INDIANAPOLIS -- C.J. Fiedorowicz knows he can't replace a guy like Tony Gonzalez, but he sure would try.
The Iowa tight end believes he would be a good fit with the Atlanta Falcons. At least that's the indication he got while working closely with Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and tight ends coach Chris Scelfo at the Senior Bowl.
"Coach Scelfo had a lot of good things to say," Fiedorowicz said. "At the game, he said I had a really good week. The offensive coordinator (Koetter), he actually said, 'I wouldn't mind having you on our team.' And I kind of had a big grin on my face because that was pretty cool. It gives me motivation, and I'm going to be looking out for them."
The 6-foot-6, 262-pound Fiedorowicz isn't going to stretch the field like a Jimmy Graham, but he would give any team a traditional tight end capable of catching passes and providing solid blocking. His draft stock seems to be on the rise as he was projected as a third- or fourth-round pick. Some say Fiedorowicz now is getting second-round consideration.
The Falcons need a tight end after Gonzalez retired with one year left on his contract. The team has plenty of faith in 2013 fourth-round pick Levine Toilolo, a player Mike Smith said is sure to provide mismatches next year while standing 6-8. But Toilolo's blocking needs much polishing. Fiedorowicz could turn more heads with an impressive combine workout. Tight ends are scheduled to work out on Saturday.
He believes he has shown plenty to the Falcons already.
"I sat down and met with them the whole week at the Senior Bowl," Fiedorowicz said. "And they kind of have a good feel for who I am. I think they're pretty comfortable with me."
It just depends on where the Falcons prioritize the tight end position in the draft. Needs along the offensive and defensive lines are first and foremost. Linebacker, safety and tight end are areas that need to be addressed as well.
The Falcons have a pick in every round now, but that could change if they decide to trade up in the first round.
Whatever ends up unfolding, the Falcons know they can't replace Gonzalez's production. But having a strong group of tight ends would help.
Fiedorowicz wouldn't mind being in the mix.
"Gonzalez is one of the all-time greats and obviously is going to be in the Hall of Fame," Fiedorowicz said. "If I have to come in behind him, I'm going to do my best. I'm an all-around tight end, a guy who can block at the line of scrimmage and guy who can get down the field."