2009 NFL Draft: Tight End Rankings

The top 2009 tight end prospects available for the 2009 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2010 prospect. ** – denotes 2011 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2009.

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Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Combine 40 Time: 4.85.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
2/22/09: Brandon Pettigrew disappointed with 4.85 and 4.89 40 times. Pettigrew was never known as a big 40 guy, so his first-round draft stock is probably still secure, but I think we can all end the speculation that Buffalo will take him at No. 11.

1/5/09: Easily the No. 1 tight end if Jermaine Gresham stays in school, Brandon Pettigrew notched 42 receptions and 472 yards in 2008.

10/26/08: Brandon Pettigrew missed some time with an ankle injury, which would explain why he had just 11 receptions going into the Texas game. Pettigrew came up big against the Longhorns, catching eight balls for 83 yards.

5/23/08: Brandon Pettigrew continued to make strides, catching 35 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns in 2007. As Matt McGuire describes in his scouting report (click Pettigrew’s name to see it), Pettigrew is a first-round talent, but probably won’t go there because of character issues. Pettigrew allegedly assaulted a police officer on Jan. 20.

2007: The tight end in Oklahoma State’s lethal offense, Brandon Pettigrew had 24 receptions for 310 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore.
Jared Cook, South Carolina
Height: 6-5. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Combine 40 Time: 4.50.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 41.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
2/22/09: Jared Cook ran the second-fastest 40 for tight ends at the NFL Combine this decade (Vernon Davis). He also had the top vertical (41 inches) and broad jump (10-3). Cook undoubtedly raised his stock, though he tweaked his hamstring and couldn’t participate in the drills.

1/5/09: Jared Cook probably needs to put on more bulk, but he was able to garner 37 receptions, 573 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a second-round prospect if he declares early.

10/26/08: Even with the mess at quarterback at South Carolina, Jared Cook has remained a consistent force. Through eight games, Cook has 31 receptions, 460 yards and a touchdown.

7/27/08: Jared Cook improved upon his six-reception freshman year and caught 30 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns in 2007. Most of Cook’s production came in the second half of the season, as he had only six grabs after the first four weeks.
Chase Coffman, Missouri – Scouting Report
Height: 6-6. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
1/5/09: Chase Coffman really made a case for himself of being a first-round pick. He finished the year with 90 receptions, 987 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had four games with at least 10 catches.

10/26/08: Chase Coffman has really increased his draft stock with a superb senior campaign. Through eight games, he has 63 catches, 744 yards and five touchdowns.

5/23/08: Chase Coffman had 52 receptions, 531 yards and seven thouchdowns last year. Coffman managed only five catches the final four weeks of the season, but that’s because he was hampered by an ankle injury.

2007: While there is some room for growth, Chase Coffman out-performed teammate Martin Rucker on the football field, catching 58 passes for 638 yards and 9 touchdowns.
James Casey, Rice
Height: 6-4. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Combine 40 Time: 4.78.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 36.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
2/22/09: James Casey had the second-best vertical for tight ends at the 2009 NFL Combine with 36 inches. His 40 was slower than expected, however.

2/21/09: James Casey tied Travis Beckum for most bench press reps at the 2009 NFL Combine with 28.

1/5/09: It appears as though Casey, 24, will declare as a true sophomore. He finished the 2008 campaign with 111 receptions, 1,329 yards and 13 touchdowns.

10/26/08: James Casey is having a great sophomore year. He has 67 catches, 803 yards and six touchdowns through just eight games. Because of his age, Casey must declare ASAP despite being just a true sophomore.

7/27/08: Let’s see… James Casey had 46 catches for 585 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman despite not registering a single reception until Week 4. He runs a solid 40. So, why is he so low on this list? Well, he turns 25 in September 2009, so there’s not much more room for growth.
Travis Beckum, Wisconsin – Scouting Report
Height: 6-3. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 38.5.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
2/22/09: Another good sign for Travis Beckum – the Wisconsin product out-classed all tight ends (excluding James Casey) in the bench-press competition, putting up 225 pounds 28 times.

2/20/09: Size was somewhat a concern for Travis Beckum coming into the Combine. He put on about seven pounds and now has a better shot at being a first-day pick.

1/5/09: Travis Beckum missed the end of the season with a leg injury.

10/26/08: Same old, same old. Travis Beckum continues to put up solid numbers (23 catches, 264 yards) but is undersized.
Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss
Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
1/5/09: Shawn Nelson finished his senior campaign with 53 receptions, 557 yards and three touchdowns. Barring an explosive combine, he’s a mid-round prospect.

10/26/08: At this rate, Shawn Nelson will finish with the most productive season in his collegiate career this year. Nelson has 46 catches and 507 yards in just seven games.

5/23/08: Shawn Nelson failed to reach 500 yards for the first time in his career, though he missed two games toward the end of the season. In all, Nelson totaled 33 receptions, 451 yards and five touchdowns.

