2017 NFL Draft: Tight Ends

This may be a generational set of talents at the tight end position. There are 3-5 players who are real difference makes depending on how you view them and a half dozen more that should be solid contributors. This is the best TE draft I’ve ever seen, and although that doesn’t cover a lot of drafts, I’d be willing to bet this one won’t be topped for quite some time if ever.

1)     O.J. Howard, Sr, Alabama, 6’ 6” 251 lbs – Starter (7.6)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 10.40, Catch Rate: 77.59%, 3-cone: 6.85, Short Shuttle: 4.16, Broad Jump: 10’ 1”

Two things you need to know about Howard 1) He came back to Alabama because they said he’d be featured, he wasn’t, he didn’t raise a fuss. 2) He’s everything you want in a TE and a freak athlete to boot. That was like four things, but yeah Howard is for real.

2)     Evan Engram, Sr, Mississippi, 6’ 3” 234 lbs – Starter (7.3)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 9.96, Catch Rate: 69.89%, 3-cone: 6.92, Short Shuttle: 4.23, Broad Jump: 10’ 5”

Engram isn’t a complete tight end and will need work to on that but he’s an immediate threat in the passing game and at worst gives you size in the slot and/or a good matchup against a LB as your H-back.

3)     David Njoku, R.So, Miami (FL), 6’ 4” 245 lbs – Starter (7.1)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 9.69, Catch Rate: 59.72%, 3-cone: 6.97, Short Shuttle: 4.34, Broad Jump: 11’ 1”

Njoku has the ability to challenge Howard as the best and most complete tight end in this class but he’s a bit more of a project than the two before him. Njoku is explosive, a willing blocker, and was productive in what at times was a dysfunctional offense at Miami.

4)     Bucky Hodges, Jr, Virginia Tech, 6’ 6” 257 lbs – Starter (7.1)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 8.53 Catch Rate: 59.26%, 3-cone: N/a, Short Shuttle: 4.45, Broad Jump: 11’ 2”

Hodges is much more in that Engram mold than in that Njoku/Howard mode. He’s explosive and will function as much as a receiver as he is a TE and that has its use in a continually more pass-heavy league.

5)     Gerald Everett, Sr, South Alabama, 6’ 3” 239 lbs – Expected Starter (6.7)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 9.82, Catch Rate: 67.12%, 3-cone: 6.99, Short Shuttle: 4.33, Broad Jump: 10’ 6”

Everett is a small school prospect who was used as a receiver at South Alabama. He started gaining steam towards the end of the season and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for 80% of Engram a couple rounds later this is your guy. Everett tested out within a .1 of a second of Engram and the similarities matchup in production & usage as well.

6)     Jordan Leggett, Sr, Clemson, 6’ 5” 258 lbs – Expected Starter (6.5)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 11.25, Catch Rate: 68.42%, 3-cone: 7.12, Short Shuttle: 4.33, Broad Jump: 9’ 11”

Jordan Leggett was a beast for Clemson during the title runs the last couple of seasons and I originally undervalued what he  brings to the table. What he brings, much Everett before him is 80% of Howard/Njoku a couple rounds later. He’s a complete T, who was ultra-productive and played in-line and all that adds up to a player that is going to very useful at the next level and a very nice weapon for a QB.

7)     George Kittle, Sr, Iowa, 6’ 4” 247 lbs – Expected Starter (6.4)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 9.13, Catch Rate: 57.50%, 3-cone: 7.00, Short Shuttle: N/a, Broad Jump: 11’ 0”

George Kittle is a bit of an enigma to me he’s athletic as all hell with great hip explosion, but he’s hit or miss at Iowa. Now I’m willing to blame Beathard for a lot of that, as well as a conservative offense, but there is still something nagging at the back of my mind.

8)     Michael Roberts, Sr, Toledo, 6’ 4” 270 lbs – Expected Starter (6.2)

Stats – Yar/Tar: 8.08, Catch Rate: 68.18%, 3-cone: 7.05, Short Shuttle: 4.42, Broad Jump: 9’ 2”

All Michael Roberts does is catch touchdowns (16 in 2016). And although he’s not overly explosive in the hips he’s agile enough in space to be a beast. And if you’re worried he was all red zone in the MAC, his yards per target should calm those fears.

9)     Jonnu Smith, Sr, FIU, 6’ 3” 248 lbs – Expected Starter (6.2)

Stats – Yds/Tar: 7.55, Catch Rate: 62.69%, 3-cone: 7.43, Short Shuttle: 4.18, Broad Jump: 10’ 7”

Jonnu is my sleeper tight end here, the three cone is slightly concerning, but at 6’3” and 248 he’s a bowling ball of a tight end. Jonnu had trouble with production at FIU, but in a dysfunctional situation ever since his freshman year I’m expecting some stability to help iron out some kinks in his game.

10)  Jake Butt, Sr, Michigan, 6’ 5” 246 lbs – Expected Starter (6.1)

Stats – Yar/Tar: 8.21, Catch Rate: 69.12%, 3-cone: N/a, Short Shuttle: N/a, Broad Jump: N/a

His last name Butt, I’m here for all those jokes, he’s a very solid player, who slipped because he got injured this season. He’ll be a very useful player for a long time for someone. Then who’ll be the Butt of our jokes.

There are a number of other players who have the chance to be long-term contributors at the position. We’re looking at the bulk of the torch bearers at the position for the next decade.