Ell’s Top 5 Tight Ends NFL Draft 2022

1. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

Strengths: size/athleticism, pass catching/playmaking in space

Weakness: blocking technique, needs to add strength/weight

Draft Projection: 2^nd Round – Early 3^rd Round

2. Trey McBride, Colorado State

Strengths: heavily used in the passing game, pass catching

Weakness: blocking, red zone production

Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

3. Isaiah Likely, Costal Carolina

Strengths:  speed/athleticism (former WR), pass catching/catch in traffic

Weakness: length/size, route-running

Draft Projection: Late 3^rd Round – 4^th Round

4. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State

Strengths: toughness/catch in traffic, size/height

Weakness: speed, blocking technique

Draft Projection: 4^th Round – 5^th Round

5. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin

Strengths: toughness/strength, ability to find soft spot in defense/catch in traffic

Weakness: speed, blocking technique/weight

Draft Projection: Late 4^th Round – 5^th Round

Position Grade: B-

The TE position is very deep with a lot of potential pass catchers, but Wydermyer and McBride are the only TEs ready to contribute in a full time role in my opinion, while the other three could play high snaps. Likely has a learning curve coming from a smaller school, while Kolar and Ferguson lack the speed to be top end TEs but could be useful in the right systems, especially in the red zone. Lookout for other prospects like Greg Dulcich, UCLA, Jelani Woods, Virginia, Cade Otton, Washington, and Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State. This position offers more potential than production in most cases.