2007: Can he gain 15 pounds and maintain his 40 time? If so, Shawn Nelson could be a first-day prospect and will fly up this board. Led Southern Miss in receiving in 2006. Had at least 500 receiving yards in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Cornelius Ingram, Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: 4.68.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.69.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 3-5.
2/22/09: Can a team look past Cornelius Ingram’s injury history? That’s the only concern here. He ran a 4.68 and notched a 33-inch vertical at the 2009 NFL Combine.

10/26/08: What a shame – Cornelius Ingram tore his ACL and is out for 2008. Once a mid-round prospect, Ingram may not even be drafted. He’ll need to show everyone at the Combine that he’s healthy.

5/23/08: Cornelius Ingram’s size is an issue. He’ll be an H-back at the next level, but he’s not on Travis Beckum’s level. Ingram had 34 receptions, 508 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Davon Drew, East Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 249.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Combine 40 Time: 4.78.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.83.
Benchx225: 18. Vertical: 31.5.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/5/09: A very good blocker who finally emerged as a reliable weapon in the passing game. Davon Drew finished the campaign with 43 catches, 695 yards and three touchdowns.

10/26/08: An excellent blocker, Davon Drew has 14 receptions on the year.
Richard Quinn, North Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 264.
Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
Combine 40 Time: 4.87.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
Anthony Hill, N.C. State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
Combine 40 Time: 4.81.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
10/26/08: COming off an ACL, Anthony Hill has missed a ton of time with an injured chest. Hill has seven receptions on the year.

2007: N.C. State’s leading receiver will be out for the 2007 season after getting surgery on an ACL. Hill had 45 receptions and 478 yards in 2006. His draft position and stock obviously depend on how effective he’ll be in 2008. That’s unclear right now.
John Phillips, Virginia
Height: 6-5. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Combine 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 33.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/5/09: A member of the All-ACC First Team, John Phillips finished his senior campaign with 48 receptions, 385 yards and two touchdowns.

10/26/08: John Phillips has been huge in Virginia’s inexplicable ACC run. Through eight games, Phillips has caught at least five balls in five contests or more.

5/23/08: John Phillips showed signs of things to come in the penultimate game of the season, catching four balls for 77 yards at Miami. With Tom Santi and Jonathan Stupar out of the way, Phillips is going to be the No. 1 tight end on the roster in 2008.
Bear Pascoe, Fresno State – Scouting Report
Height: 6-5. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: 4.97.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.89.
Benchx225: 14. Vertical: 30.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6-FA.
1/5/09: Bear Pascoe registered 40 receptions and 400 yards. He also stole four pic-a-nic baskets (i.e. four touchdowns).

10/26/08: Bear Pascoe has missed some time with an ankle injury this season. Through five games, Pascoe had 20 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns. I just find it odd that someone named Bear would be ruled out of a game because of a stupid thing like an ankle injury. Come on, Bear! Live up to your name!

5/23/08: The Bear improved tremendously in 2007, collecting 45 receptions, 553 yards and four touchdowns. He also ate nine defenders.

2007: New rule: If you have a guy named “Bear” on your team, you automatically win 10 games. No questions asked. The Bear was fourth on the Bulldogs with 22 catches and second with 307 receiving yards.
Cameron Morrah, California
Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Combine 40 Time: 4.66.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/20/09: Don’t know what the thinking is here. Cameron Morrah has decided to come out a year early despite catching just 27 passes for 326 yards last year. 7/27/08: As a sophomore, Cameron Morrah registered 13 catches, 155 yards and a score.
Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas
Height: 6-2. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Combine 40 Time: 4.71.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: Marquez Branson was able to finish his dynamic senior campaign with 45 catches, 737 yards and 11 touchdowns.

5/23/08: Thanks to Nathan Brown, one of the top non-high conference quarterbacks in the nation, Marquez Branson was able to compile 37 receptions, 499 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jared Bronson, Central Washington
Height: 6-4. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Combine 40 Time: 4.76.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: Finished his senior year with 28 receptions, 502 yards and six touchdowns.

10/26/08: Caught 35 passes for 477 yards and two touchdowns as a junior.
Dan Gronkowski, Maryland
Height: 6-6. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.78.
Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
2/22/09: Put up decent numbers at the 2009 NFL Combine (33-inch vertical, 10-2 broad jump).

1/5/09: Though catching the ball isn’t his forte, Dan Gronkowski finished the season with 29 catches, 287 yards and three scores.

10/26/08: Known as a good blocker, Dan Gronkowski has chipped in with 22 catches, 223 yards and three touchdowns this season.

5/23/08: Not much of a factor in the passing game, but a very solid blocker.
Darius Hill, Ball State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.72.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: An H-Back, Darius Hill registered 38 catches, 633 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers are much lower than his 2007 figures.

10/26/08: After 741 yards and 926 yards in his sophomore and junior seasons, Darius Hill has just 23 catches, 344 yards and three scores as a senior in eight games. Major dropoff.

5/23/08: Darius Hill improved upon his stout 2006 stats, notching 65 receptions, 926 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. He’d be a higher prospect if he had a larger frame.

2007: This is amazing: In just 10 games, Darius Hill caught 42 passes for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns. A product of a weak conference? Think again – he had six receptions for 119 yards at Purdue. Obviously undersized, but very quick.
Kory Sperry, Colorado State – Scouting Report
Height: 6-5. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: 4.77.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 33.5.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
2/22/09: Kory Sperry looked fluid in the drills, ran a nice 40, and notched a decent vertical (33.5) and broad jump (10-2). Some team will look at him as an H-Back in the later rounds.

