Top TE draft prospects

1. Dennis Pitta - Most will disagree with me here. But I believe when it is all said and done, Pitta will be the best tight end of this years crop. He was super productive at BYU. Pitta is a solid run blocker and has good speed complete with excellent hands. He ran a 4.63 40 and lifted 225lbs 27 times showing his strength. Pitta can line up in the slot as well. He has nice size as well, 6'5'' 248lbs. Dennis Pitta reminds me a lot of Dallas Clark of the Colts and I think he will have a similar career. high to mid second round pick.

2. Jermaine Gresham - Most people have Gresham as their number 1 overall tight end. I do not for a few reasons. He is slower than Pitta and not nearly as strong. Gresham isn't a good run blocker either. The former Oklahoma Sooner has also had two major knee injuries in his playing career. This past season being the most recent. He did not play. Gresham is an excellent weapon in the passing game when healthy. He may go late first round to Arizona. The Cardinals have been searching for a pass catching tight end for years.

3. Ed Dickson - Ed Dickson was a solid play maker for the Oregon Ducks. He had a nice combine running the 40 in 4.66. Dickson is not a great run blocker. Good size at 6'5'' 243lbs. He should go 3rd or 4th round. Will contribute for somebody next year. Not a star but could be a nice piece to a teams puzzle.

4. Dorin Dickerson - Dickerson turned heads at the combine when he ran a 4.40 40 yard dash. He also benched 225lbs 24 times. Very impressive for a guy who is 6'4'' 228lbs. He can play all over the field in the slot, H-back, or tight end. He's like a big wide out.

5. Charles Quarless - Quarless is a talented athlete but has had some character issues in the past at Penn St. He had a solid performance at the East-West shrine game where he caught the game winning touchdown. Charles ran well at the combine which helps his stock. He ran a 4.63 40 and did 23 reps of 225lbs. He should go somewhere in the fourth round. Could be a pleasant surprise down the road if he can leave the off the field issues behind him.


Other notable tight ends include: Rob Gronkowski. This past season was ended early by a back injury. A bit slow but has a big wing span. Anthony McCoy was a solid performer for the USC Trojans. He disappointed with a slow 40 at the combine. An intriguing player is Jimmy Graham from Miami. A basketball player until this past season. He showed soild hands and good speed running a 4.57 40. A guy who could land on the Pats late is former Pittsburgh end Nate Bynam. He is a tremendous run blocker and could be a solid second tight end for someone. Look for Bynam to go 5th or 6th round. Didn't get much of a chance in the passing game because of Dorin Dickerson.