2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: TEs
theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Top 50
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
ED | DL | LB | CB | SAF
Bowers is in a class of his own among this year's tight end crop. The 21-year-old plays with elite control, handling defenders of all sizes at every level of the defense. His body control can enable success as a receiver despite his average catch radius. Bowers' adjustments while the ball is in the air give him a chance to make a play, regardless of where the pass is in relation to his defender. He's a capable blocker, both in line and in space but isn't quite a superstar in that department. Bowers also won't set any 40-yard dash records, but his play speed is great and translates to his routes. Cleaning up some of his shorter routes to create more separation from second-level defenders will give him yet another tool to excel with. The former Bulldog shines with the ball in his hands, using nigh-instant acceleration to separate from defenders and run through tackles. Bowers should be a Pro Bowl candidate from Year 1 through to the end of his career.
The former Longhorn is already adept at creating separation with clean routes and his above-average athleticism, whether he's lining up as a true Y tight end or flexing out into the slot. Sanders is particularly dangerous attacking the seams, either outrunning linebackers or using his body to frame off defensive backs. His contested-catch ability helps him contribute even when someone does keep up with him. The 21-year-old won't be a fit for every team due to his tweener size, but he could easily add some muscle. That'd help him become a more consistent blocker, too. His hand placement and movement skills were often enough in college, but he likely lacks the raw strength to consistently block bigger NFL defenders. Expect Sanders to be an immediate contributor as a pass-catcher.
If you built a tight end in a lab, you'd get something pretty similar to Johnson. The 23-year-old lit up the combine with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-5 broad jump. His best season with Penn State was a bit underwhelming despite possessing excellent tools, posting 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. Johnson does a good job of using leverage on his routes to create separation at his stems, but he drifts more than necessary when finding holes in zone defenses. The former Nittany Lion's hands and feet are solid as a blocker, but he too frequently bends at the waist, sacrificing leverage and power. Johnson may need a bit of time to refine his game, but he should be a reasonably productive backup as he works to put everything together.
Shocking absolutely no one, an Iowa tight end is among the best in his class. All's medical history is a bit of a concern after he tore his ACL in October and suffered a season-ending injury three games into the 2022 season, but he flashes a ton of upside when on the field. He plays fast and can turn short catches into bigger gains with his elusiveness and lateral agility. That translates especially well to crossing routes; he's able to weave through coverage while maintaining speed. All plays fast as a blocker but needs to rein in his targeting on both in-line and in-space blocks to avoid missing his assignments. The former Hawkeye will need some time to clean a few things up and get healthy, but his natural movement ability is among the most impressive in this year's tight end class.
The former walk-on brings an intriguing combination of traits. Sinnott posted a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot-6 broad jump at the combine. That power shows up on film when he's getting off the line of scrimmage and into his routes. Getting his pad level lower, both as a receiver and as a blocker, will only help him. Sinnott can maneuver around defenders in coverage to get open at all three levels without sacrificing a ton of speed or his intended line. Improving his hand speed will help the rest of his game. He'll occasionally flash them a tick slow as a receiver and could stand to fire them faster when blocking. The 21-year-old could improve his blocking technique and force to earn some extra playing time outside of passing situations.
Stover's best traits show up when he's fighting through traffic and coverage to come down with catches. This is especially true on shorter routes that rely on him to make his own space between the line of scrimmage and second-level defenders. While he can showcase strong hands and impressive concentration, Stover invites tighter coverage - particularly on seam routes - by playing slower than he needs to. If he can get closer to his top speed while getting up field and finding the ball, he'll add more dynamism to his game. Hints of the former Buckeye's potential pop up with crisp stems at the top of intermediate routes. Despite his ability to play through traffic, adding a bit more weight could help with bigger defenders and improve his ability to maintain blocks. His base and contact are solid, but the movement he creates is underwhelming thanks to a lack of raw power and drive.
The former Ram led the nation in receiving yards by a tight end in 2023 with 767. Holker also scored six receiving touchdowns in his breakout campaign, showcasing valuable body control that allows him to come down with difficult receptions. Holker's strong hands and long arms give him a much larger effective catch radius than some of his contemporaries. However, he'll need to improve his play speed to leverage these tools in the NFL. He too often appears to be moving a step or two slower than you'd like. Holker can also drift on his crossing routes, inviting tighter coverage and more difficult catches than necessary. The 24-year-old will be best off operating more as a big slot or a move tight end. His in-line blocking is subpar, and he's on the lighter side, but he can execute blocks in space while maintaining good pad level to prevent being overpowered.
One of the biggest tight end prospects in this draft, Reiman brings an aggressive mentality and the ability to immediately contribute as a blocker. He regularly drove opposing players back or washed edge defenders down on run plays. The Illinois product is also an above-average pass-blocker, leveraging his frame to stay in front of rushers. He's unlikely to be a threat beyond the sticks thanks to a stiff upper body and a limited route tree, but he's effective on short routes against zone defenses. Reiman will need to improve his hand placement to become an even better blocker. Too often, his first contact comes near the outside of his assignment's pads rather than in their chest. Elevating his understanding of positioning and body control will also aid him in sustaining blocks against bigger NFL defenders.
Bell doesn't quite have the athleticism or talent of Deebo Samuel, but his NFL prospects will be much better if he goes to a team that's willing to use him all over the field like the 49ers star. The 22-year-old turned in big plays from the backfield, slot, out wide, and more for Florida State. His size will likely prevent him from ever being a true in-line tight end for more than a handful of snaps per game, especially while his blocking is as inconsistent as it currently is. Bell can be a difference-maker in the correct offense, though. His hands are strong enough to come down with difficult catches, and he's more than capable of turning short gains into explosive opportunities. Bell has even shown that he can run the ball with some regularity. He totaled 84 career carries, including 73 in 2022 with South Carolina.
Wiley could benefit from holding more muscle, which would help him elevate his blocking and avoid getting knocked around by defenders during his routes. He's not the fastest tight end in the class, but the former Horned Frog has the speed necessary to threaten at all three levels once he's in the open field. He trusts his hands and will use his length to catch the ball away from his frame, elevating his downfield profile. To continue growing that part of his game, the 6-foot-6, 249-pounder will need to get better at adjusting to his quarterback and the ball when things aren't perfect. Wiley will likely be limited to seams, crossers, and the flats until his route tree develops further, but he could carve out a role as a backup by excelling on those options.
Other notable prospects
Isaac Rex, BYU
AJ Barner, Michigan
Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
Trey Knox, South Carolina
Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota