Marlin Klein Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Bridgette Bol/Michigan Daily)
School: Michigan
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: TE
HT: 6’6
WT: 250 lbs
Background: Marlin Klein was a 3-star tight end in the class of 2022. Marlin grew up in Cologne, Germany, where he played American football for his freshman and sophomore seasons of high school. Ahead of his junior year, Klein moved to Georgia to prep at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School. Marlin was a top 30 tight end in the class and top 50 player in Georgia. Klein committed to play for Michigan over Florida State, Ole Miss, West Virginia, and others.
College: Klein was primarily a reserve and special teams player in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Marlin received an increased role due to injuries that plagued Colston Loveland. Across 13 games in 2024, Klein caught 13 passes for 108 yards. He was also named the team’s Most Improved Player. Klein was an All-Big 10 honorable mention in 2025 as the primary tight end for the Wolverines. That was a season in which he posted 24 receptions for 248 yards and 1 touchdown.
Strengths: Marlin Klein has a quick get off from the line of scrimmage to put defenders on their heels. He eats up ground with long strides to gain speed through his route. He is a reliable pass catcher with solid hands and potential after the catch. He comes from Germany and started playing football late in high school; he has plenty of room for development and growth. He is a high motor player who is always playing with a high energy level. He is aggressive at the catchpoint and has strong grip strength to rip the ball out of the air. He has good measurables wit the length to go up and get the football before defenders can make a play.
Weaknesses: Klein struggles tremendously as a blocker. He is a willing but relatively ineffective blocker in the run game. Klein’s route tree is limited for the position. He has not been a consistent producer for his entire time at Michigan and was only the starter in his final season at Michigan. He has not had the time necessary to develop as a nuanced route runner. He will take some more time than average to blossom into a playmaker at the NFL level.
Conclusion: Marlin Klein is late bloomer and developmental tight end who excels using his strength and size. He is raw as a route runner and run blocker. It will take patience and proper player development for an NFL team to see return on investment with Klein.
Best Team Fits: CIN, MIA, DEN
Player Comparison: Luke Musgrave
Player Grade: Round 5 (53.5)