2/20/09: Kory Sperry weighed in at 238. Ouch. I had him in the 250s.

1/5/09: Kory Sperry has successfully come back from his ACL; he had 38 catches, 492 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games.

10/26/08: Kory Sperry has done well this year considering that he’s coming off a torn ACL. Through eight games, Sperry has 30 grabs, 371 yards and five touchdowns.

5/23/08: Another 2009 tight end coming off a torn ACL. Kory Sperry had 36 receptions for 380 yards in 2006, and started his senior campaign well, grabbing eight balls for 103 yards at Colorado in the season opener. He ripped his knee to shreds the following week against Cal.
Kevin Brock, Rutgers
Height: 6-6. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.64.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 34.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/5/09: Kevin Brock finished his senior campaign with 26 receptions, 300 yards and two scores.

10/26/08: Inconsistent – Kevin Brock has caught at least four balls in three games, but has two or less receptions in his other contests.
John Nalbone, Monmouth
Height: 6-4. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.63.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 30.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
Ryan Purvis, Boston College
Height: 6-4. Weight: 254.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 29.
Projected Round: 7-FA.
3/18/09: A 4.95? Ouch.

1/5/09: Ryan Purvis isn’t a great blocker, so his decreased stats have worsened his draft stock. Purvis finished with 24 receptions and 176 yards.

10/26/08: You can’t really blame Ryan Purvis’ numbers (16 catches, 125 yards) for declining this season. Think not having Matt Ryan is making a huge difference?

2007: Ryan Purvis really came on at the end of the 2007 season, catching 10 balls for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the year with 553 yards and four scores.
Brandon Myers, Iowa
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 17. Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: A member of the All-Big Ten First Team, Brandon Myers notched 34 receptions, 441 yards and four touchdowns as a senior.
Brian Mandeville, Northeastern
Height: 6-6. Weight: 258.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: Brian Mandeville had 24 grabs, 337 yards and two scores as a senior. Unfortunately, he missed the last four games of the year with a knee injury.

5/23/08: As a first-year starter, Brian Mandeville recorded 30 receptions, 411 yards and five touchdowns.
David Johnson, Arkansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Combine 40 Time: 4.73.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: David Johnson registered 22 receptions, 356 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. He’s a solid blocker as well.
Brandon Ledbetter, Western Michigan
Height: 6-5. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: Brandon Ledbetter had an impressive senior campaign, finishing with 45 receptions, 464 yards and six scores.

10/26/08: After just eight games, Brandon Ledbetter already has more receptions (40) than he ever had in any other season.

5/23/08: A small tight end/H-back who doesn’t have great speed to support his draft stock. His stats are impressive though; 38 receptions, 550 yards and six touchdowns despite missing one game.
Devin Frischknecht, Washington State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/5/09: A disappointing year; Devin Frischknecht managed just 17 grabs on the year. Good luck to the journalists who have to type his name numerous times throughout training camp.

10/26/08: One of the many reasons Washington State has sucked this year is Devin Frischknecht’s nagging ankle injury. He has 13 catches in five games.
Nick Walker, Alabama
Height: 6-5. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.86.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.97.
Benchx225: 14. Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
1/5/09: After a somewhat impressive start, Nick Walker struggled, finishing with 32 receptions, 324 yards and two scores.

10/26/08: Nick Walker has emerged as a solid target for John Parker Wilson, catching 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

5/23/08: Alabama doesn’t utilize its tight ends much in the passing game, so don’t take it to mean that Nick Walker’s 23 receptions and 204 yards were a disappointment.

2007: In two games, Nick Walker recorded three receptions, 39 yards and a touchdown.
Andrew Davie, Arkansas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.80.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
1/2/09: Andrew Davie is 25, so I guess he decided that it’s “now or never” for him. Good luck.
Carson Butler, Michigan
Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
DATE: Carson Butler didn’t really do anything as a junior, but I can’t blame him for getting away from Rich Rodriguez as soon as possible.

7/27/08: Carson Butler started six games as a sophomore, and registered 20 catches, 246 yards and two scores.
Eddie Williams, Idaho
Height: 6-1. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): FA.
Logan Paulsen, UCLA
Height: 6-6. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
10/26/08: Logan Paulsen has only one catch this year because of a broken foot.

5/23/08: What happened to Logan Paulsen? After a solid sophomore campaign, he failed to register more than two receptions in any game in 2007.

2007: Logan Paulsen caught 27 passes for 331 yards in 2006, and will once again be heavily relied upon by Ben Olson in 2007.
Rory Nicol, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
10/26/08: Rory Nicol hasn’t played much this year because of a nagging ankle injury.

5/23/08: So much for being a greater factor in the offense. Rory Nicol had just 84 receptions in 2007, though he missed six games.

2007: With Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez gone, look for Rory Nicol to become a greater factor on offense; the rising junior tight end caught 13 passes for 151 yards and three scores in 2006.