2019 NFL Draft Tight End Prospects

Draft expert Cowboysfan1993 is back with his talent evaluations on this year’s draft class. We all know about FANT at the top of this class, but what about those other guys? We got you covered, say no more.

The 2019 tight ends ranked below:

1. Noah Fant TE Iowa

1) Noah Fant is the best TE in the class. He’s about 6’4″ 232 lbs. So he’s more of a taller slot WR than a true TE. He has elite speed for the position, and is best on vertical routes. His small frame suggests he’s not a good blocker, but I do think the willingness is there for Fant. He just needs more time to get bigger for that duty. He’s best at going down the field, but tends to double catch some passes, which will result in tipped balls in the NFL as well as drops. Not an experienced route runner. This is a pick that will take some time to work out, but the talent is there to be a very good TE.

2. Tommy Sweeney TE Boston College

TJ Hockenson Iowa 6’5″ 250 lbs. 3) Often referred as the other Iowa TE, Hockenson is good in his own right. He’s a more well rounded player than Fant, being a capable blocker already. He’s not as athletic, but he’s good enough in that area to entice teams. He fits the new breed of TE, while also having blocking ability. A natural receiver, that just doesn’t get enough oppurtunities due to Fant. He compares favorably to George Kittle, not quite the athlete, but a better route runner, who is also tough as nails. He’s TE 1 for me for Dallas to draft if he falls that far.

3. Irv Smith Jr. TE Alabama

3) My favorite TE in this class. Irv Smith is a very athletic TE with his ability to go down the field. Despite his size at 6’3″ 245 lbs. He is a good blocker, and is still developiong. He didn’t do much his first few years, but that is attributed to the QB play more so than his own ability. This is a guy I really hope Dallas targets. He’s my third TE and I would be willing to trade up for him.

4. Kaden Smith TE Stanford

A TE who fits perfectly with what Dallas likes to do. He’s a big guy about 6’6″ 250 lbs. who could still bulk up. His a big bodied pass catcher who shields defenders from the ball. He’s a tough as nails guy who isn’t afraid to go over the middle and has hands that allow him to pluck the ball. Next to Iowa, Stanford is a TE factory. And Smith was the reason why Shultz wasn’t a starter in college. Smith isn’t a refined route runner yet, and I’d say he has decent speed for the position, but nothing special there. As a blocker he’s physical, but the mental aspect is not yet there. He could easily fill the Witten role in this offense.

5. Albert Okwuegbunam TE Missouri

5) Albert O is a big bodied possession TE, who is more of a receiver than a blocker. He’s not my favorite player, as I think his athletic profile is exaggerated. He’s not bad by any means, just I think he fills a role as a possession guy who will need to come off the field in running situations. He’s just not fit as a blocker at this moment.

6. Jace Sternberger Texas A&M

6) He’s another TE I love watching, and I hope Dallas is willing to draft him in the 3rd round. Jace is a bigger TE, who also has speed to really stretch a defense. He’s not a great route runner yet, but can develop into one. He’s a physical guy who won’t go down on first contact, has good hands to pluck the ball as well. Is a big trash talker too. As a blocker, he’s not there yet, but has the physical aspect there, just hasn’t been asked to do it that much at A&M. I could see him go ahead of Kaden Smith as the real process starts.

7. Dawson Knox Ole Miss

7) He’s pretty athletic and is a very good receiver. He is a good route runner despite his inexperience. I don’t think he’s ready as a blocker though, as he’s not yet strong enough and doesn’t have technique. Some will question his lack of production, but that’s not due to lack of ability, but is underutilized. He could go much higher than he is ranked by me though. You’re looking at the 2nd round.