NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Tight End Prospects

North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85). Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday I began ranking the 2014 NFL Draft prospects by taking a close look at this year’s safety class. Today, I would like to take a look at what I believe is the second biggest need on the Green Bay Packers roster, tight end.

With Jermichael Finely’s future status with the team still up in the air, the Packers need to add another weapon to the position. Green Bay may decide to take a stab at early-round prospects, Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro, who both could add another dynamic to the Packers prolific passing game.

The Packers may aim more for balance and target a tight end on the second day of the draft who offers just as much as a blocker as they do as a receiver, like Troy Niklas and C.J. Fiedorowicz.

Maybe the Packers will draft for size at the position and take a look at players like Austin Seferian-Jenkins or Crockett Gillmore.

Regardless, the Packers will have options at tight end come draft day.

Here are my top 15 tight end prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft. I grouped the players into four tiers.

Tier One being potential impact players at the next level.

Tier Two being players who could be solid starters or make contributions as a rookie.

Tier Three being developmental prospects who have some upside but may not be ready to contribute immediately.

And Tier Four being role players who could offer depth on the roster.