1. Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
Has great size and build, along with long arms. Isn’t overly athletic for the position, but is still smooth and fluid. Is a very physical and dominant blocker. Isn’t very elusive in the open field. Doesn’t offer great production in the passing game, overall.
2. Shawn Nelson (Southern Miss)
Is a great athlete with excellent speed for the position. Runs like a receiver, but with the toughness and tenacity of a tight end. Needs to drastically improve his blocking. May only be a situational player in his first year.
3. Travis Beckum (Wisconsin)
Excellent athleticism and physical tools. Can make the difficult catch, and can also get tough yards after the catch. Isn’t physically imposing as a blocker, and needs to refine some of his fundamentals. Has had durability issues.
4. Jared Cook (South Carolina)
Possesses great hands and speed. Is a fine route runner with good ability after the catch. Is basically a receiver playing tight end. Has light years to go as a blocker.
5. James Casey (Rice)
Has elite athleticism, hands, and route running. Can be a sensation in the open field. Adept at making tackler miss, breaking tackles, and making the difficult catch. Has solid speed for the position. Offers almost nothing as a blocker, especially at the line. Too slow to play receiver, yet too much of a phenom to be passed up at tight end.
6. Chase Coffman (Missouri)
Was very productive in a solid conference. Has good, strong hands, and runs crisp routes. Isn’t a great blocker, but it isn’t because a lack of effort. Simply not very physical. Needs to bulk up and get stronger without losing anymore of his already average speed.
7. Cornelius Ingram (Florida)
Has outstanding athleticism and soft hands. Runs extremely well after the catch. Ingram is more of a receiver in a tight end’s body. Isn’t very tough or dominant on the line, and isn’t a refined route runner, either. Is still extremely raw.
8. Cameron Morrah (California)
Is athletic with good speed and quickness, but can’t do much after the catch. Isn’t known for his blocking. Had a strong senior season (eight touchdowns) but didn’t do much before that.
9. Anthony Hill (North Carolina State)
Is a beast of a man at 6’5” and 265 pounds. Is an elite blocker with a mean streak. Not a gifted athlete. Is a threat in the redzone, but that’s about it.
10. Jared Bronson (Central Washington)
Very athletic tight end with good hands and above-average leaping ability. Has solid speed and quickness. Isn’t a great blocker, and isn’t overly physical. Needs to improve route-running, in addition to revamping blocking technique.