1. Brock Bowers, Georgia

21
6’3″, 243lbs

The freak of nature tight end Brock Bowers played all three years with the Georgia Bulldogs. He may be the most complete tight end coming out of college ever. His ability to block, catch the ball, and gain yards after the catch is what makes him special. He was the John Mackey award winner (most outstanding tight end) in both 2022 and 2023.

Strengths
– The complete package in a tight end, huge frame, willingness to block, consistent hands, and looks like a natural runner with the ball in his hands.
– Elite contact balance, can run through arm tackles, utilize the stiff arm, and run through secondary defenders to gain extra yardage.
– Good body control for such a big guy, adapts to the ball in the air.
– Fantastic hands and impressive catch radius.
– A matchup nightmare for defenses, he’s too quick for linebackers, and too big for defensive backs.
– Strong runner in the open field, doesn’t do a lot of dancing, but gets yardage by playing through contact.

Weaknesses
– Does look a little stiff in his route running.
– Can overcommit while in space in the run game.
– Doesn’t win contested catches like you would expect him to.

Bowers is the consensus number 1 tight end, and its not even close. If it weren’t for such a strong quarterback and wide receiver class, it was a possibility that Bowers could have had his name called within the top 5 this year. Unfortunately for him he may drop slightly due to needs of other teams. He should land at either the Jets (10), or the Colts (15).

2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

21
6’4″, 245lbs

Sanders had back to back strong seasons with the Longhorns to close out his time at the college level. The vertical threat tight end was a semi finalist for the John Mackey award in 2022.

Strengths
– Has good speed that leads to beating linebackers while running seam routes.
– Flashy hands and able to haul in catches while in traffic.
– Plays through contact well and doesn’t let defenders disrupt his route.
– Showed off his body control by making some fantastic catches with defenders draped on him.
– Has the ability to gain yards after the catch as he possesses good acceleration.

Weaknesses
– Inconsistent as a run blocker.
– Needs to build out his frame and get stronger in order to pass block.
– Could clean up his route running to create even more separation.

Ja’Tavion Sanders is a pass-catching threat at the tight end position, and has the tools to develop as a blocker. Sanders should be gone between rounds 2 and 3 to a team looking to add a weapon to their offense. Landing spots I like are the Panthers (39), and the Bengals (49).

3. Cade Stover, Ohio State

23
6’4″, 247lbs

Stover played as both a tight end and linebacker in his first few years at Ohio State. Stover was an athlete who predominantly played basketball growing up, and that shows in his movement as a receiver. Stover has lots of potential to grow as a tight end in the NFL.

Strengths
– Good hands and has the ability to turn catches underneath upfield.
– Impressive acceleration to outrun linebackers and challenge defensive backs.
– Can run routes with precision and get out of breaks quickly.
– Utilizes the stiff arm well to gain extra yards after the catch.
– Understands the gaps in zone and manipulates the defenders leverage against them.

Weaknesses
– Needs to be more aggressive and punchy as a blocker at the line of scrimmage.
– Can slow down when running vertical routes trying to locate the football.
– Good speed, but runs sluggish with the ball in his hands.

Stover seems to be a complete tight end that has high upside as a blocker, as well as an underneath receiver. He should go somewhere in rounds 3-5 to a team in need of a tight end to add to the depth chart. The 49ers (132, 135), Panthers (141, 142), and the Bengals (149) are potential landing spots.

4. Erick All, Iowa

23
6’4″, 252lbs

Erick All started his collegiate career at Michigan where he played 4 straight seasons with the Blue before transferring to Iowa to close out his career. He suffered back to back season ending injuries in 2022 and 2023.

Strengths
– A blend of good size and good speed to beat defenders underneath.
– Demonstrates good understanding of zone coverages and sits down in between defenders.
– Physical runner in space, prioritizes gaining yardage rather than moving laterally.
– Has the ability to run a variety of routes thanks to his agility and understanding of defenders leverage.
– Aggressive at the point of attack when tasked with being the lead blocker.

Weaknesses
– Coming off a torn ACL in October, will he have the same burst?
– Lack of playing time within the last 2 years (10 games).
– Inconsistent with his hands, especially with the easy ones.
– Needs to be more physical against clingy coverage.

Erick All projects to go in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. Teams looking to add a tight end that can do it all like the 49ers (176), and the Bengals (194), have the possibility of drafting All.