2024: Tight Ends

Brock Bowers – TE – Georgia - 96

I was a huge Darnell Washington fan and always wanted that monster to get more opportunities for the Bulldogs. But Bowers was too good. Even as a teenager, this kid was a dominant force on the best team in the nation. Bowers is not the classic Y tight end, inline blocker. He is very much new age, passing game weapon that can separate on his routes, overpower smaller players, and most importantly, make big plays after the catch. This is the trait in his game that moves him into the top half of round 1. Sam LaPorta was a tremendous boost to the Lions offense, Bowers is going to be that and more. Think George Kittle with the ball is in his hands. Please don’t go to the Jets.

Ben Sinnott – TE – Kansas State - 83

Immediately you put on the tape and see this guy moves differently than other tight ends in the class, Bowers excluded. Immediate speed on the snap, fluid movement, and actual route running chops. At his size with those skills you should perk up. Now, it’s not exceptional athleticism or great size, but Sinnott looks every bit an NFL player. Think Dallas Clark or Chris Cooley. The 6.8 in the 3 cone displays the balance and lateral ability, plus a 40” vert for explosiveness. Ben’s been 1st team all Big 12 as a tight end and fullback, and he should have a good career on Sunday’s.

Theo Johnson – TE – Penn State - 80

Athletic freak, capital FREAK. Six foot six, 260, running a 4.6 and a 40 inch is insane. Penn State’s been pumping out guys like this on defense for a few years now that jump into round one. I expect Theo to go earlier than expected because you can’t teach what he has. If, and I mean if, he is willing to put the time in to learn how to block he could be a top 5 inline tight end at the next level. He’s a project, but he already has some flash in the passing game and should be an immediate goal line threat. Sneaky excited about this kid, but a lot of things have to go right for him to reach that Jimmy Graham potential.

Cade Stover – TE – Ohio St. - 76

A little lumbering for his size, Stover was a developmental player for the Buckeyes. Came on big time in 2023 as a Mackey Award finalist. He’s a willing blocker that tested faster at 4.65 than he plays. As a former linebacker, this kid does not mind contact and likes to punish tacklers. I could see him as a high end number 2 tight end for a team, but will always be capped athletically, and will struggle to separate without pushing off

Tip Reiman – TE – Illinois - 72

What a goddamn moose. This guy stands out in a crowd. Six foot 5, 270, with dinner plate hands, and 4.64 in the 40. The former walk on has clearly put in the work to maximize his athletic output. His entry point in the league is no doubt going to be blocking, but if he’s a worker like he seems to be, we could be talking about him as a steal from this class.

Ja’Tavion Sanders – TE – Texas - 70

Seems like the common pick as the number 2 tight end in this year’s class but color me unimpressed. Decent size on this kid for a move tight end but lacks top end speed at 4.7 in the 40 he is far from a burner. On the field he doesn’t display balance or tackle breaking ability in the open field. And his route running is limited to soft in-cuts and corners against zone, drags, and screen plays. I’m not sure he can do a whole lot more than that. Solid at the catch point, but I think his ceiling is Gerald Everett if everything goes right.

Erick All – TE – Iowa - 68

Always on the lookout for Iowa tight ends. Evaluate the player, then add a full round on the grade because they’re so consistent. They might be the only tight ends coming out of college football that I know can block. All gets knocked because he spent 4 years at Michigan and only 1 short season with Iowa. Blocking is not his forte, but he’s willing. His play style reminds me a lot of Mike Gesicki, minus the above the rim ability. The future is clouded by All’s injuries, spinal injury and a torn ACL to end the last two seasons. Without the injuries, he’s in round 3. But you have to factor them in, and that makes him a 4th round roll of the dice with upside.