NFL mock draft: Ranking the best tight ends

Tight end is still a valuable position in the NFL. Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Gates, Travis Kelce, Greg Olson, and Tony Gonzalez are just a few notable players who have defined the role and value of the position.

As a blocker and a pass catcher, the utility of such a player offers coaches options, and options are as good as gold to creative playcallers.

As we head into the 2020 NFL Draft, let’s look at the five best tight ends in this year’s class.

5. Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt)

Pinkney is an interesting prospect, because he wasn’t given much of an opportunity during the 2019 season to showcase his skill set. Vanderbilt was by far the worst team in the SEC, and Pinkney had nobody throwing to him.

He had 50 catches for 774 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018. He was likely to be a second-round pick had he left last year and shouldn’t be docked for being stuck in a bad situation.

4. Hunter Bryant (Washington)

Bryant is not a traditional tight end. He isn’t projected to be much of a blocker at 6-foot-1, 239 pounds. But Bryant timed out as the fastest tight end in the draft class, and speed is worth something in today’s NFL.

He tallied 52 receptions for 825 yards and three touchdowns last season. Bryant has athleticism and good hands and will be a mismatch against defenders who can't handle his size and speed.

3. Adam Trautman (Dayton)

It’s fair to question the competition Trautman has faced, but the NFL has seen plenty of lower-level college players excel. Trautman had 70 receptions for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns for Dayton and is a big-bodied option at 6-foot-5, 253 pounds.

Trautman performed well during Senior Bowl week, and looks poised to be the next “where did he come from?” tight end at the next level.

2. Harrison Bryant (Florida Atlantic)

Credit is owed to the 2019 John Mackey Award winner. He had 65 catches for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior in Lane Kiffin’s pass-happy offense. While Bryant has taken some criticism for his blocking ability, he was an offensive tackle in high school and has shown improvement since he first saw action at FAU.

Former Mackey Award winners include T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry, and Mark Andrews. It would be foolish to think his ceiling isn’t comparable to his predecessors.

1. Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)

No tight end prospect is considered a slam dunk in this year’s draft class, but Kmet is generally considered the very best option available. The “most likely to succeed” winner, if you will. Kmet had 43 catches for 515 yards and six touchdowns in 2019, and many of those catches were spectacular.

At 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, he is nearly unguardable for defensive backs, and has the frame and bulk to be a contributor at the line of scrimmage. He showcased the highest vertical jump of all tight ends (37 inches) at the NFL Combine and was second best among all tight ends with a 123-inch broad jump. Kmet is a great athlete and will likely be the top tight end off the board.

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