TOP 5 TEs IN 2017 NFL DRAFT
1. O.J. Howard – Alabama – Senior – 6-6, 251 – 4.51
There isn’t much debate anymore that Howard is going to be treated like the best tight end in this draft class, and even beyond that, as a once-in-a-blue-moon type prospect who could be taken in the Top 5. Despite only having 114 catches, 1,726 yards and just seven touchdowns over the course of his entire four-year career, Howard’s talent is worth the hype with his blend of size, speed and skill. It’s not his fault Alabama didn’t use him as much as they should have (though they went to back-to-back national championship, so they were fine). A gifted blocker, Howard is the most complete tight end in the draft and dominated at the Senior Bowl.

Miami TE David Njoku – Photo by: Getty Images

2. David Njoku – Miami – Sophomore – 6-4, 246 – 4.64
Njoku is poised to be the second tight end off the board in the first round in this stacked class and the allure of his frame and his athleticism, and his potential are the reasons why. Njoku, like Howard, does not have a lot of production to hang his hat on coming out. In each of his two seasons at Miami, he never had more than 50 catches or 700 yards – thought he did have more touchdowns in 2016 (eight) than Howard had in his whole career (seven). The rare size and speed combo, along with Njoku only being 20 years old, is what boosts his value to the first round and possibly a Top 20 projection.

3. Evan Engram – Ole Miss – Senior – 6-3, 234 – 4.42
Engram may be listed as the third best tight end in this class, but in almost every other draft class he’d have a case as the top guy to grab. At 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds, Engram is undersized and will have to be an H-back at the next level, but tight ends that run a 4.42 and are this athletic  don’t come around often. Engram is an easy-to-assemble slot tight end that can make a scoring impact in year one. He had 162 catches for 2,320 yards and 15 touchdowns in his Ole Miss career and had a good showing at the Senior Bowl.

4. Bucky Hodges – Virginia Tech – Junior – 6-6, 257 – 4.57
Though Engram is the more polished slot weapon from this tight end class, Hodges might be the most dangerous receiver right off the bat (heck, he may even be a receiver at some point). Hodges makes his money on tape by playing on the outside, running “go” routes and simply abusing cornerbacks with his size and tremendous leaping ability (39-inch vertical, 11-feet, 1-inch broad jump). He’s a big-time red zone threat, but isn’t really a tight end in the blocking sense. He does need to be more consistent catching the ball.

5. Jordan Leggett – Clemson – Senior – 6-5, 258 – 4.71
After a good career at Clemson, which included 112 catches for 1,598 yards and 18 touchdowns (along with two national championship appearances), Leggett is the product of some bad timing in terms of this stacked tight end class. He has some effort questions and was named “Lazy Leggett” early in his career, but he’s a solid receiving tight end who could be had a round later than his talent suggests.

BEST OF THE REST
6. Adam Shaheen – Ashland – Junior – 6-6, 278 – 4.79
Shaheen has quite the story. After signing originally at Pittsburgh-Johnstown (a DII school) to play basketball, he ended up transferring to Ashland to play football. Shaheen beat up on opponents, who were far inferior to his size and speed at that level. His pro tape won’t look anything like his college tape, but with the right coaching could be a do-it-all tight end as a blocker and receiver.

7. Gerald Everett – South Alabama – Senior – 6-3, 239 – 4.62
Everett is another small school guy who is making his name known here in the offseason. He started his career at UAB, but moved on to South Alabama after UAB’s program became no more. During his three years, he recorded 107 catches for 1,584 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading his team in reception both of the last two years.

8. George Kittle – Iowa – Senior – 6-4, 247 – 4.52
Kittle was an under-the-radar prospected in this tight end class before running and impressive 4.52 40-yard dash, 35-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump. With only 48 career catches for 737 yards, Kittle’s athleticism and full-time use as a receiver is a projection. But, he’s a blocking machine and has the tools to be a complete tight end.

Toledo TE Michael Roberts – Photo by: Courtland Richards

9. Michael Roberts – Toledo – Senior – 6-4, 270 – 4.82
Roberts’ production is up there with any tight end in this class in terms of a red zone threat. He led the nation in touchdowns for a tight end this year with 16, and had 22 touchdowns for his career. He also has the biggest hands in the entire draft class at 11.5 inches, which come in handy. Roberts is a great value on Day 3 for teams looking for a complete tight end. He performed well for NFL scouts at both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.

10. Jake Butt – Michigan – Senior – 6-5, 246 – Did Not Run
 Butt should be higher on this list, but after tearing his ACL in the team’s final game of the year against Florida State in the Orange Bowl, he’s been passed up. When healthy, Butt is a do-it-all tight end with blocking and receiving ability. He recorded 138 catches for 1,646 yards and 11 touchdowns during his career as a Wolverine, and never had a year with less than 20 catches going all the way back to his freshman season.

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