Packers 2017 NFL Draft: Top five players at each position of need

Position of Need #3: Tight End

Position Outlook: A healthy Jared Cook has given the Packers a little life at the tight end position, but it’s still unclear at this point whether he has a future in Green Bay. His play over the final four weeks of the season will largely determine that.

Richard Rodgers is a solid receiver but he’s not a dynamic offensive weapon and his run blocking has been inconsistent. It’s also hard to say what Justin Perillo and Kennard Backman offer down the road.

Depending on what the Packers do with Cook, tight end could be a major need on this roster going into the 2017 season.

Top-5 Tight End Prospects

1. O.J. Howard, Alabama (6-6, 251)

2. Jake Butt, Michigan (6-6, 248)

3. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech (6-7, 245)

4. Jordan Leggett, Clemson (6-5, 260)

5. Evan Engram, Ole Miss (6-3, 235)

The upcoming tight end class is deep at the top, but then it thins out quickly once we get to mid and late-round prospects.

Howard has the frame and athleticism for the NFL. However, the production hasn’t always been there, but many credit this to his under-utilization in Alabama’s offense. Granted, he’s still shown flashes of impressive receiving acumen and downfield playmaking ability, and that’s what has scouts and draft analysts excited about his game.  He’s also a reliable run blocker, which is rare for tight ends built for the passing game.

Butt is a solid prospect and probably the safest choice of the group. He may not be a standout in any one aspect of the game, but he does everything well. He’s a reliable receiving target over the middle of the field. He’s a starting quality tight end in the NFL.

Hodges, Leggett, and Engram are all more big slot receivers than true tight end prospects. They lined up more in the slot or out wide than the traditional in-line tight end position. All three are big receiving targets with good athleticism.

Hodges is probably the best athlete of the group, and his tall frame makes him one of the more intriguing players at the position. He could create mismatch problems over the middle of the field at the next level. However, he’s had stretches of his college career where he disappeared from games, especially against top competition.

Leggett is not quite the athlete as Hodges or Howard, but he has size, is an excellent route runner, and his hands are consistent.

Engram has had a super productive career at Ole Miss (65 rec, 926 yds, 8 TDs in 2016), but his size makes him a difficult projection for the NFL.

Other Notable TE Prospects: Jeremy Sprinkle (Arkansas), Gerald Everett (South Alabama), Cole Hikutini (Louisville), Blake Jarwin (Oklahoma State), George Kittle (Iowa)