TIGHT ENDS
Yes, Brock Bowers is a generational prospect that clearly deserves the number one grade on everybody’s draft board, but who is underneath him? All that the college football world has heard about for the last three seasons at the tight end position has been about Brock Bowers and Brock Bowers alone. Do not let the accusations of the rest of this class being shallow or without talent fool you, this is a talent-laced class of multiple NFL starters.
1. Brock Bowers, University of Georgia
+ A three time All-American and two time Mackey winner, Bowers is a proven stud at the position.
+ Not quite as shifty as Kyle Pitts, but is reminiscent of the Falcons tight end when he was at Florida. A quick footed, strong runner.
+ Lined up at every position on the offense, was able to run with cornerbacks and block middle linebackers.
+ Plays above size (6-4, 240) at catch point using strong hands and is dangerous after the catch.
+ Runs like a wide receiver, is dangerous in the screen game.
- Dealt with notable injuries during his time at UGA, including mid-seasons ankle surgery in 2023.
- A shorter torso which may hinder his ability to win contested catches in the NFL.
2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, University of Texas
USA Today: Aaron E. Martinez
+ A young prospect, Sanders is one of two juniors to declare for this draft.
+ Has good initial burst and feel off the line, can sit down in zone coverages.
+ Is hard to move off his path, making corners in press coverage impossible to cover him.
+ Is a solid blocker.
- Is more impressive vertically than horizontally; is clumsy out of his breaks and struggles with shorter routes.
- On shorter concepts, Sanders tends to become a body catcher.
3. Jaheim Bell, Florida State University
247 Sports
+ Is a good overall runner with the ball in his hands. Profiles better as a runningback than a wide receiver.
+ Confident blocker who is not scared of contact.
+ A 4.55 forty implies he will be a headache to cover vertically.
+ Not the best route runner but can wiggle away from lazy defenders.
- Size profiles him more as a fullback type at 6-2, 239.
- Is not the greatest contested ball catcher.
4. Austin Stogner, Oklahoma University
247 Sports
+ Very solid frame at 6'-6, 256. Can and will win at the rim with dominance.
+ Can play most positions in the receiver core due to athleticism.
+ A good overall catcher with soft hands and feel for when to go up and get it.
+ Effort as a blocker is apparent and plays with a nasty streak in the run game.
- Suffered a rare and concerning infection in his leg due to strep throat and has never quite returned to his true form.
- Dealt with a horrible knee injury in 2020 and 2021.
5. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State University
Peter Aiken, Getty Images
+ Has versatility, although limited, as he is capable of lining up in the slot.
+ Good directional mover and is able to get north and south pretty quick.
+ Catches with his hands instead of his body.
+ A possible H-back/fullback with bulkier frame.
- Smaller, condensed frame limits Sinnott from being a reliable contested pass catcher at the next level.
- Bulldozed against bull-rushing ends.
- Doesn’t possess great awareness of the ball in the air.
6. Brevyn Spann-Ford, University of Minnesota
Gopher Sports
+ Has an intimidating 6-7, 263 frame.
+ Has started for three years as a Gopher.
+ Leg power is visual on the field, always driving legs.
+ Frequently pancaking defenders in the run game.
+ Good use of hands while route running.
- Not the fastest by any means.
- Frequently uses his body to secure the ball.
- Not a TE1 in the NFL due to lack of overall athleticism.
7. AJ Barner, Michigan University
michigan.rivals.com
+ Intimidating blocker at 6-6, 256. Has solid frame and plays with old school mauler mentality.
+ Falls forward after the catch due to leg drive from lower half power.
+ Longer arms and sticky hands while blocking. Plays low with his pads.
- Probably not a true TE1 due to his lack of actual receiver skills. More of an in-line blocking archetype.
- Lacks speed to pull away from linebackers anywhere on the field.
8. Cade Stover, Ohio State University
Ohio State Athletics
+ Advanced blocker with adept understanding of angles and leverage.
+ Excellent in pass protection; is able to hold his own against edge-rushers.
+ Above average change of direction for a bigger framed tight-end.
+ Physical at release point.
- Not a good separator, lacks speed to pull away from defenders vertically or wiggle to twist horizontally.
- Not a contested ball tight-end, struggling against lankier defenders.
9. Dallin Holker, Colorado State University
Lehi Free Press
+ Extremely efficient numbers coming from a smaller, more run oriented team (64-767-6).
+ Good separator in the red zone, having a natural feel for gaps in zones and knows when to go low for a score.
+ Good overall athlete who can make guys miss in space.
- Shows effort while blocking but is probably the worst blocker in this draft at the position.
- Little to no burst or snap off the line limits his release package.
- Is not football fast (understanding the game).
10. Theo Johnson, Penn State University
PSU Athletics
+ Has a good combination of height, weight, and strength at 6-6, 258 — also has long enough arms.
+ Can elevate and win at the rim.
+ Good separator at the LOS.
+ Has remote twitch.
- Gets stuck between linebackers in coverage often, perhaps a mental fog.
- Not the best overall blocker.