Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker generating buzz at Shrine Bowl despite being out with injury
Former Michigan Wolverines football tight end Luke Schoonmaker is an NFL Draft prospect after his most productive college season in 2022. He ranked third on the team with 418 receiving yards with 35 receptions and 3 touchdowns, and was also a strong run blocker.
Schoonmaker is currently at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas, even though he will not play due to a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, an injury he dealt with at the end of the 2022 season and re-aggravated in the Fiesta Bowl against TCU. The game will take place Thursday, Feb. 2 at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Despite not being full-go, Schoonmaker is considered one of the best prospects at his position at the event. He was named the No. 1 tight end by Pro Football Network, which lauded both his pass-catching and run blocking abilities.
“A lesser-known receiving threat, Schoonmaker made his name known early on at Michigan with his blocking skills,” the site’s Cam Mellor wrote. “However, over the past two seasons, he’s hauled in six receiving touchdowns and capped his career with personal bests in every major receiving category.
“Schoonmaker is a physical blocker with safe hands, something that will come in handy over the middle of the field.”
ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently named Schoonmaker the No. 9 tight end in the draft class in his position rankings.
Patriots.com writer Evan Lazar reported that Schoonmaker “hopes” to be a full participant come the NFL Draft Scouting Combine, which will be held Feb. 28 to March 6 in Indianapolis.
Several different teams could use Schoonmaker’s services. Two organizations in particular have been named as squads that may be eyeing him this week and throughout the process, the Patriots being one of them.
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“The Patriots’ highly-priced tight end room could be remodeled this offseason which could open the door for a late round draft pick at the position,” PatsPulpit’s Brian M. Hines wrote, naming the former Michigan tight end one of 10 offensive players to watch at the Shrine Bowl. “Schoonmaker fits that bill after a productive season in which he set career highs in receptions (35) and receiving yards (418) for the Wolverines. He’s a smooth athlete for his size (6-foot-6, 250 lbs.) and is one of the best run-blockers at the position.”
A Hamden, Conn., native, Schoonmaker has always been fond of the Patriots.
“Growing up my mom’s side of the family is all from Boston so Boston sports are instilled in us,” the former Michigan tight end said this week.
The Green Bay Packers may also be in the market for a tight end. PackersWire’s Brennen Rupp tabbed Schoonmaker as one of 14 players Packers fans should watch during Shrine Bowl week.
“At 6-6, 250 pounds, Schoomaker is a good athlete that accelerates well off the line of scrimmage,” he wrote. “He’s a good blocker that could carve out a role early during his rookie season.”
Former Michigan kicker Jake Moody is on the West roster, along with Schoonmaker. The Patriots’ staff, helmed by head coach Bill Belichick, is leading that team. The club is seen as one who may be seeking a new kicker this offseason.
