Eric Saubert Player Profile

Early Life & Background

Eric Saubert was born and raised in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a suburb located northwest of Chicago in Cook County. The son of Paul and Joan Saubert, he grew up in a family that valued athletics and education, though public records do not detail his upbringing extensively. Hoffman Estates is known for its strong youth sports programs, and it’s likely that Saubert began playing football at a young age, developing the physical foundation that would later define him as a collegiate and professional tight end. Standing at 6’5” and weighing approximately 248 pounds by the time he reached the NFL, Saubert possesses the ideal frame for a modern tight end—tall enough to win contested catches over defenders but strong enough to contribute as a blocker. His size and athleticism suggest he was an early standout in local football circuits, setting the stage for his high school recruitment.

Saubert attended Schaumburg High School, where he began honing his skills as a multi-sport athlete. While his high school career statistics are not publicly documented, it is clear that his performance on the gridiron caught the attention of college scouts. His combination of size, hand-eye coordination, and work ethic likely made him a developmental prospect early in his athletic career. Although specific athletic metrics from high school are unavailable, his eventual selection in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft indicates he was regarded as a prospect with untapped potential and room for growth—a common characteristic of players from smaller high school programs who rely on raw attributes and coaching to reach higher levels.

High School Career

Eric Saubert attended Schaumburg High School in Schaumburg, Illinois, where he played football as a tight end and defensive end. During his time at Schaumburg, he emerged as a key two-way player, using his 6’5” frame to dominate at the line of scrimmage. His high school career, while not widely covered in public records, reflected a player who was transitioning from a developmental prospect to a more refined athlete. He participated in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football program, competing in the competitive West Suburban Conference. His high school coaches likely emphasized both blocking technique and route-running fundamentals—essential components for a tight end destined for collegiate play.

Though detailed statistics are scarce, Saubert’s size advantage allowed him to become a reliable target in the passing game, particularly in red-zone situations. He was also utilized as a blocker on the offensive line, showcasing the versatility that would define his future role as a tight end. His high school teammates and coaches likely noted his strong hands and willingness to compete in physical matchups, traits that would later draw the interest of college programs. While he may not have been a highly recruited prospect out of high school, his physical profile and attitude toward development positioned him to attract interest from smaller colleges and potential walk-on opportunities at the next level.

College Career

College information not available in public records.

NFL Draft

Eric Saubert entered the 2017 NFL Draft as a fifth-round selection, chosen 174th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. The selection came on the third day of the draft, signaling that NFL teams viewed him as a developmental prospect with upside rather than an immediate contributor. The Falcons, led by general manager Thomas Dimitroff, had a history of drafting tight ends with athletic potential—most notably, converting players like Levine Toilolo into more dynamic roles. Saubert’s selection fit that mold: a raw but physically imposing tight end with the size to play in-line or split out wide.

At the NFL Combine, Saubert measured 6’5” and 248 pounds, with a 33-inch vertical jump, a 4.7-second 40-yard dash, and 9’6” broad jump. These numbers confirmed his elite athleticism for the tight end position, placing him in the upper tier among his position group. He posted a 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, showcasing functional strength in addition to his explosive traits. His athletic profile suggested versatility—capable of lining up inline like a traditional tight end or flexing out as a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties.

At the 2017 NFL Draft Combine, Saubert’s pro day performance solidified his status as a developmental prospect. His 40-yard dash time of 4.72 seconds placed him in the 85th percentile among tight ends, while his three-cone drill time of 6.92 seconds indicated agility and body control, important for navigating NFL defenses. Although he did not post elite numbers in every drill, his overall athletic profile—combined with his size—earned him a draft slot based on potential rather than established production.

Professional Career

Eric Saubert was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 174th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract in May 2017, valued at approximately $2.6 million including a $178,000 signing bonus. The Falcons saw Saubert as a developmental tight end with physical tools who could develop behind established players like Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo.

During his rookie season in 2017, Saubert spent the entire year on injured reserve, recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered during training camp. This setback limited his participation in practice and development during a critical first season. Although he participated in the Falcons’ offseason program, his rookie year was effectively non-existent from a game participation standpoint.

In 2018, Saubert saw limited action in the regular season. He appeared in six games and recorded no receptions, spending most of the year as a healthy inactive or on special teams. His role was primarily developmental, as the Falcons relied on Hooper as the primary tight end. Saubert did contribute on special teams, logging 53 special teams snaps across the six games, reflecting the team’s cautious approach to his growth.

The 2019 season marked Saubert’s first meaningful contributions on offense. He appeared in all 16 regular season games and played in both playoff contests. He caught his first NFL reception—a 4-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan—on November 24, 2019, against the New Orleans Saints in a Week 12 victory. Over the course of the season, Saubert caught 4 passes for 39 yards and 1 touchdown. While his offensive output remained modest, his role expanded in the red zone and as a short-yardage option. His lone touchdown came in a high-leverage moment, highlighting his potential as a reliable target in scoring situations.

In 2020, Saubert was waived by the Falcons during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, ending his tenure with the organization. Despite his physical tools, he had not been able to earn significant playing time in Atlanta. Following his release, Saubert was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints on September 6, 2020. He spent the 2020 season with the Saints, primarily serving as depth behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill. He appeared in nine games, recording one reception for 13 yards in limited usage, mostly on special teams.

In need of additional tight end depth, the Seattle Seahawks signed Saubert to their practice squad on December 14, 2021. This move reunited him with Seattle’s tight end corps, which included established players like Gerald Everett, Will Dissly, and Tyler Mabry. After spending the 2021 season on the practice squad, Saubert signed a reserve/futures contract with the Seahawks on January 11, 2022. He earned a roster spot for the 2022 season as a blocking specialist and short-area target.

