NFL Draft – TE Rankings
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5.) C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa (6’5, 265): He’s never going to be a Jimmy Graham type tight-end, but he is a solid blocker, has reliable hands, and showed surprising short-area quickness at the combine. Fiedorowicz had the best 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle times of any tight end. In my opinion Fiedorowicz is a Heath Miller clone with an Andrew Quarles floor, which is excellent value in the middle rounds. Draft Projection: 3rd round
6.) Arthur Lynch, Georgia (6’5, 258): He’s a polished blocker who can help in the run game and Lynch showed better than expected athleticism at the Senior Bowl. He’s probably not much more than an underneath, safety-valve type receiver but those guys have value and he could be one of the better ones. Draft Projection: 3rd-4th round
7.) Colt Lyerla, Oregon (6’5, 250): Troubled tight-end who left Oregon during the season for “personal reasons” and then got arrested for cocaine possession. Lyerla has legitimate first round talent, but concern about his maturity and off-field problems could keep him out of the draft all together. If he can get his head on straight he could be an All-Pro. If not he could be out of the league in a year or two. It’s a big gamble. Lyerla impressed physically at the combine finishing near the top in every workout except the bench, but most rumors about his interviews were negative. Draft Projection: 4th-7th round
8.) Marcel Jenson, Fresno St (6’6, 259): Big target with long arms and good hands. Jenson wasn’t utilized much in Fresno St’s offense, but he has the potential to become a weapon in the passing game. He’s a decent blocker but needs to get stronger to have an impact against NFL defensive ends and linebackers. Good developmental prospect with starter upside. Draft Projection: 4th-5th round
9.) A.C. Leonard, Tennessee St (6’2, 252): An off-field red-flag guy (battery), Leonard was a blue-chip recruit who started his career at Florida. He looks like it in shorts with a chiseled physique and obvious athleticism. His combine workouts backed it up; His 4.50 40-time led all tight ends, he tied Lyerla for the longest broad jump (128″), and had the 3rd highest vertical leap (34″). Leonard is an elite athlete, but also looked good in the positional drills showing fluid change of direction skills and soft hands. His production in college (34, 454, 5) didn’t match up with his physical skills, but I know nothing about the Tennessee St offense and whether the tight end was used at all. What I do know is that Leonard looked like an explosive “move” tight end prospect. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
10.) Crockett Gilmore, Colorado St (6’6, 260): Gilmore was the surprise of the Senior Bowl as a late invite. Gilmore proved his blocking skill in college, but at the Senior Bowl showed great hands, crisp route-running, and surprising mobility after the catch. He didn’t run as well as expected at the combine (4.89) but showed good explosion with a top 5 vertical leap and broad jump. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round