2021 NFL Draft tight end rankings: Kyle Pitts leads the way
By John Blair
10. Cary Angeline, North Carolina State
6-foot-7, 250 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
Cary Angeline undoubtedly has impressive size, coming in at 6-foot-7. His height gives him a major advantage in the red zone where he caught 11 touchdown passes over the past two seasons. He has also been a downfield passing threat as he averaged over 15 yards per reception in both 2020 and 2019. Unfortunately, he is somewhat of a stiff athlete and doesn’t offer much as a blocker. Look for him to try and earn a spot as a backup in the NFL.
11. Zach Davidson, Central Missouri
6-foot-7, 245 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round
One of the very few Division II players to attract 2021 NFL Draft attention is Central Missouri tight end Zach Davidson. What impresses the most with Davidson is his athletic ability. For someone 6-foot-7, he is a very agile athlete and he also has the speed to get downfield.
I also love the production Davidson has, as he finished in the NCAA top-10 in both receiving touchdowns (15) and yards-per-reception (22.35) in 2019. On the downside, he needs to add weight, and it will take time for him to move from Division II to the NFL.
12. Matt Bushman, BYU
6-foot-5, 240 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
One of the best receiving tight ends in college football for the 2019 season was BYU’s Matt Bushman. Bushman led BYU in receiving with 688 yards which placed him sixth among FCS tight ends. Unfortunately, his senior season was wrecked by a torn Achilles tendon which cost him the entire 2020 season. The fact he is coming off that injury, is not a great blocker and will be 25 next year is why he will slide so far in the 2021 NFL Draft.