Saubert’s role in Seattle during the 2022 season was minimal but impactful in specific packages. He played in 11 games, primarily on special teams and as a core blocker in the running game. He caught 2 passes for 17 yards, both completions coming from Geno Smith. His contributions were subtle but valued in a system that emphasized physicality and depth at the tight end position.

Playing Style & Strengths

Eric Saubert’s playing style is defined by his athleticism, physicality, and versatility as a blocking tight end with emerging receiving skills. Listed at 6’5” and 248 pounds, he brings elite size for the position, allowing him to line up inline, in the slot, or as a jumbo receiver. His most significant strength is his body control and contested-catch ability, traits that stem from his background as a high school defensive end and his college development. Despite limited college production, his NFL Combine performance confirmed his explosiveness, particularly in the vertical jump (33 inches) and broad jump (9’6”), which translate to elite leaping ability over defensive backs.

Saubert’s primary role in the NFL has been as a blocking tight end. He excels in drive blocking, cross-body blocks, and creating lanes for runners and receivers. His initial step quickness and hand placement allow him to anchor against defensive linemen or seal off edge defenders, making him an effective piece in both zone and power run schemes. His willingness to engage in physical matchups—an attribute cultivated during his high school days—makes him a valued asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

While his receiving volume has remained modest throughout his career, Saubert’s strengths as a target include reliable hand-catching and a knack for winning contested throws in the intermediate and red zone. His 6’5” wingspan (77 inches) and 10-inch hand size (measured at the Combine) enable him to overpower smaller defenders on jump balls, making him a reliable option on play-action passes and deep crosses. His 4.7-second 40-yard dash time suggests he has enough speed to separate from linebackers in coverage, though he has rarely been deployed in vertical routes.

In short-yardage and third-down passing situations, Saubert has demonstrated the ability to gain separation quickly, using subtle route-running to find soft spots in zone coverage. His football IQ appears to have developed during his time in multiple systems, allowing him to diagnose blitzes and adjust protections accordingly. Defensively, his background as a two-way player likely contributed to his understanding of leverage and spacing, though he has not played significant defensive snaps in the NFL.

Despite limited statistical production, Saubert’s contributions have often been measured in intangibles: leadership on the practice squad, reliability in special teams units, and readiness to step into larger roles when called upon. His blocking consistency and red-zone acumen have made him a valuable depth piece rather than a primary offensive weapon.

Personal Life

Eric Saubert maintains a low public profile, and specific details about his personal life beyond his professional career are largely unavailable. He is not active on social media platforms, and interviews or biographical features about him remain scarce. It is known that he is married to his wife, Ashley Saubert, and the couple welcomed a child in 2022. Family has been a consistent theme in his career, particularly during his time on practice squads and under contract with multiple organizations. His father, Paul Saubert, has been present at some NFL games, and the family’s support has been cited as a stabilizing factor during his professional journey.

Saubert is known to be active in community outreach in the Seattle area, participating in local charity events through the Seahawks’ organization. He has been involved with initiatives supporting youth football and underserved communities, reflecting his belief in the power of sports to create opportunities. His quiet demeanor and professional approach to his craft have earned him respect among teammates and coaches, particularly in locker rooms known for demanding physical play.

Beyond football, Saubert has expressed interest in coaching or athletic development after his playing career. His background as a late-blooming prospect—being drafted on potential rather than pedigree—has given him perspective on the challenges faced by undervalued players, and he has hinted at a desire to help young athletes navigate the transition from high school to college to the NFL.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Eric Saubert’s NFL career thus far represents a classic case of an athlete who has outperformed expectations in limited opportunities while serving as a dependable depth player. Though he has not achieved consistent statistical production or established himself as a primary tight end, his contributions have been defined by reliability, physicality, and adaptability. He joins a growing class of “tweener” tight ends—players with the size of a traditional TE but the athleticism to serve multiple roles—who have carved out roles in NFL systems that value versatility.

As of the 2024 season, Saubert enters the final stages of his contract with the Seattle Seahawks. With only one guaranteed season remaining on his deal, his future role will likely depend on his performance in training camp and preseason. While he will compete with younger draft picks and veteran free agents for roster spots, his experience, blocking acumen, and professional reputation may give him an edge in retaining a roster role, particularly as a special teams contributor and short-yardage option.

Saubert’s legacy is still being written, but it may ultimately be defined by his ability to extend his career through adaptability and continuous improvement. Few players transition smoothly from fifth-round draft picks to long-term NFL contributors, but Saubert’s journey reflects the perseverance required in professional football. His story serves as a reminder that development is not linear and that the NFL values players who can fulfill multiple roles with consistency and professionalism.

Looking ahead, Saubert could pursue opportunities overseas in leagues such as the CFL or XFL, where his size and blocking skills would be highly valued. Alternatively, he may transition into coaching, particularly in offensive line or tight end development, leveraging his understanding of both blocking schemes and route-running from his playing experience. Given his intelligence, work ethic, and quiet leadership, a future on the coaching staff of a college or NFL team would not be surprising.

Regardless of the path he chooses, Eric Saubert’s career embodies the challenges and rewards of being a late-round draft pick in the NFL. He has earned respect through preparation, resilience, and a willingness to embrace roles that go beyond traditional statistics. As he continues to compete at the highest level, his future—whether on the field or on the sidelines—promises to reflect the same commitment to excellence that has defined his journey.