WHO IS NICK KALLERUP

A blocking tight end that is who he is. Nick Kallerup does not have insane catching stats during his tenure at the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  Kallerup’s college career included playing in 39 games over six years, with seven starts during his senior season, where he recorded nine catches for 117 yards. He also contributed to an offense that averaged 26.2 points per game, with a rushing attack averaging 115.6 yards per game and a passing attack averaging 222.2 yards per game.

Kallerup was a five-time Academic All-Big 10 selection from 2020 to 2024. After his college career, he was not drafted by any team, despite being projected to go in the 7th round. He was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in the 2025 offseason.

But who cares right? We have AJ Barner and now Elijah Arroyo to catch passes and score touchdowns.

At his time with the Golden Gophers, he contributed significantly to the team’s offensive strategy, with his blocking playing a crucial role in the team’s success where he was described as a “blocking-TE” archetype:

Blocking – TE Archetype: A tight end who specializes in blocking, often used to create running lanes and protect the quarterback. These players are usually larger and stronger, focusing on their blocking abilities rather than receiving.

Nick Kallerup is 6’5,” 266 lbs. At his Pro Day his results:

Hands: 10 ⅛
Arms span: 32 ½
Wingspan: 80 3/8th

40 yard dash: 4.75
20 yard dash: 2.73
10 yard dash: 1.67
225 lbs. Bench: 16
Vertical Jump: 33 ½
Broad Jump: 09’04”
20 yard shuttle: 4.57
3-cone drill 7.59



The Daily Gopher called Kallerup:

“a beast of a blocker for the Gophers over his four seasons (who) showed some pass catching ability.”


His weekly grades, via PFF:



His season grades, via PFF:

Can he beat out Eric Saubert for TE-3?

In my own opinion? Yes and no. Yes, because competition is always welcomed during summer camp, and it’s everyone’s game. No one is safe. But no, Eric Saubert is also considered a“blocking-TE” archetype, and he does have 7 more seasons than Nick Kallerup. But are the Seahawks willing to go even younger at the TE position? Eric Saubert is 31 years old and brings that veteran mentality, experience, and knowledge to a very young TE core in Seattle.

Here is Eric Saubert PFF grades for last 2025 NFL season with the 49ers:

Weekly grades:



Season grades:

Conclusion:

The Seahawks should carry 4 TEs. 3 Ys and one U [blocking TE].  We have to remember that the OC Klint Kubiak system utilizes 12 [one back, two tight ends] and 21 [two backs, one tight end] personnel. This will hopefully allow for a more physical running game and create favorable matchups in the passing game. The team is likely to keep four tight ends on their roster, as Kubiak’s system requires multiple tight ends to function effectively. He’ll make the roster for sure, but the team also needs experience. But at the end of the day? Yes. He will make the roster as at TE-4, but not TE-3 because he lacks NFL experience. 

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