Tight ends arrived at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Sunday, and their work begins on Monday with measurements and interviews. Here are five TEs to keep an eye on over the next three days.
5. Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
Okwuegbunam was a mismatch nightmare in college and that should continue in the NFL. He lacks polish on his routes and isn't the best blocker, but he has the size and speed to win anywhere on the field. Okwuegbunam has been on the NFL's radar since his freshman season, when 11 of his 29 catches went for touchdowns.
He's struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing in nine games each season, but was still able to produce, catching six scores in each of the last two years. His athletic testing should be impressive, especially with how well he measured; 6'5″ 1/2, 258lbs with a wingspan of over 79 inches.
If he can put up a good 40 time, Okwuegbunam could end up as an NFL Draft second-round pick, provided his medicals check out.
4. Thaddeus Moss, LSU
Riding the coattails of a good finish to his junior season, including two TD grabs in the national championship against Clemson, Moss declared for the NFL Draft. He wasn't considered a top TE prospect, but his blocking prowess and reliable hands made him a mid-round target.
Unfortunately for Moss, the Combine didn't start out well for him. He measured in at just under 6'2″ 250lbs. For a player as athletically limited as he is, subpar size does not help at all. He may be better suited as an H-back in the NFL, rather than an in-line TE. The problem is that won't help his draft stock.
If Moss performs as expected in athletic testing, he'll likely end up as a Day 3 pick.
3. Adam Trautman, Dayton
As a senior, Trautman caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns. Great production, but the level of competition he faced wasn't the greatest. That's why it was so good to see him perform well at the Senior Bowl, as well as the week of practice leading up to it.
Trautman has prototypical size at 6'5″ 255lbs, and should test well athletically. There are always a few small-school risers each year, and if Trautman can keep nailing the pre-draft process, he'll have a shot at being the first TE taken.
2. Hunter Bryant, Washington
If you're looking for a wide receiver in a tight end's body, look no further than Bryant. He may have caught only five touchdowns in college, but in 2019 Bryant turned his 52 catches into 825 yards. Over his three seasons for the Huskies, Bryant averaged an incredible 2.74 yards per route run, according to Pro Football Focus.
He measured in at 6'2″ 1/4 248lbs, proving he is capable of adding weight to his frame. Like Moss, he is undersized, but Bryant is far more agile and quick. Blocking is not his strong suit, but that hasn't stopped teams from drafting TEs high in the past.
Bryant likely won't run as fast as former first-rounder Evan Engram, but he could put up with the fastest TE 40 time this year's NFL Combine.
1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Perhaps the favorite to be the first TE selected, Kmet is a very good receiver who is developing as a blocker. He measured in at 6'5″ 2/4 262lbs, which is great for him. He should test fairly well athletically, and depending on how well he tests, could sneak into the end of the first round.
It's a rather weak TE class, but Kmet may end up being the best of the bunch. 43 grabs, 515 yards, and five TDs is decent production, but perhaps not that of a first-round pick. Kmet was initially going to return to Notre Dame for his senior year, but changed his mind after the NFL advisory board gave him first and second-round grades.
He needs some work, but he has the physical tools to be a very good all-around starter.
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