The 2024 NFL Draft is a month out, so we’re running down the top traits of draft-eligible players.
Sure, it’s a passing league, but teams have to run the ball successfully to maximize their offensive capabilities. One way they can do that is by having flexibility at the tight end position, with skilled blockers on the edge of the line who can also go out and make plays in the passing game.
With that in mind, here are the best run-blocking tight ends entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
7 BEST Run-Blocking Tight Ends
7. Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
Tanner McLachlan is on the smaller side (6-foot-5, 244 pounds), so when trying to move defenders in the run game, he can be overwhelmed by stronger players. Despite that, he was reliable in this role at Arizona. He produced the sixth-most Run Blocking Total Points per game among draft prospects this year.
6. Austin Stogner, Oklahoma
Austin Stogner brings good toughness, which we grade as a 7. He does a good job working in front of defenders and sustaining himself when he gets out on the move.
He improved a lot in the run game in 2023, doubling his run-blocking Total Points per game year-over-year from 2022. Stogner ranked seventh in this class in his most recent season.
5. Tip Reiman, Illinois
Tip Reiman stands out in a few ways among most of the names surrounding him on this list. His participation in the NFL Combine bench press drill alone separates him, which makes sense since he put up 28 reps. He is also on the younger side in an older class in general, at “just” 22.
Beyond that, SIS scout C.P. Bradley writes, “His size and play strength stand out, as he is able to compete at the POA with bigger defenders.” However, Bradley says he could benefit from coaching to improve his technique and body control.
4. Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
As the tallest tight end in the class at 6-foot-7, Brevyn Spann-Ford will understandably have trouble maintaining a solid base as a blocker. But he was able to block in-line and on the move in college and was among the top five in this class in run-blocking Total Points per game each of the past two years.
3. AJ Barner, Michigan
Most players on this list had the same run-blocking grade from our scouts, but AJ Barner’s statistical production separates him. In 2023, he posted the most run-blocking Total Points per game in the class and was in the top half in 2022 as well.
SIS scout Tristan Christaansen notes Barner gives “refreshing” effort as a run blocker, over and above his ability to play with good technique and leverage on standard run blocks, flip his hips, and get moving on blocks in space.
2. Theo Johnson, Penn State
On this list, Theo Johnson offers the best overall package. He’s our third-ranked tight end with a back-end starter grade, but the one-line overview of his scouting report leads with run blocking.
He wins with hand placement and balance and can drive blitzing linebackers and corners backward. His willingness to “do the dirty work” and “cut block and throw his body to get a defender of his path when necessary,” per James Weaver, makes him an enticing prospect with intriguing after-the-catch ability.
1. Devin Culp, Washington
Devin Culp makes up for his smaller stature (6-foot-3, 231 pounds) with “strong hands to sustain blocks long enough to let the play develop," per the SIS scouting staff. Our scouts graded him as a 6 (Good) in run blocking but a 7 (Very Good) in toughness, which he’ll need to compete with the big boys at the NFL level.
He was not as productive in 2023 as a blocker, with the second-fewest run blocks per game. But on a per-snap basis, the Huskies ran behind him at the fifth-highest rate of any tight end in the class.
This article was written by Alex Vidgerman.
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