The ten finest tight ends within the 2023 NFL Draft, ranked

The 2023 NFL Draft is simply days away, and NFL groups are placing the ending touches on their draft boards. From the Shrine Bowl, to the Senior Bowl, to the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix, to professional days, there have been loads of occasions to shake up the rankings since January. Nonetheless, all of the aforementioned occasions are actually within the rearview mirror, which implies it’s time to launch the SB Nation 2023 NFL Draft Rankings!

Right now, we will probably be rating and analyzing the highest ten tight ends within the upcoming draft. These rankings are primarily based off a vote that was taken amongst a few of SB Nation’s neighborhood draft analysts. These rankings aren’t a mirrored image of anyone individual’s rankings, however somewhat a consensus of a number of opinions.

This yr’s tight finish class is among the deepest in latest reminiscence, as we may see as many as 4 go in Spherical 1 and ten inside the primary three rounds. What I discover attention-grabbing in regards to the prime of the category is the plethora of types of tight ends. From blocking tight ends who stay in-line, to quick tight ends to align within the slot, to supersized tight ends who’re merely matchup nightmares, there’s something for everybody on this class.

Listed here are SB Nation’s top-10 tight finish rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft.

1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is by far essentially the most full tight finish within the NFL Draft, and he acquired all however certainly one of our first-place votes. The sure-handed, big-bodied cross catcher from Notre Dame possesses strong pace, wonderful arms, and a big catch radius. Additionally identified for having nice ball expertise, Mayer does an awesome job of monitoring the soccer within the air and figuring out when to show round to make a play on the ball. He’s going to be a direct contributor in his rookie season, and the crew that takes him could also be getting one of many subsequent upper-echelon NFL tight ends.

2. Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Kincaid, who acquired the opposite first-place vote in our polling, is the everyday modern-day tight finish who will nearly completely reside out of the slot. Probably the most full receiving tight finish within the class, Kincaid possesses gentle arms, very good physique management, and spectacular route-running means. Groups that miss out on their favourite receiver late in Spherical 1 might decide to take a stab on a man like Kincaid somewhat than reaching for a unique receiver.

3. Darnell Washington, Georgia

Washington’s modest numbers aren’t because of a scarcity of means, however somewhat a scarcity of alternative. Regardless of being the TE2 in Georgia’s offense, Washington made a huge effect on their championship run, particularly as a run blocker. With certain arms, an enormous catch radius, and surprisingly good pace, Washington will certainly make an NFL crew completely happy, whether or not it’s a crew choosing within the late first or early second spherical. His rankings right here have been constant as both second or third on everybody’s lists.

4. Sam LaPorta, Iowa

To have over 650 yards in a season highlighted by Iowa’s offensive deficiencies is nothing in need of spectacular. The world I’m extra involved about with LaPorta is obstructing. LaPorta doesn’t have the strongest decrease physique, which causes him to be supplanted as a blocker and pushed again by cross rushers when enjoying in-line. He’s prepared, and I consider he’ll enhance in time, however expectations needs to be tempered in 12 months 1. If LaPorta’s blocking can enhance, he has the potential to grow to be a top-ten tight finish within the league.

5. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Musgrave is certainly one of many tight ends on this class whose draft inventory has been affected by accidents. Restricted to solely two video games in 2022, it took time for Musgrave’s inventory to start transferring in the appropriate route, however after a powerful exhibiting on the mix, first-round buzz started to select up. He is not going to do a lot as a blocker, however his mixture of measurement and pace is an excessive amount of for common safeties and linebackers to deal with in the midst of the sphere.

6. Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

One factor I actually admire about Kraft is his feistiness as a run blocker. He doesn’t have the best blocking method or refinement, however he by no means provides up on a play, even when it appears as if he’s beat. He has lively arms, good leg drive, and the mandatory consciousness to each diagnose and comply with via as a blocker. Though you will notice an occasional drop on tape, Kraft is often a sure-handed receiving weapon who can beat slower linebackers along with his athleticism and beat the typical defensive again along with his measurement. If he falls outdoors the highest 80 picks, he will probably be a real steal.

7. Zack Kuntz, Previous Dominion

In order for you a real matchup piece with very good athleticism, look no additional than Zack Kuntz. A switch from Penn State, Kuntz participated in solely 5 video games in 2022, recording a mere 12 catches for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Nonetheless, I’ve fallen in love along with his upside. Standing at 6’7, Kuntz naturally struggles to maintain the pads low as a run blocker, however his prolonged body will permit him so as to add further weight on the subsequent degree. That ought to assist solidify his base and forestall him from getting supplanted as a blocker so typically.

8. Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan

Schoonmaker is an intriguing tight finish who’s harmful working up the seam. He isn’t an elite athlete, and he’s not essentially the most thickly-built, however he does present a giant catch radius in addition to dependable arms. Working a sooner 40 than I anticipated (4.63), Schoonmaker has moved up my board and is now a man I may see being taken earlier than the conclusion of Day 2.

9. Brenton Unusual, Penn State

Unusual has been a late riser within the draft course of, solidifying himself as a viable Day 2 choice. Regardless of solely average manufacturing on the collegiate degree, Unusual’s sport interprets properly to the professionals, as his physicality, each as a run blocker and receiver, is amongst one of the best within the class. He may also align from anyplace within the formation, displaying nice versatility and suppleness.

10. Payne Durham, Purdue

Durham isn’t essentially the most dynamic athlete, however his means to high-point the ball within the crimson zone makes him a harmful weapon close to the objective line. Durham’s hand placement is inconsistent as a run blocker, however he shows first rate energy and a willingness to do the soiled work. We might not have seen one of the best of him but.