Benjamin Brahmer: Injury| IOWA State| Hit| NFL Draft| 40 Time

Introduction

At 6 ft 6 and around 260 lbs, Benjamin Brahmer has emerged as one of the more intriguing tight-end prospects in college football. Representing Iowa State Cyclones, Brahmer has combined size, athleticism and improving production — traits that NFL scouts will soon evaluate in earnest. But his ascent has not come without setbacks: a recent scary injury moment, coupled with questions about his 40-yard dash time and how his game will translate to the pro level. This article dives deep into his injury, his collegiate tenure at Iowa State, his projected draft outlook and his physical testing — including his estimated 40-yard dash time —

Early Career & Iowa State Background

Brahmer’s football journey began in Nebraska, where he played high school football at Pierce High School. According to his Iowa State roster profile:

• He amassed 3,511 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns on 197 catches during his high-school career.

• He committed to Iowa State over Nebraska despite his strong home-state recruitment.

Redshirt & Freshman Season

In his true freshman season (2023) at Iowa State:

• He played in all 13 games and made two starts.

• Broke the school record for receptions by a freshman tight end with 28 catches for 352 yards, averaging 12.6 yards per catch.

• He also scored two touchdowns.
  This impressive production earned him Freshman All-American honors by multiple outlets.

Sophomore Season & Injury Impact

During the 2024 season:

• Statistics show he played in eight games, made two starts, and recorded 10 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown.

• His season was hampered by an injury sustained in a game at UCF Knights, which shortened his campaign.
  Despite the lower numbers, he still earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors.

Injury: The Cart-Off Moment

In a pivotal moment during the 2025 season, Brahmer suffered a scare that raised concern about his health and availability going forward.

What Happened

In the game versus Arizona State Sun Devils (a 24-19 loss for Iowa State):

• With about 8:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, Brahmer took a hard hit from Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II on an incomplete pass.

• He initially stood up but appeared wobbly, took a few steps toward the sideline, then collapsed to the turf.

• Trainers rushed onto the field, he was strapped to a backboard, placed on a cart and transported off the field.

• He was transported to Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames as a precaution, evaluated, and subsequently discharged from the hospital.

The Aftermath & Significance

• According to Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, the feedback at that point was “positive” though the situation was being treated as precautionary.

• Brahmer’s presence in the game before the hit: three receptions for 48 yards including a 17-yard touchdown.

• The injury is important to note for his draft status: availability and health are key evaluation criteria. While he was cleared and discharged, scouts will scrutinize his durability record.

Key Takeaway

While the injury doesn’t appear career-threatening based on current updates, the moment will be part of his pre-draft narrative. That makes his recovery, ability to return healthy and maintain production all the more important as we look ahead to his NFL prospects.

Athletic Profile & 40-Yard Dash Time

When projecting a tight end to the NFL, raw athleticism — including size, 40-yard dash time, burst, and agility — is critically evaluated. Brahmer has the size and some athletic tools; here’s how he stacks up.

Measured Metrics

According to draft profiles:

• Height: 6-6 (6 ft 6)

• Weight: ~260 lbs

• 40-Yard Dash: Low of 4.67 sec, typical around 4.76 sec, high estimate 4.85 sec.

Interpretation of 40 Time

• A 4.67-4.76 second 40 at 260lbs is above average for a tight end and would indicate good straight-line speed.

• The 4.85 figure reflects a more conservative estimate or slower version.

• For NFL TE prospects: anything under ~4.7 is very good; 4.8+ is acceptable but less elite.

• The estimates suggest that Brahmer has solid speed, though likely not blazing like some of the elite receiving-tight ends.

Other Athletic Considerations

While the 40 time is highlighted, scouts will also look at:

• Short-area burst and first-step acceleration (important on crossing routes or when cracking off the line)

• Agility and change-of-direction (via 3-cone drill, shuttle)

• Blocking willingness and technique (both for run-game and pass protection)
  Given that DraftScout’s listing only provides the 40-yard time estimates but lacks full combine metrics (bench, vertical jump, broad jump) for Brahmer, part of his pre-draft work will be about showing up at either the combine or pro day and posting measurable results to fill in the blanks.

Draft Outlook & Projection

For any college player eyeing the NFL, understanding where one stands in draft projection is key. For Brahmer: what are the positives and what are the question marks?

