2019 NFL Draft Prospects: Tight Ends

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2019 Tight End prospects available for the 2019 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2020 prospect. ** – denotes 2021 prospect.

This page was last updated April 23, 2019. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. T.J. Hockenson**, TE, Iowa
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 251. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 9.50.
   40 Time: 4.70. Three Cone: 7.02.
   Bench: 17. Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 10-3.
   Projected Round (2019): 1.
   4/23/19: Hockenson was a surprise early-entry into the 2019 NFL Draft. It wasn’t a bad decision though, as he is the consensus top tight end prospect. While splitting targets with Noah Fant in 2018, Hockenson totaled 49 receptions for 760 yards with six touchdowns. He has good size and showed some impressive receiving skills over the past season. To go along with being a receiving mismatch weapon, Hockenson is a very good blocker who should quickly develop into a three-down starter in the NFL.
   
   Sources from multiple teams say that Hockenson did not grade out as high as O.J. Howard did in 2017 or Eric Ebron did in 2014 when they went as top-20 picks. But with the 2019 NFL Draft being weak at a number of positions, Hockenson has a shot at going higher than Howard and Ebron did.





2. Noah Fant*, TE, Iowa
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.50. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.50. Three Cone: 6.81.
   Bench: 20. Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 10-7.
   Projected Round (2019): 1-3.
   4/23/19: In 2018, Fant totaled 39 receptions for 519 yards and seven touchdowns. He is an athletic mismatch weapon as a receiver who could develop into a three-down starter in the NFL if he can improve his blocking. Team sources feel that Fant’s blocking is weak entering the next level. They also feel that he does not have really natural hands, but he can run. They have concerns about his personal makeup and character issues. Fant helped himself with a fast 40 at the combine, but the character concerns might cause him to slip to the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
   
   8/28/18: Iowa has produced a lot of good tight end prospects in recent years, and Fant could keep that trend going after a breakout sophomore season. He hauled in 28 passes for 486 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2017. Fant has size to his frame with the ability to get stronger and become a better blocker for the NFL. He could have three-down starting potential with the ability contribute as a receiver.



3. Irv Smith Jr.*, TE, Alabama
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 242. Arm: 31.50. Hand: 9.50.
   40 Time: 4.63. Three Cone: 7.32.
   Bench: 19. Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 9-2.
   Projected Round (2019): 1-3.
   4/23/19: Smith was excellent in 2018 as a mismatch weapon for Alabama. He is a shifty route-runner with quickness down the seam, good hands, and the size to be dangerous after the catch. He seems to have one speed and is not on the bigger side of tight ends, hence he is not a top-20-caliber specimen. In 2018, Smith caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. He has upside to grow as he gains more playing experience.
   
   Smith’s father was a first-round pick out of Notre Dame by the Saints in the 1993 NFL Draft. Irv Smith Jr.’s uncle, Edward Smith, also played tight end in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, so he has a NFL pedigree that could help him to assimilate to the pro game.
   
   8/28/18: Smith flashed some real receiving ability in 2017, but Alabama’s passing offense really struggled with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. For the year, Smith totaled 14 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns. He was capable of producing a lot more if he had been given more targets. Smith is the son of Irv Smith Sr., who was a top-20 pick in the 1993 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.





4. Jace Sternberger*, TE, Texas A&M
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 251. Arm: 32.13. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.75. Three Cone: 7.19.
   Bench: 17. Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-5.
   Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
   4/23/19: Sternberger was a surprise early-entry for the 2019 NFL Draft, but he had a big 2018 season for the Aggies that would have been tough to duplicate if he had returned for his senior year. In 2018, he totaled 48 receptions for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sternberger did not play in 2017 after transferring to Texas A&M from Kansas and there were some character issues that played a role in that transfer. Team sources say that Sternberger is a terrible blocker, which limits how high they are willing to take him. Howevere, there are a number of teams that are high on Sternberger as a receiving weapon for the NFL.



5. Donald Parham, TE, Stetson
   Height: 6-8. Weight: 240. Projected 40 Time: 4.75. Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
   4/23/19: Parham wasn’t invited to the combine, but there are team sources who are really intrigued with him. He is a giant tight end who has mismatch size and was very productive in college. As a senior, Parham caught 85 passes for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns. He contributed as a junior (58-817-1) and sophomore (37-455-6). Parham could end up going much higher than expected.



6. Kahale Warring*, TE, San Diego State
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.67. Three Cone: 7.21.
   Bench: 19. Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 10-2.
   Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
   4/23/19: Warring totaled 31 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns during 2018. He had some production as a sophomore in 2017 as well – 18-248-3. Warring should have returned for his senior year, but he entered the 2019 NFL Draft. Warring could be a solid mid-round pick.





7. Caleb Wilson*, TE, UCLA
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 240. Arm: 33.00. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.56. Three Cone: 7.20.
   Vertical: 29. Broad: 9-5.
   Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
   4/23/19: Wilson recorded 60 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns in 2018. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, but did not impress in his short time in Mobile. Wilson needs to add more strength and develop his lower body. He ran well at the combine with a fast time in the 40-yard dash.
   
