NFP Senior Tight End Breakdown

FROM WES BUNTING:

The 2010 senior tight end class is not only very talented at the top end, it’s also likely to be one of the deepest positions in next year’s NFL Draft. There looks to be a good mix of pass catching threats, blockers and a couple of prospects having the potential to do both.

As we saw in last month’s draft, Brandon Pettigrew was able to land a spot in the top 20 picks because of his ability to help in the passing game and also enhance a team’s run game. Each year, more and more stock is being put on dual-threat tight ends who have the ability to stay on the field and play all three downs. Here’s a first look at the top prospects in the 2010 senior tight end class.

The Top Three

Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (6-6, 262)

A massive tight end prospect who possesses the athletic ability and body control of a wide receiver. Gresham is an absolute nightmare in the pass game and has the speed and coordination to get down the seam and attack defenses vertically. He’s been used in a variety of ways in the Oklahoma offense and is athletic enough to make plays split out or on the line. He’s still developing as a blocker and hasn’t been asked to consistently drive defenders off the ball. However, he has the size and frame to do so and could develop into a decent option in that area. Regardless, he’s one of the most natural pass-catching tight ends in the past five years and will definitely enhance an NFL attack.

Anthony McCoy, USC (6-5, 255)

McCoy is blessed with impressive size, strength and athletic ability for the position and has the makings of a legitimate NFL starting tight end. He wasn’t especially productive last season (22 receptions, 256 yards, one touchdown), however, he seemed to come on toward the end of the year and should build off that momentum. He’s one of the better blockers in the tight end class and also has the speed and athletic ability to consistently make plays down the seam. I expect McCoy to be a frequent target in the USC offense, and he should blossom into an upper echelon TE prospect.

Dennis Pitta, BYU (6-5, 250)

Pitta is an ultra-productive tight end who finished the 2008 season with 83 catches for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns. He possesses an intriguing blend of size, speed and athletic ability for the position, although it’s his coordination, balance and body control that allow him to get cleanly out of his routes and go up and get the ball. He’s one of the more polished receivers in the nation and looks comfortable when asked to beat man coverage. Pitta is a mature, blue-collar type of prospect who will also work hard in the run game and help block up front. He’s still developing as a blocker but has the willingness that will intrigue NFL teams in that area.

The Next Two

Garrett Graham, Wisconsin (6-4, 242)

Graham was thrust into a more prominent role last year after an injury to starter Travis Beckum. He proved to be a capable replacement, finishing with 540 yards and five touchdowns on 40 receptions. He’s an instinctive, fluid pass catcher who gets out of his breaks cleanly and is comfortable plucking balls away from his body. He’s also a decent athlete who showcases a deceiving first step and can make his fair share of plays down the field. Graham is one of the more polished tight ends in the nation and has the makings of a solid starter at the next level.

Ed Dickson, Oregon (6-5, 243)

Dickson might be the most explosive tight end in the class, which is saying a lot when you look at how many talented athletes there are. He’s a consistent big-play threat who had at least 70 yards in five games last season. However, because of Oregon’s erratic quarterback play and the consistent double teams he faced, Dickson was held to just eight catches in the Ducks’ final eight games. Even so, he’s an impressive athlete for the position who can run away from defenders and make plays on all areas of the field. He needs to do a better job recognizing coverages, but all the physical tools are there for him to move up daft boards with a strong senior season.

The Rest

Mickey Shuler, Penn State (6-4, 252)

A tough, coordinated tight end with great hands and body control in the pass game. He displays a willingness to block and is adept at getting open underneath.

Nate Byham, Pittsburgh (6-3, 255)

Lacks ideal height for the position but is thickly built and possesses the speed to make plays down the field. He might be considered more of an H-back prospect, but he will certainly help enhance a team’s passing attack.

Cody Slate, Marshall (6-4, 228)

Looks more like a bulked-up wideout and can do some damage in the pass game. He’s a decent athlete who can get out of his breaks cleanly and separate, but he’ll struggle blocking anyone at the next level.

Andrew Quarless, Penn State (6-5, 252)

Not only is Quarless the most talented tight end on the Penn State roster, he is also one of the most talented tight ends in the nation. However, he has a ton of off-the-field issues, and as a result has never developed into the tight end many thought he would.

Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois (6-5, 270)

A massive tight end prospect who exhibits impressive body control and overall athleticism for his size. He does a great job working the middle of the field and is a big-time third-down and red-zone threat. He also has the size and power to become a good blocker at the next level.

Comments

Add a Comment