2018 NFL Draft: Tight Ends
Average tight end group featuring pass catchers more than traditional inline players.
Mike Gesicki-TE-Penn State-6’5”-247-2nd-92
Number one tight end prospect got on everyone’s radar last fall. He has great size for the position and you couldn’t have asked for a better combine performance running 4.54 40 with a 6.76 second 3 cone and 41.5” vertical! On the field he looks like more of a strider than an explosive guy. I would like to see better route running using burst and change of direction to create separation. That’s not quite there yet, but it can be worked on. Right now he catches the ball well through contact, already has a back shoulder game, and can be deceptive with his routes. Gesicki does not play tight end right now, he always lines up at the wing or in the slot. He doesn’t look like a willing blocker so I don’t think that’s ever going to change which devalues him for me. That being said, he’s still an outstanding receiving option with his size and athleticism which makes him a first round guy. He’s a better prospect than Eric Ebron, more athleticism, better production, and no off-field drama. I just wish he used those 34” arms to block someone once in a while. This kid should be watching Travis Kelce film non-stop.
Hayden Hurst-TE-South Carolina-6’4”-250-2nd-87
Here’s another split out tight end. Wouldn’t it be nice if one of these guys actually played the position? You’ve probably heard, Hurst played a few years of minor league baseball before walking on for the Gamecocks at 22 years old. He’ll be a 25 year old rookie coming off two consistently production years in Columbia going for about 45 catches and 600 yards each season, although only 3 combined TD’s. This grown up looks like a classic second round move tight end. Hayden plays well in space, has solid hands, can make plays in the YAC game, and brings some fire to the field. The 4.67 second 40 matches his play speed, and 32” arms will likely relegate him to playing outside the formation. His game has limitations, but as a receiving threat he can both move the chains and make big plays on his own. If he could block and was a redzone threat he could sneak into the first, but without that he belongs in the second. Could become a Zach Ertz type.