The draft prospect series continues with tight ends.
Round 1
OJ Howard (Alabama)
Howard is a great all around tight end that is a good receiver and blocks really well. He may be a top 10 pick in this draft. Howard was key in the Alabama running game as a blocker. Howard notched 595 yards and 602 yards in 2016 and 2015 with 3 and 2 TDs. He stands 6’6 and weights 250 pounds. Someone will get a good all-around tight end if they draft Howard in Round 1. He compares to Jimmy Graham with better blocking ability.
David Njoku (Miami)
Njoku is no joke. He is more a speedy receiving tight end with some but not much blocking ability. He stands 6’4 and weighs 246 pounds. The former Hurricane is very explosive and a big play threat but does have some drop issues. He needs to add some bulk and refine his blocking skills. He compares to Eric Ebron, who was the 10th pick in 2014. Njoku had 698 yards and 8 TDs in 2016.
Second TIER
Evan Engram (Ole Miss)
Engram is a versatile offensive weapon that can line up in the slot and H-back. Engram must refine his blocking skills and bulk up but can be a useful weapon as a day 2 pick. Engram ran a 4.42 and played big competition in the SEC.
Jake Butt (Michigan)
Butt had very high potential but a late ACL tear hurt his draft stock. Butt is a good receiver that excels at blocking as well. He has decent speed with good hands and gets separation.
Third TIER
Jordan Everett (South Alabama), Adam Sheehan (Ashland), George Kittle (Iowa), Bucky Hodges (VA Tech), Michael Roberts (Toledo) and Jordan Leggett (Clemson) are the next tier of tight ends for day 3.
Tight End Needs
The Packers should be set with Richard Rodgers and free agent additions Martellus Bennett (7 per) and Lance Kendricks. The Bears have Zach Miller and added Dion Sims (6 per) in free agency on a big deal. Former Packer, Justin Perillo and former Viking Mycole Pruitt should round out their depth chart. Neither team needs a tight end.
The Vikings lost Rhett Ellision in free agency to the Giants and could use a blocking tight end to pair with Kyle Rudolph. Kyle Carter and David Morgan have some upside as the third tight end for Minnesota. The Lions have Eric Ebron and added Daniel Fells (blocking TE) in free agency but could add a young developmental tight end on day to compete with second year player Cole Wick (undrafted) and Khari Lee (former Bear). However, Ebron is a free agent next season if the Lions don’t pick up his fifth year option for 2018 (8.5 million). The Lions and Vikings should wait until day 3 for a tight end.