   8/28/18: Wilson was phenomenal in 2017 as the most reliable receiving threat for Josh Rosen. Prior to a season-ending foot injury, Wilson had 38 receptions for 490 yards and one touchdown. He was instrumental in the legendary comeback over Texas A&M, hauling in 15 passes for 208 yards in that game. Wilson is a quick tight end who runs good routes and is dangerous as a run-after-the-catch threat. As a freshman in 2016, he had 16 catches for 220 yards.



8. Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 10.63.
   40 Time: 4.63. Three Cone: 7.21.
   Bench: 22. Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-9.
   Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
   4/23/19: The NFL is always on the look out for pass-receiving tight ends, as they present a lot of mismatch problems for a defense. Oliver showed that potential as a senior, recording 56 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns. That strong performance landed him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he showed an ability to contribute as a receiver in Mobile. Oliver had a solid combine performance.



9. Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.75. Hand: 9.38.
   40 Time: 4.70. Three Cone: 7.27.
   Bench: 22. Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-0.
   Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
   4/23/19: Mack recorded 36 receptions for 360 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. He has a good skill set with upside to grow in the NFL.
   
   8/28/18: Even with one of the worst quarterbacks in college football, Mack caught 19 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in 2017. That came after hauling in 13 receptions for 190 yards in 201. Mack could have issues producing as a receiver in 2018 if Notre Dame maintains the rushing offense and the running quarterback it featured in 2017. Still, team evaluators liked Mack’s potential and skill set enough to include him on their preseason watch list of players with first- through fourth-round potential.





10. Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 255. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 10.38.
    40 Time: 4.73. Three Cone: 7.15.
    Bench: 15. Vertical: 32. Broad: 9-1.
    Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
    4/23/19: Raymond recorded 27 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns as a senior, but he impressed enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. As a junior, Raymond did more damage as a receiver, hauling in 41 passes for 456 yards and a score. Raymond flashed some ability to contribute as a receiving weapon in Mobile.



11. Kaden Smith*, TE, Stanford
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 255. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 9.63.
    40 Time: 4.92. Three Cone: 7.08.
    Bench: 15. Vertical: 32. Broad: 9-0.
    Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
    4/23/19: Smith totaled 47 receptions for 635 yards and two touchdowns in 2018. The junior entered the 2019 NFL Draft, but he should have returned to school. Smith hurt himself by running extremely slowly at the combine, but there are team sources who really like him and think he could be a steal in the mid-rounds.
    
    8/28/18: Under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, the Cardinal has been a factory for NFL tight ends. Most of them are quality blockers with the ability to contribute as receivers. In 2017, Smith caught 23 passes for 414 yards with five touchdowns. Folowing Dalton Schultz’s departure for the NFL, Smith could see more playing time and receiving opportunities.



12. Dawson Knox*, TE, Ole Miss
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 254. Arm: 33.50. Hand: 9.75.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.73. Three Cone: 7.12.
    Bench: 16. Vertical: 34.5.
    Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
    4/23/19: Knox flashed some receiving ability for the Rebels at times over the past couple of seasons, but he should have returned for his senior year rather than enter the 2019 NFL Draft. The junior totaled 15 receptions for 284 yards in 2018. His best season came as a sophomore with 24 receptions for 321 yards. He did not score a touchdown during his collegiate career with Ole Miss.







13. Zach Gentry*, TE, Michigan
    Height: 6-8. Weight: 265. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 9.50.
    40 Time: 4.90. Three Cone: 7.40.
    Bench: 12. Vertical: 29.5. Broad: 9-2.
    Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
    4/23/19: For the NFL, Gentry projects as a Y tight end who contributes as a blocker with the ability to contribute some as a receiver. With his size, Gentry should be a nice red-zone target. In 2018, he notched 32 receptions for 514 yards and two touchdowns. In 2017, he totaled 17 catches for 303 yards and a touchdown. Gentry ran slowly at the combine.



14. C.J. Conrad*, TE, Kentucky
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 31.00. Hand: 9.25.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
    4/23/19: Conrad recorded 30 receptions in 2018 for 318 yards with three touchdowns. He is a similar player to former Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme. While he does not have great speed, Conrad has quality hands and is a nice route-runner. He is also a very good blocker and really contributed to running lanes for Benny Snell. In January, Conrad had a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine.
    
    8/28/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Conrad checks in at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds. He is said to run the 40 in a quick 4.75 seconds. The data has his arm length at 30.38 inches, his hand size at 9.25 inches, and his wing span at 74.13 inches.
    
    Conrad caught 16 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns in 2017. His season ended early because of a foot injury that required surgery. Conrad impressed in 2016 even though he had limited opportunities. He caught 19 passes for 262 yards with four touchdowns that season. Conrad has a lot of upside to grow in the years to come.



