2021 NFL Draft tight end rankings: Kyle Pitts leads the way
By John Blair
7. Tre’ McKitty, Georgia
6-foot-5, 245 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
Georgia’s Tre’ McKitty is another prospect who has intriguing traits, yet only average college production. This season he only caught six passes for Georgia after transferring over from Florida State. However, his playing time was limited to only seven games in 2020 as he missed the start of the season recovering from knee surgery and also opted out of the team’s bowl game.
While at Florida State, McKitty caught 46 balls over his last two seasons, and in 2019, caught 82% of the passes thrown his way.
As a prospect, McKitty is a good athlete who shows the agility to make the tough catch. He also has impressed with his hands as he rarely dropped a ball in college and made several one-handed catches at the Senior Bowl. As a blocker, he is average as he shows a willingness to block but lacks the size to get much of a push. He also had trouble with inside pass rushers in Senior Bowl practice which could be an issue in the NFL.
8. John Bates, Boise State
6-foot-6, 256 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
Despite not being a great athlete, Boise State tight end John Bates is the type of player you win with. This is due to the fact he is a hard worker that has the extremely competitive nature you want on the second half of your roster. Bates is also one of the better run blockers in the draft, who will be able to help open lanes in the running game. As a pass receiver, he shows soft hands but lacks the speed to be much of a playmaker in this area.
9. Nick Eubanks, Michigan
6-foot-5, 256 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
Michigan’s Nick Eubanks is someone who should have had better production in college when you look at his physical tools. He shows the athletic ability to create mismatches against linebackers. He also displays reliable hands although he tends to allow the body into his body too much. Despite these skills, Eubanks has only had one season at Michigan where he caught over ten passes in a season.