2009 NFL Draft: Tight Ends

Gresham is the top senior tight end in the nation by a wide margin. He's the ultimate safety valve for quarterback Sam Bradford. He's able to go over the short middle with confidence but has enough speed to get down the seam. He's at his best when he splits out so he'll have to improve his technique when he has his hand down. Otherwise, he's a likely first-round pick next April.

Even while missing three games in 2008 due to mono, Gronkowski finished with 47 receptions for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gronkowski is equally physical and athletic. He's the next best tight end in the nation after Gresham, and a very close second. He has excellent hands and runs good routes. His size and strength also help make him an asset in the run game.

Hernandez is a fast athlete who can make plays down the field. He catches the ball nicely and is excellent when split out wide. Knows how to use his athleticism when blocking so he can mirror defenders. His height is somewhat of a concern.

McCoy is similar to a lot of big Southern California receivers. He's got good straight-line speed, but is a long strider who is a little sloppy off the line and out of his breaks. He's not going to do anything special for a team or probably be a starter at the next level. However, he's a dependable No. 2 who can block and catch adequately.

Pitta is the go-to receiver for Brigham Young. In 2008, he registered 82 receptions for 1,072 yards and six touchdowns. He's a good enough athlete and has nice size. He runs solid routes and has a powerful frame. PItta did spend two years on a church mission and will enter the pros older than most rookies.

A natural athlete, Dickson is still working on the nuances of the position. He's a good quick-twitch athlete who gets off the line nicely. He easily makes plays over the top and has the ability to stretch defenses. If he can improve his physicality, especially when going up against athletic linebackers, he could move higher in these rankings.

Write-up coming soon!

Write-up coming soon!

Graham was called on last season to replace the injured Travis Beckum. He not only did that but became a solid prospect in his own right. he's a lot like Beckum: He's mostly a receiving tight end who might find his niche at the next level as an H-back. He needs to get stronger if he'll be used as a natural tight end.

Write-up coming soon!

A lot like Graham, Slate's next position could be at H-back. His play is very similar to budding Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, another undersized college tight end who got bigger as a rookie in the NFL. If Slate shows the ability to get stronger, he's a good receiving option as a tight end.

Byham has made his name at Pitt as a sound blocker in the running game. He's adequate enough in the passing game, but will really help a team in need of a blocking tight end. If he shows improvement in the receiving game, it's likely his stock could skyrocket.

Re-watching Illinois games this offseason, Hoomanawanui really sticks out. He plays a lot like Alge Crumpler. He's a big player with underrated athleticism and speed. He's a solid route runner, but shouldn't be used deep often. His size alone makes him a above-average blocker, but he needs to improve his technique.

Write-up coming soon!

Write-up coming soon!