These rankings aren’t indicative of where I think these guys will go in the draft. When it comes to many positions, especially tight ends, it comes down the makeup of the players, i.e. whether they project more as a blocker or as a receiver.
1. Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M: Bennett didn’t have the career that he could have at A&M, and I think that a year under Mike Sherman would have done wonders for him, but even so, the big tight end with an even bigger mouth has a world of potential and raw ability that could make him one of the league’s best tight ends in no time. He has the hands and skills to make a difference in the passing game, but he can make just as much of a difference as a blocker.
2. Dustin Keller, Purdue: Keller is getting consideration as a first-round prospect after excellent showings at the combine and at Purdue’s Pro Day.
Keller’s speed and abilities as a receiver are undoubted, but he took advantage of the combine to show off his all-around athleticism. The one knock on him is his size, and that it might be a detriment to him on the next level, but he is very strong (26 bench press reps at the combine, and he had been doing 30 before it) and could likely bulk up to 250-255 if needed. He does project to be more of an offensive threat though, but there’s nothing wrong with that, because he could be a game-changer in that role.
3. Fred Davis, USC: Davis was the top-ranked tight end here, and still may be the first tight end taken, but didn’t really back up that status at the combine or at USC’s Pro Day. The combine was pretty forgettable, as he struggled with drops, and while his Pro Day workout went much better in that department, he didn’t have the showing that would’ve assured him of staying above the pack on draft day.
4. John Carlson, Notre Dame: Carlson may not contribute as much in the receiving department as the three guys ahead of him might, but he is one of, if not the best, blocker in the group.
5. Brad Cottam, Tennessee: A fractured wrist kept Cottam out for most of the 2007 season, but he made the most of the combine and UT’s Pro Day to give himself a chance to be drafted on the first day. At 6’8, 270, Cottam presents a lot of matchup problems, both as a receiver and as a blocker.
Bennett, Keller, and Davis are all in my latest mock draft, which you can check out here.
