Packers: Jimmy Graham in top three of 2018 NFL tight end rankings
Future Five
Adam Shaheen (Chicago Bears): Shaheen didn’t have quite the rookie season the Bears expected him to, but he still has the potential to be a starting caliber tight end in this league. He didn’t have the greatest rookie season, but his transition to the NFL was harder than it is for most rookies, because he played at a Division II school (tight ends also take more time to develop than most other positions).
Matt Nagy is also a very good coach when it comes to developing talent on the offensive side of the ball, and I expect him to have a positive impact on Shaheen. Look for him to improve in his second season.
Will Dissly (Seattle Seahawks): Dissly will be mostly known for his blocking ability, but having Russell Wilson throwing to him will help Dissly become a receiving threat as well.
The Seahawks lost Jimmy Graham this offseason and they will need someone to replace his red zone production. Pete Carroll will likely look to Dissly as a player that can help fill the void that Graham’s departure has left.
Hayden Hurst (Baltimore Ravens): The Ravens were in desperate need for receiving talent headed into this offseason. The combination of Hurst and a few other acquisitions have filled that void. Hurst was a dominant tight end at South Carolina, and he has potential in the NFL as well.
Hurst may not be a top tight end this year, as rookie tight ends usually don’t excel from day one, but he has the chance to be a really good tight end a few years from now. When the Baltimore Ravens hand over the reins to Lamar Jackson, look for the young quarterback to rely heavily on Hurst. That QB-TE combo has the potential to be really good.
Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles): The Eagles’ selection of Dallas Goedert was one of my favorite picks of day two, and I think he has a ton of potential in the Eagles offense. The tight end combo of Zach Ertz and Goedert has the potential to be one of the best in football within a few seasons.
Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins): Gesicki had one of the best combines of the 2018 draft class and may have been a first-round talent, yet he still fell to Miami in the second round. Dolphins fans should be thrilled to have Gesicki in their receiving corps. His athleticism is special for his position.