2012 NFL Draft rankings: Tight end

by Dan Kadar on Jul 3, 2011 8:30 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

There appears to be no superstar tight ends eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft. But where this class is strong is in its depth.

Missouri's Michael Egnew is the best of the group, though he's probably not a first-round talent. The athletic Ladarius Green of Louisiana-Lafayette is the best receiving tight end in the country, but is undersized and lacking as a blocker. Conversely, George Bryan of North Carolina State is an excellent blocker with decent hands but not especially athletic.

One player to keep an eye on is Louisville's Josh Chichester. A former wide out, he could be this draft's Jimmy Graham.

1. Michael Egnew | 6'6, 235 pounds | TE | Missouri

2. George Bryan | 6'5, 265 pounds | TE | North Carolina State

3. Rhett Ellison | 6'5, 255 pounds | TE | Southern California

4. Ladarius Green | 6'6, 230 pounds | TE | Louisiana-Lafayette

5. David Paulson | 6'4, 242 pounds | TE | Oregon

6. Cody Fleener | 6'6, 245 pounds | TE | Stanford

7. Blake Ayles | 6'5, 245 pounds | TE | Miami

8. Beau Reliford | 6'5, 258 pounds | TE | Florida State

9. Josh Chichester | 6'8, 240 pounds | TE | Louisville

JUNIORS:

1. Jake Stoneburner | 6'5, 245 pounds | TE | Ohio State *

2. Orson Charles | 6'3, 240 pounds | TE | Georgia *

3. D'wayne Allen | 6'4, 255 pounds | TE | Clemson *

4. D.C. Jefferson | 6'6, 258 pounds | TE | Rutgers *

5. Michael Williams | 6'6, 269 pounds | TE | Alabama *

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 3, 2011 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Another ho hum TE class.

If you are looking for one, good luck. Your best bet is free agency, but I will say that these guys will get drafted early if the are athletic and can stretch the seams. Big pass catchers are in demand, damn pass blocking. Rob Housler is a great example of this.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Jul 4, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions