The value of tight ends today is at an all-time high compared to NFL history, and there’s no signs of the trends towards increase value slowing down. Team’s clearly see the value of an impact seam threat that can provide value as a blocker, third down option and match-up concern for opposing defenses.
Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro lead a deep class of tight ends that should have NFL teams excited and interested in the top-50 picks on draft day.
1. Eric Ebron, North Carolina
Fitting the mold of a Jimmy Graham-type tight end, Eric Ebron can provide NFL teams value thanks to his extension away from his frame, receiver-like body control as he works down the field and in-air, and the versatility to get separation with a variety of routes and route development.
With teams in the top 20 like the Bucs (at #7), the Bills (at #9), the Giants (at #12) and Jets (at #18), Ebron has plenty of destinations he could reach. If the plus-receiving tight end has a strong Combine, he’ll certainly be in high demand on draft day.
Draft Projection: Top 20 overall
2. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
Despite playing at around 260 pounds and measuring it at or a little below 6’5, Jace Amaro is one of the smoothest and most receiver-like tight ends in the draft’s recent memory. Playing for a college that’s known for productivity through the air, Amaro finished his junior season with an NCAA single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end.
A long, explosive receiving athlete, Amaro gets initial separation at a high level, works down the field and getting free from coverage at a high level and finishes his catches well with consistently strong, balanced positioning. He’s not a true in-line tight end thanks to his college system, but he’ll find a home in the NFL (likely in round one) thanks to his receiving ability.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
3. Troy Niklas, Notre Dame
Most likely the best blocking tight end in the 2014 class, Troy Niklas can provide an instant impact to an NFL team in that area. Still a developing route runner and pass catcher (he only started playing tight end two and a half years ago), Niklas can’t be counted on as a day one pass catcher in the NFL, which is why he’s not a first rounder.
However, with his immediate impact as a blocking tight end and development during his junior year in adjusted to passes better and maintained better footwork/balance down the field, Niklas has clear upside and is a worthwhile 2nd rounder.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
4. Austin Serefin-Jenkins, Washington
Possessing tremendous length (listed at 6’9), Serefin-Jenkins has the upside of being as close to uncoverable as possible. With plus athleticism as he works in the seam and controlled steps as he gathers and looks upfield as a runner, Serefin-Jenkins makes it very difficult for linebackers or defensive backs to both dislodge the ball from him or finish tackles after he catches the pass.
He still has some concerns with maintaining his blocks and has a lack of great separation in the short area routes, but it’s clear that once he can improve in both of those areas, he can be unlike any tight end we’ve ever seen in the NFL.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
5. CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa
A complete tight end as both a blocker and pass catcher, CJ Fiedorowicz is a bit of a forgotten man in this draft thanks to all the top juniors that declared. However, with his development as a pass and run blocker, plus-body type and efficiency as a route runner in the mid-field and when breaking to the edge, Fiedorowicz can be considered a plug and play starter in the NFL.
He’ll slip a bit lower than the top juniors thanks to his lack of elite athletic upside like many of them possess, but he could very well be the most NFL-ready starter of any of them.
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
6. AC Leonard, Tennessee State
A former Florida transfer, AC Leonard played a bit of a receiver/tight-end hybrid position during his time at the FCS level, and that’s the type of role I’d expect him to play in the pros. As a blocker, he initiates contact well and shows plus awareness to track his assignments. As a pass catcher, he’s a powerful, balanced route runner who finishes catches well and turns into a plus runner. He’ll drop a bit lower than some of the tight ends on this list below him, but he’s worthy of a top-100 pick in our eyes.
Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round
7. Xavier Grimble, USC
The top tight end in the country out of high school, Grimble never lived up to the hype built around him, which in part could be thanks to the “unique” play-calling of Lane Kiffin. Regardless, Grimble declaring was a questionable decision, and he’ll likely slide with more productive and clearer talents in this draft. However, Grimble has the ideal size, flashes of athleticism down the field, and experience blocking in multiple sets to be a worthwhile developmental talent who could end up being one of the bigger steals in this class.
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
8. Richard Rodgers, California
Richard Rodgers draft evaluation is primarily based around his clear natural athletic ability, both with his natural ball skills in catching away from his frame and his explosiveness in getting separation vertically. He is limited currently as a blocker, with poor technique, but has the thick lower half to develop there in the future. A bit of a project, Rodgers is more of an early Day 3 pick in our eyes, but he’ll likely go a bit higher than that.
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
9. Colt Lyerla, Oregon
It’s been a bit of a mess for Colt Lyerla since his sophomore year at Oregon, where consistent rumors of a poor work ethic, lack of coach-ability, and drug usage concerns have plagued him. He opted to leave the school mid-season this year, and he’ll get his first shot in front of NFL evaluators during the Combine since he left the school. Talent-wise, he’s arguably a top two or three tight end in this class. But team’s won’t touch him if he can’t interview well at the Combine.
Draft Projection: 6th Round- Undrafted
10. Marcel Jensen, Fresno State
With the size, length and body-type to remind evaluators of Martellus Bennett, Jensen could potentially fit that mold with time and development. Not as physical at the catch-point or as athletically gifted as Bennett was, Jensen’s best attribute is as a blocker and short area target in the passing game. He could be an instant contributor as a second tight end to start, with the potential to develop into a starter in time.
Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round
Just Missed: Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin; Gator Hoskins, Marshall; Jake Murphy, Utah
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