrying a red-flag for a domestic violence arrest and plea bargain for a 2020 event, and so the combine interviews will arguably be the most important part of the week for him in Indianapolis. His struggles in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practices and game definitely didn’t help his cause, but his athletic testing should help his profile.

The current consensus view is that Hendershot is a late 7th round pick or UDFA, based in large part on his athletic potential and Special Teams contributions.