ITH Draft Outlook: Top 5 Draft Eligible Tight Ends

Evaluating a Tight End in today’s game is extremely difficult because tight ends are no longer asked to just block. In many of the NFL’s pass-heavy systems, the Tight End position may even be the primary pass catcher. With receiving tight ends such as Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, they are leading their team in several receiving categories which display their importance in their respective offensive schemes. On our list, we will highlight the top-5 tight ends that are eligible for the 2022 draft. 

5. Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama 

Coming into 2021, Billingsley looked to be one of the top passing threats for Alabama with a passing game depleted by the NFL draft. His pure athleticism, patient route running, and catching ability surely were on display sparingly in 2020. However, as the 2021 fall camp started, Billingsley was criticized by head coach Nick Saban for “not trusting the process” as seen in this clip posted by AL.com. Whatever criticism coach Saban had for Billingsley, it surely was needed because when healthy, Billingsley can stretch the field. 

At 6’4, 230 lbs, Billingsley is built like a large receiver with the athleticism to match. He is not much of a blocker, but he still can handle smaller linebackers and defensive backs. Thus far in the season, he has 10 receptions and 2 touchdowns with one of the touchdowns coming against a conference opponent, Florida. Despite not being utilized very much this season, Billingsley has much more football to play this season and if he decides to stake his claim for the best tight end in the country, he surely is capable. 

Pro Comparison: Kyle Pitts

4. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin

In an offensive system that doesn’t prioritize their passing attack, Jake Ferguson is a well-rounded Tight End that is just as good at blocking as he is receiving. While Ferguson does not get many targets in the run-heavy Wisconsin offense, he maximizes the targets that he gets. As more of a possession receiver, he has solid hands and is able to create easy size mismatches. As a blocker, he is savvy at getting position on blitzing defenders and helps to keep his runningbacks productive. 

Through 5 games, Ferguson has only 20 receptions for 186 yards and no scores. Granted he is a tight end, his full value has to be combined with his running game production as well. 

Unfortunately for Ferguson, his role in the passing game is not a priority and with the Badgers not doing so well this season, it will be interesting to see if the Wisconsin offense will utilize him more through the air. 

Pro Comparison: T.J. Hockenson

3. Cade Otten, Washington

Otten is a very experienced tight end in his fourth season at Washington. As a 4 year starter, Otten has been a consistent weapon for that offense. While he doesn’t light up the stat sheet, his contributions do not go unnoticed. Since Otten entered Washington in 2018, the Huskies offense has outgained opposing offenses in yardage and points. While his highest receiving yard total was only 344, he does most of his work in between the chains. Otten’s ability to find space in the defense and gain first downs is what makes him such a unique tight end. 

Otten is fast enough to stretch the field and get behind the linebackers and also savvy enough to find open windows and sit down past the chains. Otten has another season of eligibility in college, which would potentially be overkill in his position. After 4 pretty productive seasons, he has shown consistency and who he is as a player. With the tight end position such a valuable part of modern offenses, he will likely be selected between the first two rounds of the upcoming draft. 

Pro Comparison: George Kittle

2.  Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina

Likely to be one of the biggest sleepers in the Draft, Isaiah Likely is becoming a household name in College Football. After 4 years of being a nightmare in the Sun Belt Conference for Coastal Carolina, Likely has propelled himself into a day 1 prospect. During his time at Coastal, Likely has had 4 straight seasons with at least 5 receiving touchdowns. This season, Likely had his breakout game with 8 receptions, 232 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Out of all group of 5 schools, Likely is easily the best. When compared to Power 5 schools, many critics would like to see him on a bigger stage.

With his ability to get separation and his elite speed, Likely often looks like a receiver. At 6’4 240, he is a nightmare for Safeties and linebackers. With Coastal getting better every week, if they can find a way to sneak into the postseason this year, the entire country will know who he is. 

Pro Comparison: Evan Engram

1. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

After being one of the integral parts of Texas A&M’s defeat over #1 ranked Alabama, Jalen Wydermyer has solidified his position as the best Tight End in this upcoming draft. At 6’5 255, his large frame, great route running, and elite speed help him to move around the field like a large receiver. As a two-sport athlete in high school, he honed his athletic ability and now is one of the best athletes in college football. 

Wydermyer does not drop many passes and is great at finding open space on the field. In the game versus Alabama, he was able to gain separation and walk into the endzone for an easy touchdown.  In the running game, he is no slouch either. With 21 receptions and 2 touchdowns so far this season, he became the all-time leader in touchdowns for a Texas A& M tight end. With A&M greats such as Martellus Bennett, he joins a great company in school history.  

Pro Comparison: Dawson Knox 

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-By: LeMarkus Bailey