Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook: Top Five Tight End Rankings

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On February 8, 2018

We’re not in 2017 anymore, and unfortunately, we’re leaving behind a tight end group for the record books. With three tremendous talents in O.J. Howard, Evan Engram, and David Njoku, the 17’ class was the first to have a trifecta of tight ends taken in round one since 2002.

There’s no shame in not being as ridiculously gifted as their predecessors. This class, while not as enticing, is still filled with some pass-catchers who could make a significant impact in year one and beyond. Headlined by an FCS product and a former minor league pitcher, this group is certainly interesting, to say the least. I don’t know if we can expect any of these young men to put up Engram-like production in their first campaign, but the talent is there to be long-term contributors for your team.

Always tricky to place in rookie drafts, tight ends are especially important to not only know about but have an idea of where you value them for your specific team needs. This should be fun. Let’s get to the rankings!

1) Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

My TE1 ranking is still very much up for grabs. Between Goedert, Andrews, and maybe a surprise riser, there’s a lot of time for a change. For now, however, Goedert gets the nod over Andrews and the rest with the slightly higher long-term ceiling. It’s fair to question how he’ll handle jumping from the FCS to the NFL, but I think the 6’4 Jackrabbit can quickly find his footing. When he does, he’ll be a consistent headache to deal with.

Blend his NFL frame with terrific acceleration off the line and straight-line speed to match it, his potential is whatever he wants it to be. Perhaps the best blocking tight end in this class as well, Goedert should see consistent snaps throughout his career.

If Dallas Goedert reaches his potential, Travis Kelce is not out of the realm of possibility! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/aGWkK3oj8g

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) January 31, 2018

2) Mark Andrews, Oklahoma

The best pure receiver in this group, you can make a hell of an argument that Andrews should be number one in these rankings. A favorite target of Baker Mayfield, and a key cog in what was perhaps the best offense in college football, the Sooner should slide in nicely to any NFL offense.

Capable of making plays on the line and in the slot, Andrews, especially in PPR formats, could become scary. With solid hands, crisp routes, and more than proficient athleticism, take Andrews if you’re looking for an immediate spark at the tight end position.

Mark Andrews is a gifted athlete at the Tight End position, currently have a 2nd round grade on the Sooner! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/6RziK0IHuw

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) November 24, 2017

3) Hayden Hurst, South Carolina

A player who will have you flashing back to scouting Evan Engram when you put in the tape, Hayden Hurst has a chance to be something special. While I don’t think we’ll see him run a 4.42 40-yard dash like the Ole Miss product did, don’t be surprised to see him make some headlines at the combine.

A solid route runner with terrific after the catch ability, I can’t wait to see how offensive coordinators use the Gamecock. Already 24 years old (former minor league pitcher) and still a bit raw in some areas, Hurst will have to make his mark in a hurry.

Hayden Hurst has terrific athleticism, the former minor league pitcher has some wheels! #NFLDraft #Drafttwitter pic.twitter.com/MzS8Cxef8L

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) January 17, 2018

4) Mike Gesicki, Penn State

Although I was very tempted to place Ian Thomas here an account of him being the better overall athlete than Gesicki, the Nittany Lion gets the edge with his all-around skill set that could make him a instant asset.

Terribly difficult to cover given his 6’6 frame and outstanding vertical, Gesicki should have no problem making contested grabs. A better standard fit than PPR fit, he could become one of the elite red zone targets the league has to offer.

Mike Gesicki ladies and gentlemen, hard not to fall in love with this guy! #NFLDraft #drafttwitter @amazehayes_roto pic.twitter.com/LC5pvkXIUC

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) December 22, 2017

5) Ian Thomas, Indiana

Thomas is tough to figure out. Part of me wanted to push him over Gesicki, yet another part of me thought Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) was the more deserving player in the top five. Back and forth I went, and I eventually feel pretty settled ranking Thomas here. Similar to Hurst in a lot of ways, Thomas, at 6’3, blasts off the line of scrimmage and has enough speed to create separation downfield.

Far from the best blocker I’ve scouted, Thomas will have to round out his game before he gets substantial playing time. A prospect you’ll be picking a lot because of potential, stay away from Thomas if you’re in desperate need of an instant contributor.

Jerome Baker didn’t stand a chance at covering Ian Thomas here. Classic pick route run here to the wide side, with Thomas’s quickness, there’s no chance in pure man to man. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/Ifw07jajBp

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) February 1, 2018

Well, that wraps up this edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook”, please leave a comment or question about a specific prospect, or fit for your team, below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter, I’m always happy to interact with football fans. See you next time!

[/am4show]