4/18/22
To put it bluntly, this year’s TE class is very weak. There are a few good prospects at the top, but there is not a lot of quality depth. The importance of great TE play has always been a staple at the pro level. Years ago, TEs played almost exclusively in-line, and if your offense could control the middle of the field with a TE, then they could control the whole field. With the evolution of offense and position-less approaches in some cases, TEs can now be seen lining up all over the field – anywhere from split out wide, in the slot, in a traditional in-line position, and at H-back. Having an elite TE certainly opens up countless possibilities for an offense, but if teams are looking for one in this year’s draft, they have to be careful.
1. Jalen Wydermyer (Texas A&M)
This is a prospect I’ve been very impressed with since his high school days. Has prototypical size for a TE at 6’5, 255 lbs. Became a starter as soon as he stepped on campus as a true freshman, a tough feat at the TE position. Recorded 40+ catches and 500+ receiving yards each of his final two college seasons. Extremely reliable target with good hands. Very smooth with the ball after the catch. His game speed is much better than his physical speed as quantified by testing numbers. Wydermyer lined up all over the field for the Aggies and I believe he can do the same at the next level. Played in a pro style system – Jimbo Fisher’s “quantum offense” – so understands how to read defenses, sight adjustments, etc. Slightly more of a finesse player at this stage of his career and will need to continue to develop his physicality and blocking to become more of a complete player. Wydermyer can definitely thrive in today’s NFL, if selected by a team that can use him properly.
2. Trey McBride (Colorado State)
Admittedly not a prospect I knew anything about coming into the 2021 season. Had solid stats his first two years and then absolutely exploded in his final season, putting up 90 receptions and 1,121 receiving yards. I cannot even think of another TE who has had 90 catches in a single season – an astounding accomplishment. With that being said, he only had 1 receiving TD last year (a pick play from the goal line), although he also had a long TD run on a fake punt. To me, scoring 1 TD is more telling than the number of catches and yards he produced – it means that he is really used in a controlled passing game and was not able to become a meaningful redzone threat. Also was not able to create explosive TDs. Has solid hands and is very physical. Does not really have good speed in my opinion. Will probably be best utilized in a traditional in-line Y alignment.
3. Isaiah Likely (Coastal Carolina)
Very intriguing player with great athleticism. His receiving yards increased each of his four years, and he scored 27 TDs in his career. Totaled 912 receiving yards in 2021. Notably had a 99 yard TD catch in his final season. Lethal big play threat, who regularly picked up huge chunks of yardage at a time throughout his career with the Chanticleers. Has good jumping ability and attacks the ball at it’s highest point. I think it’s possible that he could actually move to WR once he gets into the league. Even if he doesn’t, he can be used in a similar type of role, and should mainly line up in a detached alignment whether that be in the slot or outside. Will likely be a matchup problem for defenses, pun intended.
4. Jelani Woods (Virginia)
Incredible size for a skill position player – 6’7, 260 lbs. Woods began his career at Oklahoma State and really did not do anything noteworthy, averaging roughly 100 yards per season in his three years there. He then transferred to Virginia for his final year, where he became one of the best mismatches in the country in my opinion. Played in an extremely unconventional, pass heavy offense under offensive coordinator Robert Anae. Jelani’s sheer size alone made him uncoverable at times. Great target in redzone/goal line situations. Not just a situational target, but actually runs pretty good routes as well. Dominated the middle of the field, often screaming up the seams for big plays. His athleticism is comparable to that of the aforementioned Isaiah Likely, although I believe that Woods is somewhat more of a developmental prospect at this point, simply because of his relative inexperience/lack of sustained success. If he is developed properly, could be one of the biggest sleepers in this draft.
5. Charlie Kolar (Iowa State)
Was one of the top targets for his offense for his final three seasons. Kolar does not have the same level of athleticism at some of the other TEs listed above, but is a very solid player. Always seemed to come up with a big play when his team needed one. Did a lot of damage in the redzone throughout his career. Is able to get physical with defenders and shows good ability to come down with contested catches. Also showed very good footwork and field awareness, making a number of catches with toe drags in the back of the endzone. I love how competitive he is. He is a player who will turn heads in training camp with his work ethic and overall ability. Can definitely be a TE2 in the league.
Others to know:
Greg Dulcich (UCLA)
Cole Fotheringham (Utah)
Peyton Hendershot (Indiana)