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1. Zach Ertz, Stanford
Coming off an All-American season, Ertz is a well-regarded blocker. He’s physical at the point of attack and hustles downfield looking for someone to hit. He doesn’t always secure the catch, but he’s an excellent red zone target (should catch many touchdowns). Overall, he’s a bit of a throwback player, but he plays the game faster than his timed speed indicates. I wouldn’t count him out as a productive player between the 20s, either.
Possible Destinations: 49ers, Buccaneers, Falcons, Jets, & Packers
2. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
An athletic tight end with average blocking skills, Eifert is a better prospect than former teammate Kyle Rudolph. He was very productive in 2011 and 2012, catching 103 passes for 1,488 yards and nine scores. Despite the production, he drops too many passes and doesn’t play as fast as his workouts indicate. Still, he managed high-level production playing with a bullish quarterback situation.
Possible Destinations: Buccaneers, Falcons, Giants, Packers, & Steelers
3. Travis Kelce, Cincinnati
After serving a season-long suspension in 2010, Kelce quietly developed into an NFL caliber tight end. By 2012, he was one of the best tight ends in the country, catching 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. He has starter’s size (6-5 & 255 pounds) and athleticism. He benefits from a weak class of tight ends, despite just the one year of productivity.
Possible Destinations: Buccaneers, Falcons, Jets, Redskins, & Steelers
4. Jordan Reed, Florida
Versatility defines Reed. He can play the slot, split outside, or contribute in the backfield. He’s not the next Aaron Hernandez, which is a trendy comparison. His route running is a work in progress and he offers nothing as a blocker. Nevertheless, his versatility and receiving capabilities makes him a contributor in a creative offense.
Possible Destinations: Broncos, Falcons, Raiders, Seahawks, & Titans
5. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State
Escobar’s outstanding size (6-6 & 254 pounds) makes him an ideal NFL tight end. He has pretty good hands and is versatile enough to play off the line of scrimmage. His blocking is a major red flag, but he’s an intriguing prospect best utilized in passing situations.
Possible Destinations: Falcons, Giants, Jets, Raiders, & Packers
6. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State
Underutilized at Ohio State, Stoneburner is a fluid route runner and displays soft hands. He worked out well at the combine, displaying excellent quickness and straight-line speed. He’ll make a better pro than he did a college player, plus his name sounds as if he’s a character from Game of Thrones. Consider me sold.
Possible Destinations: Broncos, Falcons, Raiders, Seahawks, & Titans
7. Mychal Rivera, Tennessee
Rivera doesn’t do anything particularly great or bad. He does lack the athleticism to get downfield, but he has soft hands and blocks well. He could contribute as a No. 2 tight end in multiple sets.
Possible Destinations: Falcons, Giants, Redskins, Raiders, & Steelers
8. Vance McDonald, Rice
McDonald is a good athlete with excellent size (6-4 & 267 pounds). He’s physical and can get off jams. He has two major red flags: blocking and catching. The latter is especially frustrating and he’ll never fulfill his potential until he corrects the problem.
Possible Destinations: Broncos, Falcons, Raiders, Seahawks, & Titans