15. Kendall Blanton, TE, Missouri
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 262. Arm: 33.75. Hand: 10.38.
    40 Time: 4.95. Three Cone: 7.37.
    Bench: 22. Vertical: 31. Broad: 9-5.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: In 2018, Blanton totaled 22 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He then was solid, but unimpressive, at the East-West Shrine. Blanton should be a Y – blocking – tight end who can contribute somewhat as a receiver in the NFL.
    
    8/28/18: According to to team sources, some at Missouri like Blanton more than Albert Okwuegbunam. Blanton goes under the radar because Okwuegbunam is such a dynamic receiver, but Blanton is said to be a good receiver in his own right. He is a well-rounded player and a solid blocker. In 2017, Blanton caught six passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. He had 16 receptions for 161 yards and three scores as a sophomore.



16. Drew Sample, TE, Washington
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 255. Arm: 33.50. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.71. Three Cone: 7.15.
    Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-7.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: Sample is not a dynamic receiving threat, but he is a polished tight end who could end up being a quality backup in the NFL. As a senior, he totaled 25 receptions or 252 yards and three touchdowns. Sample could fit as a Y – blocking – tight end in the NFL.



17. Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 251. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.83.
    Bench: 17.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: In 2018, Sweeney had 32 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Sweeney was solid, but not impressive, at the Senior Bowl. He then ran slowly at the combine.
    
    8/28/18: In 2017, Sweeney totaled 36 catches for 512 yards and four touchdowns. He has the size and strength to be a blocker at the point of attack as well. As a sophomore, Sweeney made 26 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns.



18. Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 253. Arm: 33.75. Hand: 9.88.
    40 Time: 4.66. Three Cone: 7.16.
    Bench: 22. Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 10-1.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: Moreau earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl because of his skills as a blocker. He had a decent week in Mobile, but he is more of a blocking tight end for the NFL. Moreau does not fit as a receiving weapon in the NFL, but he could be a Y tight end who helps in the ground game, plus short-yardage and goal-line situations. Moreau had 22 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns in 2018. As a junior, he totaled 24 receptions for 278 yards and three scores. Moreau helped himself at the combine by running much faster than expected.



19. Keenen Brown*, TE, Texas State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 250. Arm: 34.50. Hand: 9.88.
    40 Time: 4.75. Three Cone: 7.27.
    Bench: 17. Vertical: 33. Broad: 9-9.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: Brown recorded 51 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns in 2018. He is an undersized tight end, although he has some receiving ability.



20. Daniel Helm, TE, Duke
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.50.
    40 Time: 4.89.
    Bench: 14.
    Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
    4/23/19: As a senior, Helm caught 26 passes for 271 yards with two touchdowns. He contributed some as a junior (22-261-2) and sophomore (21-235-2). Helm ran slow times at the combine.



21. Logan Parker, TE, Southern Utah
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 253.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2019): 6-FA.
    4/23/19: Parker totaled 20 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown in 2018.
    
    8/28/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Parker checks in at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds. He is said to run the 40 in a quick 4.70 seconds. His measurements include 32-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands, and a 77.88-inch wing span.
    
    Parker is a receiving tight end and H-back candidate for the NFL who impressed as a receiver in 2017. As a junior, he totaled 43 receptions for 560 yards with five touchdowns. If the senior can build on that, he has the potential to be a second-day pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Parker made teams’ preseason watch list as players with first- through fourth-round potential.



22. Matt Sokol, TE, Michigan State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
    Projected Round (2019): 6-FA.
    4/23/19: Sokol caught eight passes in 2018 for a total of 100 yards and a touchdown.
    
    8/28/18: Sokol is a big-bodied tight end who contributes to the Spartans’ ground-based offense. He caught 20 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown last season. The Spartans have a talented quarterback, so Sokol could produce more in 2018.



23. Tyler Petite, TE, USC
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
    4/23/19: Petite had five catches for 30 yards and a touchdown in 2018.
    
    8/28/18: As a junior, Petite caught 23 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. He was a nice receiving option for Sam Darnold, but unfortunately for Petite, Darnold entered the 2018 NFL Draft, meaning Petite will have to break in a new quarterback in 2018. In 2016 (10-156-2) and 2015 (15-145-1), Petite made modest contributions. He should also work on improving his blocking.



24. Mavin Saunders, TE, Kansas
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 257.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
    Projected Round (2019): FA.
    4/23/19: Saunders notched four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown in 2018. He also missed seven games.
    
    8/28/18: Team sources have said that Saunders was an impressive athlete in practice at Florida State, yet he didn’t see the field. Thus, Saunders transferred to Kansas. He’s a sleeper prospect who might break out.



25. Charles Jones II, TE, Tulane
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
    Projected Round (2019): FA.
    4/23/19: Over the 2018 season, Jones recorded 10 receptions for 53 yards.
    
    8/28/18: Jones had 13 receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns while dealing with injuries in 2017. His best seasons came as a sophomore (17-131-3) and freshman (21-192-3).

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