The league loves a good trend. So as coaches see the impact of tight ends like Travis Kelce and George Kittle, they want to find one in the NFL Draft.
There are a bevy of future stars in this years NFL Draft class. And Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst for NFL.com, detailed his top five. There are familiar names. And all are from the bluest of blue blood programs.
“As tight ends become essential pieces for elite passing games,” Brooks writes, “this year’s crop features a bona fide star and a handful of intriguing prospects with starting potential.” So let’s sift through the names and why they could be such a factor in the NFL.
1. Brock Bowers Georgia
Some might think that when it comes to the NFL Draft, it’s Bowers and everybody else. He was such a dominant player last fall that he earned unanimous All American honors with the Bulldogs. He likely will be the only tight end to go in the first round.
Brooks wrote “Bowers is an athletic “Y” tight end with the size, strength and athleticism to create and exploit mismatches on the perimeter. The back-to-back winner of the John Mackey Award (given to college football’s top tight end) possesses immediate all-star potential with the polished skills to make a significant NFL impact on Day 1.”
2. Ja’Tavion Sanders Texas
Sanders fought off injuries while with the Longhorns, but still managed 99 catches for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. He seems to be a lock for the second tight end off the NFL Draft boards. But unlike Bowers, he is projected as a second rounder.
Brooks wrote “Sanders is a flex tight end with soft hands and dynamic running skills. The Texas product excels as a pass-catching specialist who can win from a tight alignment, the slot or out wide as a designated playmaker in a wide-open offense.”
2. Cade Stover Ohio State
Like so many athletic tight ends, Stover was a forward on his high school basketball team. He started his football career on defense, but his receiving skills have really improved,
Brooks wrote that “Stover is a throwback at the position with the size, strength and nastiness needed to do the dirty work between the hashes. The former defensive end remains a work in progress but showcases enough potential to grade out as a down-the-road starter for teams employing multiple-TE systems.”
4. Theo Johnson Penn State
It is a guarantee that NFL coaches are intrigued with this 6-8 259-pound draft prospect. Johnson showed off his athleticism at the combine, with a 4.57 in the 40 and a vertical of 39.5.
Brooks said of this tight end: “Johnson’s explosive tools make him an alluring option as a pass-catching tight end with the speed and quickness to attack the seams. Though his production at Penn State didn’t jump off the page, he could become a playmaker at the next level.”
5, AJ Barner Michigan
Michigan won the national championship by hammering other teams with its running game. So Barner knows how to run block. Those skills will be a plus in the NFL. But teams will wonder if his hands are good enough for the pros.
Brooks says “Barner is an intriguing specimen as a versatile tight end who can play “Y” or flex in a multiple-TE offense. As a scrappy blocker with sticky hands and crafty route-running ability, the 6-6, 251-pounder could make his mark as a rotational player in Year 1.”
And there is a sixth tight end on this list. Brooks says to keep an eye on Ben Sinnott, the former Kansas State star. The NFL Draft is April 25-27. And Brooks did more than just study the tight ends. You can find all his research by clicking here.
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