2014 NFL Draft: Tight Ends Better Than Ever?By Joe Wedra - Jan 8th, 2014 It’s quite possible that the tight end is the most interesting position in football. I mean let’s be honest; these guys can range from pure blocking threats to freakish athletes like Jimmy Graham. As each year passes, the league is becoming more dependent on talented weapons at this position. Will it last? Why not? Perhaps the toughest challenge on defense is defending a 6’5, 260 pound brick wall. This year’s class of Tight Ends in the 2014 NFL Draft shows promise for at-least three more stars to break into the league and make three more teams very, very happy. 
Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina Here’s the funny thing about Ebron…. I hadn’t watched much of him when I had first heard of him, but some people were claiming that he was the best they had ever seen. Of course, I was skeptical and turned on some film. Let’s just say that I ended up having to force myself to leave the computer and stop watching film. This guy is the real deal! When you think of Ebron, just think of SportsCenter’s “Top 10 Plays” because it’s safe to say he isn’t done delivering highlight-reel plays for opposing defenses to see. He is going to be a major mismatch in the NFL at around 6’4”, 250-pounds. Ebron has the ability to line up in the slot, and unlike conventional tight ends, has enough speed to be a consistent option. Because of team-need, Ebron may slip outside of the top-15. After that, it’s going to be any team’s dream to grab this future Pro-Bowler.
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, Tight End, Washington Boy, has Washington been put on the map this year! With Bishop Sankey and Sefarian-Jenkins, the Huskies’ offense has been very fun to watch. When I look at Sefarian-Jenkins, I see a player that a team is going to love. His blocking is way above-average and he is a very big guy who, like Ebron, is versatile. What stands out is his ability to engage defenders and push them back. A player that can catch and block is such a valuable tool in the NFL, and he can do just that. The only thing I worry about here is overall strength. I haven’t seen enough to label him weak, but there’s definitely a bit of a concern in my mind. 
Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech Here’s a tricky prospect. If you like what Dennis Pitta has to bring to the table, then you’ll like Amaro. He does a lot right on the field and plays a tough, energetic game. And then you have the issues… He has reported “temper” issues and was suspended for a throwing a punch. Interviews may be crucial for his future as a pro. Overall, these three guys could be first round prospects. There isn’t a deep class after this top-three, so a team that has a need will need to jump to take their future starting Tight End. http://nflmocks.com/2014/01/08/2014-nfl-draft-tight-ends-better-ever/
Only first rounder is Ebron. Beast. Sefarian-Jenkins could go late first. Amaro doesn't impress me.
Im hoping for ASJ in the 2nd round.
Would love to land one of these guys, just don't see it happening.
ASJ is the only one that seems like an all around TE. A name to keep an eye on is Richard Rodgers TE from Cal. He has a lot of upside and Tedford is familiar with him. Still think Lyerla is worth a gamble late. Another late round guy who's a long shot but a interesting prospect none the less is Flacco's brother Mike, 6'6 TE who can run. He's a division 2 guy but is projected to be drafted in the 7th.
Would love to land one of these guys, just don't see it happening.
you dont see one of them falling to us in the second? It shouldnt be that out of the question
I could definitely see them falling, I just don't see us using a 2nd rounder on a TE... especially not with Lovie making the decisions.
If Tedford values a special kind of TE then I think Lovie would be fine with it. I think at this point we can assume he brought tedford to run the show as far as offense is concerned. I dont know how we'll approach the draft but I have a feeling its going to be geared towards the offense and free agency will be lovie's time to get more defense. Did you hear about him talk about the cap space and free agency? He pretty much flat out said they plan to not hold much on reserves and to spend money on good players.
Ebron can also block fairly well - which is a plus in a power running game. If we don't trade up for Clowney, I wouldn't mind trading down a few and grabbing Ebron. I really don't like picking at 7 this year.
Ebron can also block fairly well - which is a plus in a power running game. If we don't trade up for Clowney, I wouldn't mind trading down a few and grabbing Ebron. I really don't like picking at 7 this year.
Thats how I feel. Trade up for Clowney or trade back and have the first three picks be TE, Oline, WR in no particular order. Ebron, Oline(idk who), then Odel Beckham would be real nice.
IMO, the positions most in need of major upgrades are WR and TE. Our offense next year depends on it. I think our O'line can improve under Sparano and a FA or two. I doubt the TE's on our roster now are up to Tedford's standards. Wright I see as a 2nd TE, who would still get a lot of snaps. The rest of them.......... :-
Hopefully one of them falls to the second round.
We will have to get a different TE than Wright because run blocking isn't his thing. The question is if you see that TE as a blocker and Wright is your catcher do you use a top pick to get that "other" guy?
We will have to get a different TE than Wright because run blocking isn't his thing. The question is if you see that TE as a blocker and Wright is your catcher do you use a top pick to get that "other" guy?
If you go with that thinking, I think the best option is Jenkins in the 2nd round but no guarantee he lasts that long.
We will have to get a different TE than Wright because run blocking isn't his thing. The question is if you see that TE as a blocker and Wright is your catcher do you use a top pick to get that "other" guy?
I think that theory is more for using a mid round pick where you're at best getting an average talent player. If you assume Wright is an average level receiving tight end, you'd want an average blocking tight end to balance him out rather another average receiver. If you're using a 1st round pick, Wright isn't even worth considering. If you think Ebron can be a top 5 receiving tight end, you don't let Wright get in your way. Talent trumps all.
