2011 NFL Draft: Tight End

This might be the weakest position in this draft. There’s basically Kyle Rudolph coming off of injuries and then a bunch of day 3 projections. Jordan Cameron might go higher than expected after everyone saw Jimmy Graham wound up being a good pick for the Saints as a TE project with serious athletic potential. This is just a shitty group.

1.) Kyle Rudolph—Notre Dame—6’6”-259—2nd round—89—Lots of comparisons to Gronk. Got injured last fall and missed half the season, still recovering. Got the ideal size, has 1st round talent and would’ve been a 1st rounder if he hadn’t gotten injured and could’ve further proved his athleticism. He does remind me of Gronk, though Gronk is a better blocker. Rudolph has the receiving feel to be very successful in the pros.

2.) Virgil Green—Nevada—6’3”-249—3RD round/day—68—Ran a 4.64 and 4.54 depending if you like official or unofficial time. 42.5” vert, 130” broad jump dudes real athletic. Played in the spread/option attack at Nevada, not much blocking going on but Green shows the ability to shield block when needed. I like him, especially in such a week TE class, 4thround grade.

3.) D.J. Williams—Arkansas—6’2”-245—3rd day—68—This year’s consummate H-back like Hernandez was last year. His Pops was some sort of abusive criminal and everyone says D.J.’s really mature. He’s not as athletic as Hernandez, but he comes without the positive drug test, and he comes with similar receiver instincts. Not much tape on him but from watching Arkansas he was definitely a big part of their offense. 4th round grade

4.) Jordan Cameron—USC—6’5”-254—3rd round/day—62—Ideal size, 4.59 40 with 37.5” vert and a beastly 4.03 in the shuttle. Was a top performer in every one of the TE drills. Average route runner, shows decent hands. His size and athleticism put him into the 4th round in my book even though he doesn’t have much on his track record.

5.) Luke Stocker—Tennessee—6’5”-258—3rd round/day—60—He’s one of the few guys in this draft that has that size to inline block and ability to get out and catch the football. 4.78 aint gonna cut it if you wanna get open consistently. He’s not the best blocker yet but that can come. I think he makes a decent number 2 tight end, and his versatility can save a roster spot.

6.) Lance Kendricks—Wisconsin—6’3”-243—3rd day—56—Another one of those H-back type TE’s from Wisconsin in the Travis Beckham tradition. You wanna see better than a 4.75 but he did run a 4.5 at his pro day so who knows. Not nearly the receiver D.J. Williams is, but looks more athletic, and is taller.