Top 5 tight ends in the NFL Draft

1. Brock Bowers

Bowers is the best tight-end prospect the NFL draft has seen since Kyle Pitts.

While having similar knocks, Bowers has shown through his time at Georgia that he is a much more complete prospect ready for the pro level.

Bowers dominated in his three seasons starting for the Bulldogs while battling through injury along the way. In his 3-year career, he averaged over 12 yards a reception and never had under 700 yards.

What makes Bowers so special is that he is the complete package, at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, some claim his frame is on the smaller end, but he plays much bigger than his size.

Right at the snap of the football, Bowers showcases his exemplary release ability. This quick twitchy reaction time is not something that can be naturally found on the football field, as Bowers’ ability to get into motion immediately gives him a cutting-edge advantage in both pass-catching and blocking.

While some draft analysts knock Bowers for his blocking ability, the film shows Bowers can definitely block at the pro level.

His ability to accelerate is dangerous at the tight end position, Bowers will see plenty of favorable matchups at the NFL level.

Bowers is an overall weapon at the tight end position for any team who is lucky enough to be in the position to draft him.

2. Cade Stover

Stover makes the second spot on this list due to his high ceiling and production capabilities.

Being a tight end at Ohio State is hard because of the sheer competition of the receiving core. Despite that, Stover was able to put up an impressive showing over the past two years for the Buckeyes.

Stover’s strengths are easily his hands and ability to gain tough yards after the catch.

Stover does not go down easily, as he will fight tooth and nail for every extra yard possible.

While Stover’s numbers may not be eye-popping, it’s hard to pinpoint any true weakness for the tight end out of Ohio State.

Maybe a product of his wide receiver peers, everything Stover has been asked to do he’s done very well. Sprinkle his athleticism, toughness, and sneaky fast speed and you get yourself a pro tight end who could mold himself into an NFL starter in the near future.

3. Ben Sinnott

Ben Sinnott used his 2023 season to prove to the world he’s the real thing.

Oh boy did he impress, raking 676 yards on 49 receptions for six TDs.

The Waterloo, Iowa native can make spectacular catches if needed. This is something that stands out on this list, the other prospects I critique for not being amazing at a particular skill.

Sinnott has this covered, as his catch radius is ridiculous and his hands are elite.

The major concern for Sinnott comes from the fact that he burst up draft boards so quickly.

His 2022 season was nothing to scoff at, catching 31 passes for 447 yards and four TDs. The issue with this season is that his stats fed off key games such as his 89-yard, two-TD game against Baylor and his 85-yard game against West Virginia.

High upside tight end who has been soaring up draft boards since his impressive 2023 season.

4. Theo Johnson

Theo Johnson is a physical freak. Running a 4.57 forty at the combine with a 6-foot-6 frame weighing 259 pounds.

Johnson can make acrobatic catches over defenders, charge first for a lead block, or split a Cover 2 in half through the middle of the field.

While these perks may sound like a complete tight end, I’m not sold on his consistency in doing the “right” things at his position.

What I mean is Johnson had to compete with a good tight end room at Penn State, and while that usually means your stats can be deceiving, in Johnson’s case it’s a little concerning that his physical traits haven’t allowed him to stand out more.

During the 2023 season, Tyler Warren became the “featured” tight end at Penn State at least according to the stat sheet. In reality, it was split duties between the two.

The reason this is concerning is because after the departure of Brenton Strange, the tight-end job was Johnson's to lose.

Allowing a younger guy to share the spotlight with you when you already contain all of the talent in the world is a concern for NFL teams looking to give Johnson a big role.

While the talent is there, a surprising lack of production causes some concern for teams looking for big shoes to fill.

5. Ja’Tavion Sanders

Now here’s a guy where the stats sheet fortunately benefits him.

In Ja’Tavion Sanders’ three years of collegiate play, he averaged over 12 yards per catch and had a 104+ QBR when targeted.

While many scouts love Ja’Tavion for his upside, I’m not sold that he excels at anything in particular.

Sanders’s hands are good, his run after the catch is good, and his ability to produce off favorable matchups is all good.

While “good” may sound like a good thing, Sanders was able to feed off a weak defensive conference in the Big 12.

Sanders seems like he has all the capabilities to be an elite tight end, he just needs to prove that he can put it all together at the NFL level.

Antonio Fondacaro is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email adf5400@psu.edu.