2017 NFL Draft: Tight Ends

2017 NFL Draft Tight Ends

This might be the best tight end group I’ve ever seen. There are like 5 legitimate prospects that ran sub 4.6 40’s, which is completely unheard of. This position is loaded with potential, but there seems to be a lack of traditional inline tight ends. I guess that’s what happens when you’re drafting from spread offenses.

O.J. Howard-TE-Alabama-6’6”-251-Top 20-94

This guy has all the physical gifts you could ask for in a tight end. Great height, nearly 34” arms, and he can absolutely fly as evidenced by the 4.51 second 40. Lots of people are comparing him to Greg Olsen which is a solid comp, but Olsen was a much more impactful player in college. That brings me to my main concern with Howard, his lack of consistent domination at the collegiate level. With those tools and 4 years at Bama he should’ve been a Mackey Award finalist several times but he never made it. Sure his best games were on the biggest stages but his playing time declined from Junior to Senior season. He’s not a blocker, which isn’t that big a deal, but more importantly he’s not a route runner. Most of his big plays came on scrambles or broken coverages. I know I’m being very critical, but in the end he’s a specimen that we see maybe twice a decade so someone’s gonna jump at him and hope they can teach route running and find him a prominent place in their offense. Saints anyone?

David Njoku-TE-Miami-6’4”-246-1st Round-92

Wow another freak in this draft. Former receiver and national high jump champion in high school, Njoku has 35.25” extendo arms to go with blazing 4.64 speed and a sub 7 second 3 cone. On the field he reminds me of Eric Ebron or a bigger Quincy Enunwa. They run very well, excel when split out from the formation, and need a lot of work in the blocking department. Njoku enters the draft as a redshirt sophomore, having improved from 21 for 362 to 43 for 698 and 8 scores in his two seasons. There’s every reason to believe this guy will be a top receiving tight end at the next level.

George Kittle-TE-Iowa-6’4”-247-3rd Round/Day-84

Renowned as the best blocking tight end in the draft, Kittle enters the draft after impressing athletically at the combine. This guy ran a 4.52 in the 40! And jumped 35 inches! Those are not “blocking tight end” numbers. He is a bit undersized as a pure 6th blocker, but I don’t think that’s his only role. Underrated athleticism, hands catcher, and a leggy runner that reminds me of Dallas Clark. Now, his last two seasons at Iowa he only averaged 21 catches for 300 yards and 5 TD’s which isn’t all that impressive. But I think this guy can flourish at the next level. Kittle is a well coached Iowa boy, who protects the football, runs consistent routes, and is a grinder. I can’t see him disappointing.

Evan Engram-TE-Ole Miss-6’3”-234-2nd Day-83

Engram’s on the light side for a tight end. Didn’t see him play in-line at all and it was rare to even see him at the wing. That probably happened for a reason, he’s a shoulder blocker, does not know how to use his hands yet. When he’s split out he’s a threat in the passing game. Kid blew up the combine with a 4.42 in the 40 and a 36” vert. You would expect a 234lb tight end to be fast, but that’s legit fast. On the field he definitely can attack the seam. On underneath routes he utilizes hard cuts reminiscent of former inmate #609 at Walpole. Engram has good receiving skills and will run seams, drags, and 5 yard routes. Last fall he excelled, catching 65 balls for 926 and 8 scores in the SEC. His closest comparison is a faster Jordan Reed with worse hands.

Gerald Everett-TE-South Alabama-6’3”-239-2nd Day-80

Another physical specimen. This kid ran a 4.62 and had a ridonk 37.5” vertical leap. On the field he can really move. He was a productive receiver as a wing/slot in South Alabama’s spread offense but he does show a willingness to block. He’ll never be Heath Miller but I expect him to be adequate when asked to block. The route tree was limited and the level of competition was sub-par which pushes him to the end of the 2nd round for me. Everett is a high upside talent that will have a learning curve but could blossom in the pros if his 8.5” baby hands don’t get in the way.

Jake Butt-TE-Michigan-6’5”-246-3rd Round/Day-76

Everyone knew his name this past fall, mostly cause it’s fun. But he really is a good player too. He has good height and is a willing blocker. Very good production in his last two years earning 2nd Team All American in both seasons. Unfortunately for Butt, he didn’t take the Christian McCaffrey route and wound up tearing his ACL in the bowl game. Some team may have taken him in the 2nd round before the injury but now I think he’ll go in the 3rd. Jake moves well but doesn’t have exceptional receiving ability. Dennis Pitta seems like his ceiling.

Adam Shaheen-TE-Ashland-6’6”-278-Day 2-68

He’s a big ole boy. I never knew Ashland was a college until I saw this guy at the combine. As you would expect for a player his size, Shaheen is a solid blocker. He also moves pretty well for a guy his size, although he runs very high. At Ashland they didn’t ask him to do too much so his route running ability is non-existent. He’ll need to learn Gronk-style leverage at the top of his routes to get separation. Needs a lot of work but the dearth of large tight ends this year might move him up to day 2.