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Dan Villari
Bio
- Hometown: Massapequa, NY
- School: Syracuse
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 243
Scouting Report
Dan Villari is a converted pro-style quarterback who has made the most of his opportunities as a tight end at Syracuse. Villari started his college career as a three-star quarterback at Michigan, where he spent two seasons without touching the field much. He transferred to Syracuse ahead of the 2022 season, but it was more of the same with minimal action. However, in 2023, he was Syracuse's Wildcat quarterback and a focal point of the offense as the team dealt with injuries. Oronde Gadsden was the team's primary pass-catcher in 2024, and Villari took a reduced role despite his larger contribution in 2023. He played through a torn labrum and nerve damage in his neck before returning for 2025 to be their top tight end.
Villari has reworked his body composition to adapt to the transition to tight end. That extra size lets him win with power at the collision point, and his ability to fight through contact compares favorably to some of the better running backs in the class. As a former quarterback, he knows where to sit down to find space against zone defenses and becomes a playmaker immediately after getting the ball in his hands. He lacks high-end speed and acceleration, but is a willing blocker, albeit not an effective one.
Rundown
Villari is a capable pass-catching tight end who will stick around the league and contribute in the passing game as a team's second or third tight end.
Player Comp
NFL Range of Outcomes
Average Backup to Average Starter
For more information on Dan Villari and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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