NFL Combine Reaction: Tight Ends

The tight end class this year appears to be deep and talented. At the top are a couple players who have great potential but some question marks. But beyond those there are guys who will definitely be able to contribute as rookies even farther down the boards.

Most Impressive

Dorin Dickerson (Pittsburgh)
Projects as an H-Back due to his size (6’1, 226 lbs) and was clocked by some scouts with a 4.40 in the 40 easily the fastest at the position. Reminds me of a Leonard Weaver that will provide more in the passing game. Caught 10 TDs last season as a very nice red zone threat. May have moved into 2nd round consideration.

Jimmy Graham (Miami)
Very raw but has a high ceiling. Only one year of college football and former basketball player. Caught just 17 passes but five were TDs. Came out of the combine impressing scouts with his fluidity and athleticism but he will still be a project. Seems likely to go later in the 2nd or into the 3rd round.

Tony Moeaki (Iowa)
Very balanced player and probably the best blocker in the TE class.  Showed good athleticism and hands. Could have boosted his stock to mid-round value. Durability, as with some of the others, is a worry which could result in him still lasting into the later rounds.

Dennis Pitta (BYU)
More of a pass catching tight end but 27 bench press reps showed he has the strength to be an effective blocker but he will need work there. Has great hands. Many have likened him to a Dallas Clark type player.

Disappointing

Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma)
Still going to be regarded as the best TE in the draft and the first to be taken in the middle-late 1st round. Coming off the ACL tear both knees have now gone through being repaired. Durability and explosiveness is a concern especially and he didn’t put that to rest showing little burst in the workouts. He ran a 4.7 in the 40 which was acceptable.

Ed Dickson (Oregon)
Did not look good in the pass catching drills and did not display good footwork. Is actually known more as a pass catching TE which made his performance at the combine glaring. Shouldn’t hurt him too much after a solid Senior Bowl but he didn’t help his stock.