The 2022 Senior Bowl Tight End Position Break Down

Pound for pound, the tight end might be the best overall position at the 2022 Senior Bowl. After a few years of classes lacking any real depth, 2022 is a good one. There is an abundance of mid-round options at the position, most of them attending the Senior Bowl. Nobody sticks out like a sore thumb in this group with all of the players very solid. Here's what you need to know about the tight ends participating in this Senior Bowl.

Trey McBride was an unstoppable force this past year for Colorado State. To say the Rams’ offense heavily featured McBride would be a massive understatement. McBride was heavily targetted, boasting a whopping 34% target share in 2021. It was for good reason too… McBride was a mismatch for pretty much every defense he played. McBride does everything you count on your tight end can do. Bringing to the table incredible physicality, McBride will make circus catches over two defenders then proceed to bully his way to the endzone. Oh, by the way, he is fantastic as a run blocker. Trey McBride has Mark Andrews level upside, and a big Senior Bowl might even propel him into the first round.

Sticking to the Moutain West Conference, Nevada’s Cole Turner is a touchdown machine. With just under a touchdown a game since switching to tight end, Turner quickly developed into one of quarterback Carson Strong’s top weapons. Using his 6’6 frame and impressive body control, Turner plays extraordinarily well with the ball in the air. Look for the former wide receiver Turner to impress in the drills.

Also from the same conference is Daniel Bellinger. While he might not have the same name recognition as some of the other tight ends in this class, the former San Diego State Aztec certainly will have fans in the league. Where Bellinger makes his money is in the run game. He uses his size and short-area quickness well as a blocker. He has a mean streak, driving defenders to the ground. With some solid hands, Bellinger could potentially be a solid depth piece.

Staying on the west coast, Greg Dulcich has been underrated his entire collegiate career. A former walk-on recruit, Dulcich had to earn his spot on coach Chip Kelly’s UCLA roster. After earning his spot, Dulcich further earned more of a role each year, culminating in a first-team All Pac-12 selection in 2021. Dulcich is a big-play threat, averaging over 17 yards a catch for the Bruins. With his ability to stretch the field, Dulcich can be a dynamic complementary weapon in the league.

Isaiah Likely is another big-play threat who can rack up yards quickly. The Coastal Carolina product operates more like a big wide receiver, using his blazing speed to be a matchup nightmare for defenses. When he finds an opening, he does not look like a tight end at all!! Give him a bit of space, and he is gone! He Likely would be best suited as a complementary tight end early on before hopefully becoming a full-time starter.

Switching to the Big 12, Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar can be a solid depth piece. What stands out about Kolar right away are his hands. He does not drop passes, especially not in the red zone. He does everything you want in a red zone threat, using his size to make tough catches for six. He may not be the most spectacular athlete, but is a rock-solid fundamental player.

Jake Ferguson also fits the mold of being a fundamentally sound player. Seemingly at Wisconsin forever now, Ferguson plays exactly how you expect a Badger tight end would... fundamental. Ferguson is a ferocious run blocker, helping pave the way for the phenomenal Wisconsin rushing attack. As a receiver, the Madison native is solid overall. Ferguson is a solid athlete and has some soft hands. He may never be a featured weapon, but Ferguson could be a sturdy secondary option for a team.

Fellow Big 10 tight end Jeremy Ruckert may not have lived up to his top 50 recruit billing, his lack of production not entirely his fault. In an offense stacked at wide receiver, Ruckert had to fight for targets. Over his career at Ohio State, Ruckert flashed with some phenomenal catches. An overall balanced player, Ruckert will make scouts very happy with his effort as a run blocker. Though he might not have lived up to expectations quite as much at Ohio State, Ruckert can show why he was such a highly-touted prospect at the Senior Bowl.

Grant Calcaterra is one of the best stories at this iteration of the Senior Bowl. Just a few short years ago, Calcaterra was on the fast track to being one of the star attractions down in Mobile. A rising star at Oklahoma Calcaterra had to retire due to multiple concussions in 2019. Picking back up at SMU in 2021, Calcaterra is one step closer to realizing his NFL dream. Used primarily as a big slot receiver due to his size and athleticism, Calcaterra is a versatile weapon to watch for.

Final Tight Ends Roster

Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (American)

Grant Calcaterra, SMU (American)

Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State (American)

Greg Dulcich, UCLA (American)

Trey McBride, Colorado State (National)

Charlie Kolar, Iowa State (National)

Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State (National)

Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin (National)

Cole Turner, Nevada (National)

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-By: Jacob Keppen