2018 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings
The tight end position may not be the most glorified position on the field but they are becoming more important in today’s game. These tight end rankings will highlight the top players that are entering the draft. Many of the modern day tight ends have the ability to split out wide, run routes out of the slot position, and contribute with in-line blocking. Players such as Evan Engram, Rob Gronkowski, and Travis Kelce have shown that a great tight end can allow their offenses to be more creative with play calling. Many teams will be looking for a contributor at this position and I will highlight five individuals that stand out above the others at the tight end position.
1. Mark Andrews – Oklahoma
Andrews, a redshirt junior, won the 2017 John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. He led the Sooners with 62 receptions for 958 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. He’s Oklahoma’s career leader for yards by a tight end with 1,765.
Andrews is listed at 6-5 and 255 pounds so his size gives him the potential to be a matchup nightmare in the NFL. It will not be a surprise to see him as the top-ranked tight end in many tight end rankings.
Projection: Late first round to early second round
2. Dallas Goedert – South Dakota State
Goedert capped off his college career with two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Jackrabbits. He may have faced off against lower competition than the others on this list, but his talent is undeniable. His play is identical to Zach Ertz and if things fall in place for him, he can prove to be a game-changer.
Projection: Early to mid second round
3. Mike Gesicki – Penn State
Gesicki proved to be one of the best tight ends in college football this past year. He caught a team-high nine touchdowns and cemented his place as the school’s leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions at the tight end position. With his 6′-6″ frame and big hands, he will prove to be a valuable weapon in the red zone.
Projection: Mid second round to early third round
4. Hayden Hurst – South Carolina
Hurst possesses great size and exceptional speed. Standing at 6′-5″ and 250 pounds, he is a great weapon in the red zone. Hurst finished the season with 559 yards and two touchdowns. He was mainly used as a move tight end and showed his ability to create separation against linebackers and safeties. Hurst has only played football for two seasons as well so he is nowhere near reaching his full potential.
Projection: Early third round to late third round
5. Troy Fumagalli – Wisconsin
Troy Fumagalli may be missing a finger but he still showed potential as a pass-catching tight end. He finished his four-year career with two consecutive 500-yard seasons and caught nearly everything thrown his way. The 6′-6″, 248-pound Fumagalli was able to greatly improve his blocking and that will attract more suitors as well.
Projection: Late fourth round to mid fifth round