CJ Dippre impressed at the NFL Combine, sparking questions about whether he was underutilized during his time at Alabama.

CJ Dippre, a standout tight end, turned heads at the NFL Combine with a performance that has many wondering whether his potential was fully tapped during his time at the University of Alabama. Dippre’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism shone through during drills, showcasing skills that many believe could translate to immediate success in the NFL. But despite his impressive physical attributes and high-level talent, Dippre’s college career at Alabama was marked by moments of underutilization, sparking the question: Could Dippre have done even more for the Crimson Tide if he had been used differently in their system?

This question isn’t just a reflection on Dippre’s individual abilities but also on Alabama’s offense during his tenure and how the tight end position was used in the broader context of head coach Nick Saban’s evolving offensive schemes. Alabama has long been known for its dominance in the running game, strong defense, and physicality, with the passing attack sometimes taking a secondary role, especially in years when the team had a standout running back or other dynamic offensive players. The tight end position, traditionally seen as a key part of a balanced offense, did not always receive the focus it might have in other programs, and for a player like Dippre, this dynamic might have contributed to a feeling of being underutilized.

In this analysis, we will explore Dippre’s background, his strengths, his performance at the NFL Combine, and the role he played at Alabama. We’ll also examine the factors that led to his potential being limited at times and discuss whether Alabama’s offensive system truly maximized his skills.

CJ Dippre: A Physical Specimen with Natural Talent

CJ Dippre’s physical profile is one that jumps off the page. Standing 6’4″ and weighing in at around 250 pounds, Dippre possesses the ideal size for an NFL tight end. His combination of height, weight, and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect, capable of both blocking in the run game and contributing as a pass-catching threat.

Despite his imposing physical traits, Dippre’s natural agility and speed are what truly set him apart. At the NFL Combine, Dippre’s agility was on full display. His vertical jump, broad jump, and 40-yard dash times were all impressive for a player of his size. His ability to move fluidly, make sharp cuts, and catch passes in traffic made him a difficult matchup for defenders in college, and it became even more apparent that these skills could be used to great effect in the NFL.

Given his unique blend of size and athleticism, it’s easy to see why scouts were eager to evaluate Dippre’s abilities at the Combine. He was a classic “under-the-radar” prospect who had yet to fully break out in college, but his Combine performance underscored just how much raw talent he possessed. Despite being viewed as a raw prospect, Dippre’s skill set is one that suggests he has the tools to develop into an impactful player at the next level.

The Tight End Position at Alabama: A Tradition of Underutilization?

Historically, Alabama’s offense has not been known for a heavy reliance on the tight end position. Over the years, the Crimson Tide have typically focused on a power-run game, complemented by a strong defense and explosive wide receivers. While Alabama has produced some great tight ends, like O.J. Howard and Irv Smith Jr., the role of tight ends in Alabama’s offensive schemes has often been more about blocking and being an occasional outlet in the passing game rather than serving as a primary receiving threat.

This offensive philosophy under Nick Saban has led to some tight ends being underutilized or not fully maximizing their potential during their time at Alabama. The Crimson Tide have often leaned on their top-tier running backs, which has meant a heavier emphasis on blocking tight ends rather than those who could excel as primary pass catchers. In particular, under Saban, Alabama has recruited top-tier wide receivers and has had successful quarterbacks, which further lessens the need for a tight end to be a primary focal point in the passing game.

Dippre’s Role at Alabama: The Tight End in a Run-Heavy System

When Dippre transferred to Alabama after spending time at the University of Maryland, he entered a system that was already evolving offensively, but one that still relied heavily on its ground game and physicality in the trenches. Despite showing flashes of talent, his role in the offense was not as pronounced as many expected it to be, given his athletic potential. He was often used in a complementary role as a blocker and an occasional target in the passing game, but the Crimson Tide’s offense did not fully leverage his skills as a pass-catching threat. For a player with his skill set, this represented a missed opportunity.

In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Alabama offense featured star players like quarterback Bryce Young, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Jermaine Burton, among others. While these players undoubtedly had stellar performances and garnered most of the offensive attention, it meant that Dippre was often relegated to a secondary role. The offensive game plan generally called for more focus on the run game, and while the passing game was effective, it often leaned toward targeting wide receivers and occasionally the running backs in the passing game rather than designing plays specifically for the tight ends.

Despite this, Dippre’s natural ability to make plays when given the opportunity was clear. In limited opportunities, he showed strong hands, good separation from defenders, and an ability to pick up yards after the catch. However, his limited role within Alabama’s scheme undoubtedly raised questions about whether his true potential was ever realized at the collegiate level.

The NFL Combine Performance: A Spotlight Moment

CJ Dippre’s performance at the NFL Combine confirmed what many had suspected: his physical tools were NFL-caliber, and his potential was vast. Dippre impressed scouts and analysts alike with his athleticism, moving exceptionally well for a player of his size. His performance in drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and three-cone drill underscored his readiness to make the leap to the professional level.

While his Combine numbers were impressive, they also highlighted the gap between his physical potential and his college production. During his time at Alabama, Dippre never had the chance to put up eye-popping numbers or dominate as a pass-catching tight end in the same way that other top prospects at his position did. In that sense, the Combine was Dippre’s moment to showcase that there was far more to his game than what was visible in Alabama’s run-heavy offense.

For scouts, the Combine performance was an opportunity to re-evaluate Dippre, and the results were promising. It was clear that Dippre could be a dynamic threat at the next level, particularly in an offense that would allow him to fully utilize his skill set. If used in the right system, he could develop into a top-tier receiving tight end.

Was Dippre Underutilized at Alabama?

When evaluating whether CJ Dippre was underutilized at Alabama, it’s important to consider the offensive philosophy and the players surrounding him during his time in Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s system was built around running the ball and controlling the clock, which meant that the tight end position often took a backseat to other offensive weapons. Despite his physical potential, Dippre was often used in a blocking role or as a secondary option in the passing game.

While Dippre’s numbers weren’t as gaudy as some expected, this doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of talent. Rather, it speaks to the fact that Alabama’s offense did not always incorporate the tight end as a primary weapon in the passing game. In many instances, it appeared that the offense was built around spreading the ball to wide receivers and utilizing running backs out of the backfield, which meant that opportunities for Dippre were limited.

Another factor to consider is the emergence of other players who garnered more attention and touches within the offense. Alabama’s offense has often revolved around playmakers like wide receivers and running backs, and the tight end, while still important, has sometimes had to take a secondary role. For a player like Dippre, who had the potential to be more involved in the passing game, this lack of focus on the tight end position may have stunted his development and prevented him from reaching his full potential at Alabama.

The Future: A Bright Outlook for Dippre in the NFL

CJ Dippre’s performance at the NFL Combine may be the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. After spending years in a system that did not fully leverage his abilities, Dippre now has the opportunity to showcase his full potential in the NFL. With his combination of size, speed, and hands, Dippre could thrive in a system that places a greater emphasis on utilizing tight ends in both the run game and the passing game.

In conclusion, while Dippre’s time at Alabama was marked by a less-than-ideal offensive scheme for a player of his skill set, the NFL Combine served as a reminder of just how much talent he possesses. As a tight end, he may have been underutilized in Tuscaloosa, but he’s now ready for a fresh start in the NFL, where his talents can finally be unleashed.