2021 NFL Draft tight end rankings: Kyle Pitts leads the way
By John Blair
13. Luke Farrell, Ohio State
6-foot-6, 258 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
A team looking for a tight end who can primarily be used as a blocker would be wise to take Ohio State’s Luke Farrell late in the 2021 NFL Draft. Farrell shows the strength and overall technique to hold up as a blocker at the next level. As a receiver, he shows consistent hands but lacks the quickness to gain much separation. He will likely earn his way onto an NFL roster as a number two or three tight end.
14. Shaun Beyer, Iowa
6-foot-5, 248 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
Shaun Beyer is the next tight end to come out of Tight End U. What makes Iowa tight ends so pro-ready is the coaching they receive in college, which is also something that is noticeable with Beyer. He is very fundamentally sound as both a blocker and receiver. Unfortunately, he lacks the college production and raw tools to be anything more than an extremely late pick.
15. Noah Gray, Duke
6-foot-4, 240 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
The reason I give Noah Grey a late seventh-round grade is his production as a receiver. In 2019, he led all ACC tight ends in receptions with 51. While his production dropped some this past season, he still finished third on the team in receptions with 29. Unfortunately, this is the only trait that makes me think Grey has a chance in the NFL as he lacks any pop as a blocker. He also lacks the speed to create the separation needed in the NFL.
16. Kylen Granson, SMU
6-foot-2, 242 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round
I am a little lower on SMU’s Kylen Granson than most people are. Granson is an asset in the passing game due to his speed, hands and solid route-running skills. However, his lack of size and strength makes me think he has very little upside in the NFL. Despite these concerns, he might be worth a flyer towards the tail end of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Three-round 2021 NFL mock draft. dark. Next
Players with free agent grades
17. Tony Poljan, Virginia
18. Quintin Morris, Bowling Green
19. Dylan Soehner, Iowa State
20. Miller Forristall, Alabama
21. Jack Stoll, Nebraska
22. Briley Moore, Kansas State
23. Erik Krommenhoek, USC
24. Zac Lefebvre, Buffalo
25. Carl Tucker, Alabama