Positives in His Favor

• Size: At 6-6 and 260lbs, he has prototypical tight-end size for the NFL.

• Receiving numbers (especially freshman year) show he can contribute in the passing game.

• Athleticism: The 40 time estimates and his production hint at a big-play ability (he had long receptions in college).

• Early academic honors and consistency: His freshman All-American recognition builds his résumé.

Areas of Question / Improvement

• Injury history: The 2024 injury shortened his season, and the 2025 cart-off moment raises durability questions (even though he appears OK).

• Blocking: College receiving success is great, but many NFL teams expect their TEs to be two-way players (receiving + blocking). Brahmer will need to show competence in run-and-pass blocking.

• Consistency of production: His sophomore numbers dipped due to injury, so scouts will want to see him bounce back strongly.

• Athletic ceiling: While good, his 40 time estimate puts him in a solid but not elite category among TEs. To stand out he must combine his size and speed with nuance — route-running, separation, red-zone usage, etc.

Draft Projection

According to DraftScout:

• Projected Draft Year: 2027 (Junior status)

• Stock: Low of “4-7” (meaning possible 4th to 7th round) based on current data.
  This suggests that, in his current form, Brahmer may be seen as a mid-round pick unless he significantly improves his athletic testing, increases his production and clearly shows he’s healthy and durable.

Hit, Physicality & On-Field Style

An important factor often overlooked in raw metrics: how a player plays the game when hits are flying and blocks are engaged. For Brahmer, his on-field style, receiving footprint and physical nature matter.

Receiving Threat

• As a freshman, he averaged 12.6 yards per catch and had some long receptions (including a 48-yard play vs. Baylor) earlier in his career.

• In the Arizona State game prior to the injury, he caught a 17-yard touchdown.
  These examples show that he’s used in intermediate to deeper passing concepts, not just short-yardage chains.

Blocking & Physical Engagement

Because much of his receiving value is known, a key growth area is blocking — both in the run game and in pass protection. While publicly available advanced blocking stats are limited, his size gives him a foundation. Scouts will look at his:

• Hand placement and control when engaged with defensive ends/backers

• Ability to anchor against bull rushes

• Footwork and ability to finish blocks and sustain drive-blocks
  Any visible improvement in blocking during his junior season will bump up his projection.

Hit (Injury) Consideration

Ironically, the very “hit” that raises concern underscores his willingness to engage physically. That moment — being on the receiving end of a big collision — also serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the position. His recovery, return to form, and lack of recurring issues will be vital.

What’s Next & What to Monitor

As Brahmer progresses toward his draft year, here are the key items for fans, scouts and analysts to monitor:

1. Health & Availability

   • Does he return fully from the 2025 incident with no lingering issues?

   • Does he remain on the field for full games and full seasons without major downtime?

2. Production Upswing

   • In his upcoming season(s), will his receptions, yards and touchdowns increase?

   • Will he develop more as a pass-catching threat and be used more in high-leverage situations (e.g., red zone)?

3. Athletic Testing / Combine Results

   • Does he officially clock his 40-yard dash, shuttle and three-cone?

   • Can he outperform his current estimated 40 time and show improved agility or explosiveness via jumps and drills?

4. Blocking Improvement

   • Does film show marked advance in his blocking technique and effectiveness?

   • Can he show reliability in both run and pass schemes as a true “all-around” tight end?

5. NFL Role Fit

   • Will he be viewed primarily as a receiving tight end, or will teams believe he can be a full-time starting TE (block-and-catch)?

   • How does he stack up in the draft class relative to other TEs in his year?

Summary & Final Thoughts

Benjamin Brahmer stands at an interesting junction. He has the size, athletic potential and early production to be an NFL tight-end prospect. His freshman All-American season and consistent recognition at Iowa State illustrate his promise. However, the road ahead will require staying healthy, enhancing his blocking, increasing production and demonstrating athletic upside through testing (especially around his 40-yard dash time and overall athletic profile).

His recent injury — while scary — appears to be managed, but remains part of his narrative and will factor into how NFL teams view his durability and risk. As of now, draft services like DraftScout project him as a mid-round pick, but with the right progression he could elevate into earlier rounds.

For fans of Iowa State, NFL draft watchers or tight-end enthusiasts, keep your eyes on Brahmer. His upcoming season(s) will provide critical signals about whether he can deliver on the promise and become a high-value NFL pick.