The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 tight ends in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
Matchup nightmare flexed across formations and topped 55 catches in three straight years, totaling 26 touchdowns. Piled up yards after catch (8.5 per reception) with mix of breakaway speed and tackle-breaking. Willing blocker. How early is too early to draft a tight end?
2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, 6-4, 245
Plays like a big receiver who can gain separation with long strides. If he doesn’t, he boxes out defenders for contested catches. Bottom line: Four career drops. Not ready for every-down blocking responsibilities. Core special-teamer.
3. Jared Wiley, TCU, 6-6, 249
Scored eight touchdowns off 47 catches last season. Good at finding soft spots in underneath coverage. Needs to show better instincts after his route breaks down if he plays with a scrambling quarterback. Tools to be a good blocker.
4. Cade Stover, Ohio State, 6-4, 247
Was a two-way player from 2019-21 until moving off linebacker. Skies for the ball like he is rebounding. Finishes off runs with a hurdle or stiff arm. Needs development as a blocker but not for lack of toughness.
5. Theo Johnson, Penn State, 6-6, 259
More of a possession target and red-zone threat than a chunk-gainer. Three-year starter never reached 350 yards receiving in a season. Comfortable in traffic but needs to better capitalize on size. Charged with simple assault after an alleged fraternity house fight.
6. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State, 6-4, 250
Tight end or fullback? No label necessary if the former walk-on can average 14 yards per reception like he did in 2022-23. Tracking the ball is a strength, especially the low ones that emphasize hand placement. Too frequently penalized.
7. AJ Barner, Michigan, 6-6, 251
Self-proclaimed “best blocking tight end in the country.” Plenty of teams with weak offensive lines would welcome a sixth in-line blocker to double-team or chip a rusher. Tends to drift and leave windows for safeties to jump routes.
8. Tanner McLachlan, Arizona, 6-5, 244
Southern Utah transfer walked on and passed Rob Gronkowski for most career catches by an Arizona tight end in just two years (79). Similar boundless energy, too. Presents a big window over the middle but routes get sloppy.
9. Dallin Holker, Colorado State, 6-3, 234
BYU transfer had breakout 2023 season ranking No. 1 among FBS tight ends (64 catches for 767 yards and six touchdowns). Big slot receiver with long arms and big hands. Will be 24-year-old rookie after taking mid-career, two-year religious mission.
10. Tip Reiman, Illinois, 6-4. 271
Just 59 career passing targets, but offers value as an extra blocker and on covering kicks. Finds the first-down sticks when his number is called. Mature beyond his years. Kept his walk-on mentality to outwork everyone after earning scholarship.
Late riser
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Could be the No. 2 tight end off the board in the second or third round, according to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy. Won’t fit every scheme, but some will love his football IQ and forced missed tackles.
Falling fast
Erick All, Iowa
If agility from his Michigan days is still there after knee and back surgeries, he can get open with savvy route-running. Iowa is a tight end factory, but medicals are a risk after 10 total games in 2022-23. Too many drops.
Small-school wonder
Mason Pline, Furman
Played basketball and football — and earned a mechanical engineering degree — at NCAA Division II Ferris State before transferring. Made 32 catches at FCS level, but created buzz at the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl.
