NFL draft TE rankings: Impressive class could be in high demand
As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY Sports will release its positional rankings with one post every weekday. Next up, a breakdown of the tight end class ...
1. O.J. Howard, Alabama
6-6, 251
Even a casual observer of college football would remember Howard for what he did to Clemson during the past two national championship games, when he totaled nine receptions for 314 yards (34.9-yard average) and three TDs – a significant chunk of his overall production since 2015. Even if the Tide didn’t effectively maximize his abilities, Howard should become a major weapon in the NFL whether on screens, drags, post routes or even outside. He’s a load to tackle and certainly capable of contributing as a blocker.
2. David Njoku, Miami (Fla.)
6-4, 246
Presumably the next in a long line of great Hurricanes tight ends, Njoku is a tick slower than Howard but isn’t far behind overall. And Njoku, a high school high jump champ who’s still only 20 years old, may have more intriguing upside. He makes splash plays all over the field and will outrun most linebackers and plenty of safeties.
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3. Evan Engram, Mississippi
6-3, 234
What kind of weapon could he be? Consider that only four receivers topped Engram’s 4.42 40 time at this year's scouting combine. Basically a super-sized wideout, he certainly isn’t the next Gronk. But Engram plays like an even faster version of Jordan Reed, running routes at various depths of the field, and averaged 14.3 yards per catch during four years with the Rebels. Engram fell just shy of 1,000 yards in his senior season.
4. Gerald Everett, South Alabama
6-3, 239
A highly athletic player who would surely have been a mismatch even if he wasn’t playing against Sun Belt competition. A former hoopster, Everett could be a star if he puts it all together.
5. Adam Shaheen, Ashland
6-6, 278
He could not be contained on the Division II stage, where he overmatched the competition on his way to accumulating 26 TDs over the last two seasons. Shaheen also has a basketball background and should post up quite a few linebackers with his huge body before escaping some with 4.79 speed. Must navigate a large learning curve in the NFL.
6. Jake Butt, Michigan
6-5, 246
Last season’s Mackey Award recipient suffered a major knee injury in the Orange Bowl. When fully healthy, he offers excellent hands and moves the chains. Maybe a Jason Witten-type if he reaches his full potential.
7. Jordan Leggett, Clemson
6-5, 258
Moves well for a man his size, though changing direction isn't his forte. Very dangerous in the seams and even on screens. No fear of making catches in heavy traffic. Totaled 86 grabs for 1,261 yards and 15 TDs over last two years. Leggett admittedly needs to display more consistent effort.
8. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech
6-6, 257
Plus-size target moves chains, averaging 13.1 yards per catch for Hokies, and knows how to find the end zone (20 TDs in three seasons). And sub-4.6 40 speed consistently gets him behind defenders. A converted quarterback, Hodges still needs seasoning at the position and, perhaps unsurprisingly, doesn't block well despite his frame.
9. George Kittle, Iowa
6-4, 247
His numbers don’t impress (42 catches, 604 yards, 10 TDs over the past two seasons). But his 4.52 40 speed and ability to block in a pro-style offense could make him a Day 2 selection.
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