2021 NFL Draft TE rankings: Kyle Pitts the highest-drafted TE in history?
By John Blair
There is no doubt that Kyle Pitts is the top tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft and the only real question is will he be the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. Behind Pitts, the class has three players who will likely develop into starting tight ends in the NFL and carry a second-round grade. While the class is not overly deep Zach Davidson is a prospect to watch on day three.
Most underrated tight end in 2021 NFL Draft: Cary Angeline
A late-round prospect who could earn himself a role in the NFL is Cary Angeline of North Carolina State. Angeline has the talent to be a number two or three receiving tight end which is pretty good for someone most draftniks have a free agent grade on. At 6-foot-7 he has the size to be a matchup nightmare and is a proven red zone target having led North Carolina State in touchdown receptions in both 2020 and 2019.
Most overrated tight end in 2021 NFL Draft: Kylen Granson
While Granson has the tools to be a receiving tight end in the NFL his talent is more suitable for a seventh-round pick than the fifth-round grade he receives from Pro Football Network. Part of the reason he deserves a lower grade is his lack of size coming in at only 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds. This lack of size makes him a liability as a blocker and someone who will have to play H-back in the NFL instead of a traditional tight end.
Day three gem in 2021 NFL Draft: Jacob Harris
An intriguing developmental tight end who can likely be had in the seventh round of the NFL Draft is Jacob Harris of Central Florida. Despite still being new to the game Harris has put up some strong numbers including catching 30 passes for eight touchdowns last year. He is the type of prospect you stash on the practice squad for a year while he learns the finer points of the tight end position and adds some weight, then hope in a year or two can become a contributor.
Tight end that is the biggest risk in the 2021 NFL Draft: Tommy Tremble
Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble has a lot to bring to the NFL team that drafts him including his outstanding blocking skills. However, his lack of production does make him a risky pick and someone you are betting more on potential than production with. During his Notre Dame career, he never had more than 19 receptions in a season and he did not catch a single touchdown pass last year.
Top small school tight end in 2021 NFL Draft: Zach Davidson
One of the more intriguing players in the 2021 NFL Draft is Zach Davidson of Central Missouri. Davidson started his college career off as a punter but started to see time at tight end his sophomore year. He has the speed, size and overall athletic ability to be a late-round pick and a developmental tight end in the NFL. He could also serve as a backup punter in the NFL since he averaged 44.3 yards per punt during his college career.
2021 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings
1. Kyle Pitts Florida (first round)
2. Pat Freiermuth Penn State (second round)
3. Brevin Jordan Miami (second round)
4. Hunter Long Boston College (second round)
5. Kenny Yeboah Ole Miss (fourth round)
6. Tommy Tremble Notre Dame (fourth round)
7. John Bates, Boise State (fifth round)
8. Zach Davidson, Central Missouri (sixth round)
9. Tre McKitty Georgia (sixth round)
10. Nick Eubanks, Michigan (sixth round)
11. Cary Angeline, North Carolina State (sixth round)
12. Matt Bushman, BYU (sixth round)
13. Luke Farrell Ohio State (seventh round)
14. Shaun Beyer, Iowa (seventh round)
15. Noah Gray, Duke (seventh round)
16. Kylen Granson, SMU (seventh round)
17. Miller Forristall, Alabama (seventh round)
18. Jacob Harris, UCF (seventh round)
19. Tony Poljan, Central Michigan (free agent)
20. Dylan Soehner, Iowa State (free agent)
21. Quintin Morris, Bowling Green (free agent)
22. Jack Stoll, Nebraska (free agent)
23. Briley Moore, Kansas State (free agent)
24. Erik Krommenhoek, USC (free agent)
25. Zac Lefebvre, Buffalo (free agent)
26. Carl Tucker, Alabama (free agent)