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)

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen

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 

Writer

-By: LeMarkus Bailey

In these last 10 seasons of football, the game has changed a lot. One of the biggest differences of most NFL offenses now revolves around the tight end position. Teams are valuing versatility now more than ever, especially at tight end. Now, most franchises are willing to take tight ends earlier in the draft, and also pay more for them in free agency. George Kittle and Travis Kelce’s TEU camp had an insane number of participants from the NFL of all ages. These superstars at this position are inspiring offenses all over the league. Let’s look at my top ten heading into the 2021 season. 

1. Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

Kelce had the best season of his career in 2020. He even led his team who is the most high-powered offense in the NFL in receiving. It doesn’t seem as if Kelce is slowing down at all. The fact that his squad could not capture their second straight ring last year should motivate that offense. The chances of someone else finishing as the best tight end in the league in 2021 are slim as long as Kelce stays healthy.

2. George Kittle (49ers)

Kittle had a historic 2018 and 2019 season. Last year was a bit of a disappointment since he only played in 8 games. Kittle may be one of the biggest Jimmy Garoppolo supporters out there. No matter if the former Tom Brady heir apparent plays this whole season or the rookie phenom Trey Lance gets his turn, this offense will run through Kittle. He may be the most complete player on this list. If the Niners want to get back to the top of the NFC number eighty-four is going to need to be fed.

3. Darren Waller (Raiders) 

When Waller broke onto the scene in 2019 there was still a clear gap between him, and the best at the tight end position in the league. Now after a season where he caught 107 passes Waller is no doubt at least the third-best player on this list. The former wide receiver can line up all over the field and be effective. There should be no reason that Waller doesn’t lead his team in receiving yet again. He’s an improving blocker who is only scratching the surface of reaching his full potential.

4. Kyle Pitts (Falcons)

This rookie from Florida may be one of the best college tight ends of all time. The Falcons proved that and took him with their number four selection, making him the highest-drafted tight end ever. With the departure of Julio Jones to the Titans, there will be more than enough targets for Pitts. Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts are enough for this Falcons offense to put points on the board and stay in games. No other tight end deserves to be higher than the rookie on this list. Matt Ryan has always had a liking for big athletic targets, and now has one that will be the future of the team’s offense for years to come.

5. T.J. Hockenson (Lions)

Hockenson had over 100 targets last year in his second season as a pro. The Lions offense is going to look completely different compared to last season. Some may think that will bring Hockenson’s stock down but the Lions depleted receiving core may give him even more targets. Jared Goff’s offense got Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee a combined 89 catches and seven scores last season. If Hockenson builds a connection with Goff early in 2021 this will be an effective connection, whether Dan Campbell’s first year goes well or not.

6. Noah Fant (Broncos)

Fant is a rising star in this league. His strong and basketball-like build makes him comparable to some of the league's best. He had over 90 targets in 2020 and led the Broncos in yards after catch and receptions. This offense is going to make it a focal point to get Jerry Jeudy the football, but that doesn’t mean Fant will be left out. Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is going to need a threat underneath who can make a big play here’s their guy.

7. Mark Andrews (Ravens)

Marquise Brown did in fact lead the Ravens in receiving last season, but never did he show consistency like Andrews did. Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with Andrews in the red zone earned him seven scores last season. The Ravens did in fact add both Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman so that’s why Andrews is a little far down this list. It’s going to be tough for Andrews to repeat his seven touchdowns but in no way will he disappear in this offense. 

8. Dallas Goedert (Eagles)

The Eagles backup tight end ranked 5th in receiving yards per game for tight ends last year with just over 47. That number should only go up in 2021 and could come with a breakout season. Ertz missed 5 games last season and could be trade bait if things go south in Nick Sirianni’s first year as Head Coach. Even though Ertz and Goedert had similar stats last season there is no reason for Goedert not to take over as the number one guy. The Eagles are past their Super Bowl era and need to get value for Ertz while they still can. 

9. Mike Gesicki (Dolphins)

Gesicki finally put up numbers in 2020 that most expected he would bring to the table when coming out of Penn State. Gesicki racked up over 700 yards on 53 catches. In both the last two seasons he has had more than 80 targets. Tua Tagovoila was coming off a major injury last season, and was thrown into a new system, in the middle of the year on a borderline playoff team. That is not an easy situation for anyone. The Dolphins got both Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle to add to their weaponry now. This should open up the field a bit and allow for Gesicki to get more quick and easy targets in the middle of the field where he is best.

10. Logan Thomas (Washington Football Team)

Thomas accounted for 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns, for the NFC East division champions. Thomas was great for Ron Rivera’s team last year. Coaches all over the Washington offense just rave about the blocking ability that Thomas has. The former quarterback took 1,000 snaps last season and did not miss a game. That consistency and respect he earned will make sure he’s not forgotten in an offense that is only getting better. After Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, this is the weapon to look for in the nation's capital next season. 

Writer

-By: Sam Kirk