(These are rankings based on current information acquired. Subject to be updated in a different article and assuming all prospects declare for the draft. Thanks for reading and enjoy!)
*NFL Player Comparisons (Comps) are NOT career arcs but more so play style and archetype category. It’s a good way to envision how a player may look in a certain scheme, their best usage or their mannerisms during game situation. *
*[2021 Catches/Yards/TDs]
1. Trey McBride (Colorado State) 6’3″ 250 lbs. – Anthony Fasano
McBride plays with a physical edge. Every down of contact with him is punishment. He excels in the contested catch department and breaks tackles frequently. He’s a high usage prospect with balanced ability in both blocking and catching. He doesn’t disappear in big games instead he plays even better. What I don’t like is his speed and his ability to separate. He’s not the best athlete and at times defenders are draped on him but uses his frame to make plays. He’s TE1 this year by current status but the guys below are hungry. Overall, you’re getting a beast at the TE position. [90 catches, 1121 yards, 1 TD]
2. Isaiah Likely (Coastal Carolina) 6’4″ 240 lbs. – Jermichael Finley
Likely has the highest ceiling of all the TE prospects. Although not fully polished, he possesses semi-nuanced route running ability. He has above average speed and athleticism. High effort, assignment sound blocker with room to grow. He needs to add bulk. Around 10-15 lbs. to be exact. If he gains weight while keeping even just 60% of his athleticism, I think he’s a Top 5 TE in the league. [59 catches, 912 yards, 12 TDs]
3. Jalen Wydermyer (Texas A+M) 6’5″ 251 lbs. – Jordan Akins
Height/Weight/Speed alert. Wydermyer is a mismatch waiting to happen. He will tower over every defender he faces, will use his frame to shield ball for tough catches, and he possesses sufficient enough speed to separate. He has the SEC battle scars which is always a significant measuring stick when it comes to level of comp. Excellent catch radius and redzone target. He will need to improve his blocking, but the team that drafts him is getting a monster. [40 catches, 515 yards, 4 TDs]
4. Jake Ferguson (Wisconsin) 6’4″ 244 lbs. – Dalton Schultz
I love Jake Ferguson’s game. Moves fluidly, has natural hands, and plays with NFL level dexterity. Definitely looks the part but will need to fill out his frame. Active blocker. Not an uber athlete but I can’t wait to see him blossom at the next level. [46 catches, 450 yards, 3 TDs]
5. Charlie Kolar (Iowa State) 6’6″ 260 lbs. – Jack Doyle
Outside of McBride, Kolar has had the most consistent collegiate career. I see why after studying his tape. He’s smart. Tough as nails. A true team first guy. He wins with patience and is the consummate check down option. [62 catches, 756 yards, 6 TDs]
6. Jeremy Ruckert (Ohio State) 6’5″ 250 lbs. – Foster Moreau
Ruckert is the perfect example of a prospect that will probably be a better pro than he was college player. He wasn’t used to the degree that he should have considering his tools but was extremely reliable when targeted. I could easily see Ruckert climbing my ranks a spot or two as my evaluation process goes on but currently at 6, he looks to be a 3rd-4th round steal. [26 catches, 309 yards, 3 TDs]
7. Cole Turner (Nevada) 6’6″ 246 lbs. – Tyler Eifert
Turner has unusual speed for his size. He’s actually a melting pot of exceptional TE play. Want wingspan? He’s got it. Want pass blocking? Check. Want football I.Q.? Good there too. Want versatility? Great he’s essentially at times a Big Slot type of WR. I’m stickler for build so the only thing I’m apprehensive of his thin lowers. Body types like that usually develop lower body injuries. Other than that Cole “The Burner” Turner may be the first of a new wave of athlete at TE if all goes well. [62 catches, 677 yards, 10 TDs]
8. Greg Dulcich (UCLA) 6’4″ 248 lbs. – Owen Daniels
Another TE that has impressive straight-line speed. The Colts and Frank Reich love these types of TEs that are built compact with wheels. (Trey Burton/Kylen Granson) Dulcich has strong hands and strong competitive drive. [42 catches, 725 yards, 5 TDs]
9. Jelani Woods (Virginia) 6’6″ 259 lbs. – Mo Alie-Cox
Two words. Physical specimen. Jelani has freakish movement skills for his size. He’s going to be a problem at all levels of the field, specifically in the redzone. [44 catches, 598 yards, 8 TDs]
10. Cade Otton (Washington) 6’5″ 250 lbs. – Geoff Swaim
I think Otton plays the game the right way. Excellent energy and finish. He competes. He’s almost a big (but significantly) slower WR. He understands defensive leverage and runs a sufficient route tree. I’m admittedly lower on Otton than most. I’m absolutely open for discourse about his projection. At his best path to contribution, he needs to get healthy, get stronger, and find his niche. [28 catches, 250 yards, 1 TDs]
(11-42: Nick Muse, Zaire Mitchell-Padan, James Mitchell, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Derrick Deese Jr., Chase Allen, Grant Calcaterra, Daniel Bellinger, Sean Dykes, John Fitzpatrick, Austin Allen, Jordan Wilson, Trae Barry, Jamal Pettigrew, Teagan Quitoriano, Gerrit Prince, Cole Fotheringham, Peyton Hendershot, Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Lucas Krull, Andrew Ogletree, Cade Brewer, Roger Carter, Travis Koontz, Blake Kern, Armani Rogers, Curtis Hodges, Jake Tonges, Josh Babicz, Jovani Haskins, Ko Kieft, Thomas Odukoya)