2020 NFL Draft: Top 20 tight end prospect rankings and analysis

This first grouping of 2020 NFL Draft tight end prospects are the guys that I believe can come in and be a true number-one, starting tight end right away. They are versatile enough to contribute in the run game and are very good pass catchers. Some may best fit as a number two to begin their careers, but they are capable, certainly down the line, of being all-around dominant forces at the position.

1. Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri

I really like Albert “O”kwuegbunam as a well-rounded tight end prospect out of this draft. He isn’t necessarily a mauler as a blocker, but he is willing and effective both in the run game and in pass protection. He has the size and strength to be a really solid NFL blocking tight end with some coaching and experience.

As a receiver, he is an absolute monster in the red zone. He caught 11 touchdowns as a freshman and can finish off longer catches for touchdowns as well with his impressive 4.49 speed. He has solid hands and great ball skills with the ball in the air. He excels on seam routes down the field and can catch it in stride on his way to the end zone.

I don’t think his floor is as low as some people think and his ceiling as a complete tight end may be the highest in the 2020 NFL Draft.

2. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

Cole Kmet has a good blend of blocking ability and receiving prowess, both from the slot and on the end of the line. He’s not overly effective as a blocker, but can hold his own and shows good traits that he can develop with coaching at the next level. He was often used as a lead blocker in the run game, lining up just behind the line of scrimmage, often going in motion.

As a receiver, Kmet has solid hands and always seems to find space. One thing that I noticed when watching his film is that he was open a lot more than he got the ball thrown to him. He isn’t a super great route runner but he has great feel for space in zone coverage.

He has a desirable blend of size and speed to be a mismatch against many linebackers and defensive backs at the next level. He’s fairly tough to bring down with the ball in his hands but isn’t overly effective as a runner after the catch. Kmet is a very solid tight end who could start for a team that needs one right away in the 2020 NFL Draft.

3. Adam Trautman, Dayton

Adam Trautman is a versatile tight end with great blocking capability and the receiving skills to line up outside as he did at Dayton. As a blocker, Trautman can allow some early penetration, occasionally missing his block right off the snap. But when he is able to get his hands on a defender, he completely turns them in the direction that he wants or drives them back and into the ground. He was also used occasionally in pass protection, which speaks to his overall blocking ability.

As a receiver, Trautman is a good route runner with effective shiftiness when he has to use it but usually can rely on his large frame to shield defenders. He is great catching in traffic and on 50/50 balls and is effective with the ball in his hands. He does suffer drops here and there and may need to continue to bulk up a bit at the next level to handle the beating and banging at the line of scrimmage, but Trautman shows a lot of promise across the board and should contribute right away coming out of the 2020 NFL Draft.

4. Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati

Josiah Deguara is exciting to me, as he is one of the few people-movers as blockers in this tight end class. He takes pride in his run blocking and it shows on tape. Now he won’t be making a move to guard anytime soon, but the effort is there and that is usually half the battle as a tight end. He engages quickly and keeps his legs churning to the whistle.

As a receiver, I really like the suddenness he has at the stem of his routes. After a good release, the top of his routes really allow him to come open on intermediate routes. He often doesn’t get the ball when he is open, so his stats aren’t really indicative of how effective he is as a route runner. He is effective from the tight end position or out in the slot as well.

Deguara improved year after year at Cincinnati and if he continues to grow and develop he could become a very well-rounded starting tight end out of the 2020 NFL Draft.