Like some other positions, tight end has gone through an evolution. The days of mainly being a “sixth” blocker who wears an eligible number are gone. The position has evolved into an offensive weapon. The size and speed of these players has created mismatch problems for defenses and forced them to adjust to different personnel to matchup. In order to be drafted high at tight end you need to be a complete player. Only 3 tight ends have been drafted in the first 2 rounds in the past 2 drafts. However if can find a good one it can turn a good offense into a great one.
TIGHT ENDS:
Cole Turner – 6’6” 240 – Nevada – Senior – Rating (3.90)
2020 Stats: 9 Games /49 Receptions / 605 receiving yard / 9 touchdowns
Strengths: Wins 50/50 balls and excellent hands.
Weakness: Plays primarily in the slot, NFL want him more diverse.
Player Comparison: Hunter Henry – San Diego Charger & New England Patriots
Overall: Turner is an athletic pass catching tight end that has all the measurables the NFL is looking for. The senior had an excellent 2020 for Nevada converting from wide receiver to tight end. With Romeo Doubs on the outside, and Carson Strong behind center, Cole Turner is looking at another break season. Turner dominates the middle of the field for the Wolf pack’s offense. He does an excellent job at finding the open area and leaping over defenders in traffic. Nevada is ready for big season which should bring even more attention to Turners skill set.
Josh Whyle – 6’3” 235 – Cincinnati – Junior – Rating (3.85)
2020 Stats: 10 Games / 28 receptions / 353 receiving yards / 6 touchdowns
Strengths: Athletic red zone threat.
Weakness: Needs to add weight.
Player Comparison: Joe Jurevicius – Former New York Giant and Tampa Bay Buc
Overall: Whyle is an energetic, physical, huge target for the Bearcats. Although he is a little light, he is excellent with the 50/50 balls and fade routes. Cincinnati has big plans for the 2021 season and Whyle being more involved in the offense can make some of those plans happen. The junior has become quarterback Desmond Ridder’s favorite target especially around the red zone. A break out season for Whyle could mean getting picked somewhere in the late first to early second round in 2022.
Charlie Kolar – 6’6” 260 – Iowa State – Senior – Rating (3.80)
2020 Stats: 11 Games / 44 receptions / 591 receiving yards / 7 touchdowns
Strengths: Good hands and route runner.
Weakness: Not a threat down the field
Player Comparison: Zach Miller former Chicago Bears Tight End
Overall: Kolar had a very productive 2020 season for the Cyclones. He is a more traditional tight end playing with his hand in the ground or as an H-Back. Kolar does a good job of high pointing the ball and is a threat in the red zone. Does most of his damage operating in the middle of the field and has excellent hands in traffic. Iowa State returns Brock Purdy at quarterback who will continue to use Kolar as his security blanket.
Jalen Wydermyer– 6’5” 265 – Texas A&M – Junior – Rating (3.75)
2020 Stats: 10 Games / 46 receptions / 506 receiving yards / 6 touchdowns
Strength: Excellent catch radius.
Weakness: Doesn’t break a lot of tackles.
Player Comparison: Larry Donnell – Former New York Giant
Overall: Texas A&M sent last years starting quarterback Kellen Mond to the pros after a 9-1 season and an Orange Bowl Victory however, the cupboard is definitely not bare for the 2021 version of the Aggies. Jalen Wydermyer is one of the talented players returning for A&M that will make an impact. The All SEC 2ND team tight end is a big body that has very reliable hands. Wydermyer uses his big frame and long arms to get the football away from defenders. The Texas native works hard with his run blocking to help teammate C.J. Spiller breaks into the open field. He has ideal size for a pro tight end but needs to show more dynamic playmaking to move up teams draft boards.
James Mitchell – 6’3” 255 – Virginia Tech – Senior – Rating (3.70)
2020 Stats: 9 Games / 26 receptions / 435 receiving yards / 4 receiving touchdowns
Strengths: Size and speed create matchup problems.
Weakness: Will need to add more versatility on where he lines up in formations.
Player Comparison: George Kittle Potential – San Francisco 49ers
Overall: Mitchell returns for his senior with big goals for himself and the Hokies. A 2021 Captain, Mitchell had a break out performance against North Carolina with 4 catches for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns (1 receiving and 1 rushing). Mitchell is a classic in line tight end, which with some creativity could be a nightmare for defensive coordinators to match up with. Mitchell does not shy away from contact. He is a solid blocker and a very tough player over the middle. With his ability could easily find his way at the top of this list.
Sleeper 6
Isaiah Likely – 6’4” 245 – Coastal Carolina –Senior – Rating (3.65)
2020 Stats: 9 Games / 30 receptions / 601 receiving yards / 5 receiving touchdowns
Strengths: Athletic deep threat.
Weakness: Doesn’t compete against top competition week in and week out.
Player Comparison: Vernon Davis light – San Francisco 49ers and Washington
Overall: Likely put up impressive numbers last season for Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers enjoyed their best season in school history (11-1) and Likely was a huge part of the break out season. Likely has a big play ability to get down the middle of the field and make big plays. He average 20 yards a catch doing most of his damage over the middle and lining up everywhere on the field.
Watch List:
Cade Otton – 6’5” 250 – Washington – Junior – Big, traditional tight end.
Jaheel Billingsley – 6’4″ 230 – Alabama – Junior – Very Athletic but needs to more productive.
