Jordan Laube
Mar 274 min
Welcome back to the PRR series! Today, we'll take a look at one of the most sought after positions on offense in recent years...the tight end!
Whether they're catching tough passes, trucking and weaving through a defense, or blocking defenders into the turf, the tight end position has many different hats that are tough to wear for just one player. Today, we'll cover 8 tight ends that I believe have multiple traits that fit the bill and will help them succeed in the NFL. Let's get into the versatile weapons of this class!
Photo: Scott Wachter/USA TODAY
To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of JT's game and don't believe he is a top 3 tight end in this class. I think he's a good athlete and has really solid hands, but his blocking and YAC ability is questionable. The upside; he's young and played in a limited offense. If a coach can tap into making him a better blocker, he could easily be a top 5 tight end in this group.
Pro Comp: Brevin Jordan
Jared does everything JT does, just at a higher level, and he blocks better from the true tight end position. He lined up all over the offense, and he has good receiving traits with his speed and route running. He'll need to improve his blocking out in space when aligned as a receiver, as well as improving his YAC ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in space.
Pro Comp: Dawson Knox
Theo is a unique prospect in terms of athleticism, versatility, and overall playmaking ability. He knows multiple spots on the offense and can easily turn a 5 yard pass into a 40 yard gain. The key for Theo will be becoming a much more consistent player in terms of making routine plays and blocking at a higher level.
Pro Comp: Brock Wright
Photo: Steve Manuel/Blue White Illustrated
Overall, Stover could be a solid pickup for any tight-end heavy offense. He won't maul someone in the run game, but he has nice flashes in the pass game. I think he needs a year to develop into a pro level athlete, and I can see him as a potential 3rd or 4th option in an offense.
Pro Comp: Gerald Everett
I think Westover will be a fine addition for any team who takes him, but will most likely move to fullback/H-back in the majority of schemes. He's a good athlete overall and has great hands, but he needs to get stronger at blocking LOS defenders and running stronger routes. I think he has a high ceiling and can contribute on any offense at the next level.
Pro Comp: Alec Ingold
AJ is a delightful player. He blocks really well, has a solid receiving prowess, can make plays after the catch, and can come down with tough snags in traffic. He may lose opportunities with teams who want a more athletic tight end, but he has enough skills to overcome that wherever he goes. AJ is a complete old-school tight end who should do well in the NFL.
Pro Comp: Tyler Higbee
Photo: Lila Turner/Michigan Daily
Overall a sound prospect, Sinnott has all the tools that a modern NFL tight end needs. He catches well, runs nice routes, can make plays after the catch, and can make most blocks. Ben needs to clean up the little things to be a true top option for a team, but he will be a nice find for whoever drafts him.
Pro comp: Dalton Schultz
One of the best tight end prospects of the decade, Bowers is a fluid receiver, a decent blocker, and he does everything you need a tight end to do in today's NFL. Bowers can lineup anywhere on the field and win any matchup, will be really good at the next level, and has potential to be a generational talent.
Pro Comp: George Kittle
Photo: George Walker IV/AP Photo
Final Notes:
Two guys I want to mention are Tip Reiman and Jaheim Bell. Both have different skillsets that will make them fun additions to any offense.
Tip is a 6'4, 270 pound monster that brings solid blocking and surprising speed. He made some nice catches in traffic, but would drop the easy ones. To make matters less than ideal, he was used in an offense that completely disregarded the tight end position, and it made him a tough eval.
Jaheim is the opposite, where he was used in multiple different ways because of his unique sizing and athleticism for the tight end position. He stands at just 6'2 and weighs 240 pounds, making him undersized as a true Y, but was used all over Florida State's offense. They put him out wide, in the slot, at the traditional tight end spot, and even in the backfield. He'll most likely transition to fullback, but could be used in ways we haven't seen a fullback be used before, especially when trying to force mismatches.
Join me next time as we cover the best safeties and nickels to round out the week!