2016 NFL Draft: Tight End

Everyone agrees this is a light tight end class, at least at the top end. Some of you are probably surprised to see Hunter Henry in the number 2 spot on my board for tight ends, but that’s not as much of a knock on Henry as it’s a result of how much I like Hooper. I suppose it’s about what a team is looking for in a tight end, Henry is quicker, Hooper is bigger. Obviously I prefer bigger.

Austin Hooper-TE-Stanford-6’4”-254-2nd Day-88

This guy is flying under the radar with Hunter Henry getting all the publicity. Hooper has pretty good size for the position (33.75” arms and 10.5” hands) and comes out of a run heavy offense but his value is going to be in the passing game. Leaving school after only 2 seasons might scare some, but both years he went over 400 yards receiving and was even a Mackey Award finalist this year for top Tight End in college football. Hooper has soft hands to go along with decent speed (4.72 40) and very good quickness as evidenced by his 7.00 seconds in the 3-cone. I think he is right there with Maxx Williams and Zach Ertz as a prospect and any team should be happy to grab him in round 2. Hooper drives the boat chief, sorry I couldn’t help myself.

Hunter Henry-TE-Arkansas-6’5”-250-1st Round-85

The consensus number 1 tight end in this year’s draft. He had a clean sweep of awards in 2015 as 1st Team All SEC and All American as well as the Mackey Award winner. His three year career with the Razorbacks was prolific with receiving totals of 409, 513, and 739 yards from his true freshman season to this past year. He has good height, very good feel in his routes, and enough speed, running a 4.66 forty yard dash at his pro day. Coming out of Arkansas he did plenty of run blocking and seems to be able to hold his own despite 32.75” arms and 9.25” hands. I see him as a late second round prospect because I don’t see him as a difference maker at the next level, probably a 3rd option in the passing game. Craftiness is his best asset, along with great hands. Reminds me of Gavin Escobar, the Cowboys #2 tight end. Tall and athletic with receiving ability but not a 1st round talent.

Jerell Adams-TE-South Carolina-6’5”-247-3rd Round/Day-80

Interesting prospect, all the physical tools you want to see. Good height, long 34.5” arms, and a solid 4.64 in the 40. He builds speed and doesn’t have great quickness so he’ll be a seam tight end not a Z out type. Last year he had 400+ yards receiving in the SEC so he isn’t a total athletic projection. He looks extremely similar to Jared Cook, and that is probably his ceiling at the next level.