NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Tight End Prospects

Southern California Trojans tight end Xavier Grimble (86). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

TIER FOUR

12. Xavier Grimble, USC: 6-4, 257 (4.90)

Grimble has a solid frame that aids him as a run blocker and allows him to strong arm the ball when catching a pass in coverage.

The former Trojan probably could have benefited from another year in college to develop and grow as a player. He’s inconsistent as a run blocker, needs to improve his route running, and could work on getting in and out of his breaks quicker to create separation.

Grimble also isn’t a great athlete, posting a disappointing 4.90 forty and 26.5-inch vertical jump. These aren’t the numbers you expect for a tight end you’d draft to stretch the field and be a weapon in the passing game.

(Draft Projection: Round 6)

Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jacob Pedersen (48). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

13. Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin: 6-3, 238 (4.89)

Pederson will make his mark in the NFL as an undersized in-line blocker and special teams contributor. The former Badger could provide depth at the tight end position, and may offer something on offense as an additional pass-catching tight end.

Pedersen isn’t going to wow anyone with his athleticism or ability to take on defensive ends in the run game, but Pedersen could develop into a solid second-string player in the NFL with some time to polish his game.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6)

Florida Gators wide receiver Trey Burton (8). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

14. Trey Burton, Florida: 6-2, 224 (4.62)

Burton is an athletic, yet undersized tight end prospect, who some believe could actually make the move to fullback or wide receiver in the NFL. The former Gator brings versatility to an offense, but this could also make it hard for him to find his niche at the next level.

As a former quarterback, Burton is a savvy player with good field awareness that knows how to exploit coverages in the passing game. Burton lacks the bulk to hold up well as an in-line blocker, but his soft hands and ability as a receiver make him an intriguing player with a lot of upside for a team to draft and develop.

A team, like the Packers, might take a chance on a player like Burton in a late round and try to experiment with where he fits on offense.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7)

Baylor Bears tight end Jordan Najvar (18) eludes TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Paul Dawson (47). Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

15. Jordan Najvar, Baylor: 6-6, 256 (4.93)

Najvar is a raw tight end prospect who flashes some ability as a pass-catcher, but is limited by sub-par athleticism and straight-line speed.

The former Baylor Bear could do well to be drafted by a team and learn and develop for a few years before seeing a significant amount of action in the NFL.

Najvar is a more than willing blocker, but needs to improve his strength and technique to be able to seal the edge against more powerful defensive ends. Najvar is also a bit stiff in space and could work on polishing his game.

(Draft Projection: Round 7)

Other Position Rankings for the Draft: Top-20 Safeties