Rating the ten finest tight ends in 2024 NFL Draft class

The 2024 NFL Draft is peeking over the horizon of the NFL offseason panorama as we’re already into April. On this article, we are going to rank and assessment the highest 10 tight finish prospects on this yr’s draft class. SB Nation’s neighborhood of draft analysts every ranked their high TEs within the draft and this high 10 is the results of these cumulative rankings.

The tight finish place is seeing a resurgence with expert prospects popping out of the draft seemingly yearly. The injection of younger expertise on the tight finish place has proved substantial for groups just like the Falcons, Lions, and Payments to call just a few. A decent finish has been chosen within the first spherical of the draft in two out of the final three years, and we are able to anticipate to see one other one drafted in spherical one this yr.

This yr’s tight finish class contains a generational expertise on the high, prospects with large upside within the center, and a few intriguing “tasks” in a while. Listed below are SB Nation’s 2024 high 10 TE rankings.

10. Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

McLachlan is an fascinating prospect. He has superb peak however lacks the athletic measurables which are desired to be a dynamic risk on the place. Nonetheless, he persistently performs with a his foot on the gasoline pedal and he flashes distinctive on-field athleticism, evident from his above common contact steadiness and his spectacular hurdle highlights. McLachlan possible will come off the board on Day 3, however he has an opportunity to emerge as a starter if he continues to develop.

9. AJ Barner, Michigan

Barner has superb dimension for the NFL tight finish place however lacks the explosive traits to be an actual risk within the receiving recreation. He has a strong basis to be a productive blocking tight finish on the subsequent degree, however must preserve enhancing these abilities. He power within the passing recreation is his capability to catch balls in visitors, and he’s sturdy on the catch level and isn’t afraid to take a success over the center. Barner was a captain at Indiana earlier than transferring to Michigan and has proven growth all through his faculty profession. He’ll add strong depth to an NFL crew’s tight finish room and has some traits which are fascinating on the subsequent degree.

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8. Jared Wiley, TCU

Wiley is a tall tight finish that makes use of his peak and size to play above the rim. He’s an extended strider that reveals first rate construct up pace however lacks short-area quickness. His capability to be sturdy on the catch level and win 50/50 balls make him a crimson zone asset. Wiley can line up extensive or as an in-line tight finish and can possible find yourself being a rotational participant as he continues to develop his ability units.

7. Dallin Holker, Colorado State

The 24-year previous was a late bloomer having a productive final season at Colorado State after transferring from BYU the place he didn’t have a lot manufacturing. Holker is a pass-catching tight finish that doesn’t provide a lot from an in-line blocking perspective. Holker’s play pace and testing pace (4.78 second 40-yard sprint) aren’t nice, however he understands how one can get open on a number of ranges of the sphere. His function is probably going restricted to being a “large slot” but when he finds himself in the correct scenario he may be productive.

6. Jaheim Bell, Florida State

It’s a very fascinating unfold for Bell, who earned a third-place vote from considered one of our voters and a tenth-place vote from one other. Bell is an undersized tight finish that doesn’t actually have a real place. He was used everywhere in the area in faculty and that pattern will possible proceed within the NFL. His blocking capability isn’t all that particular, however he reveals the hassle. Bell is ranked this excessive as a result of he possesses the expertise to make performs occur after he catches the soccer. He must discover his area of interest within the NFL however he has the expertise to seek out it in varied conditions.

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4T. Theo Johnson, Penn State

Johnson had a third-place vote, however settled into fifth on the opposite ballots. Johnson is a decent finish prospect dripping with thrilling traits. The 6’6” large not solely is large however confirmed off his explosiveness in lots of athletic checks on the mix. Nonetheless, all of those traits haven’t fairly translated to manufacturing. His stature and athletic capability will possible get him drafted in spherical three or 4 however important growth must occur to convey out his true potential on the sphere.

4T. Cade Stover, Ohio State

Voters have been break up on Stover, rating him all the way in which from three by way of six. Stover is a defensive participant that transferred to the offensive facet of the ball and it actually paid off for him. He’s a pass-catching tight finish who reveals off his basketball background in his route-running and catch talents. Stover has the inspiration to develop his blocking abilities however groups will worth him within the passing recreation greater than the rest. The John Mackey Award finalist (nation’s finest TE) has been on an upwards trajectory all through his profession and it ought to proceed to make him a strong starter in his NFL profession.

3. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

Sinnot earned one second-place vote however was in any other case fours throughout the board. It’s onerous to say that Sinnott is underrated with him being at quantity three on our checklist, however I nonetheless assume he could be in different areas of the NFL Draft house. The previous walk-on has ascended in grand vogue, enhancing himself annually and declaring for the NFL draft in his junior season. Sinnott strikes nicely and had a powerful understanding of how one can get open on all ranges of the sphere. He gives run after the catch capability and will also be a chain-mover. Sinnott remains to be rising into type and has the prospect to be one thing particular within the NFL if he places all of it collectively.

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2. Ja’ Tavion Sanders, Texas

Sanders obtained all however considered one of our second-place votes. The 2-time first-team All-Huge 12 tight finish is a pass-catching specialist that thrives working the seam. His NFL recreation will possible include being featured as a pass-catcher however he has proven some capability to carry up as an in-line blocker. His testing numbers weren’t nice however his play pace typically confirmed him getting separation from linebackers earlier than and after the catch. Sanders appears to discover a option to make a play and be a productive receiver and groups will likely be enthusiastic about including his abilities to their tight finish room.

1. Brock Bowers, Georgia

Nobody apart from Bowers obtained a first-place vote and for good cause; he’s a beast. He’s the primary ever tight finish to win the John Mackey Award in back-to-back seasons. Bowers led his crew in receiving yards in all three of his collegiate seasons, to not point out he went to varsity at Georgia the place he received two nationwide championships. Bowers is a dynamic playmaker that may win from anyplace on the sphere and will likely be a difference-maker from the get-go for whoever drafts him.