NFL Draft Notebook: Why Kyle Pitts will win Rookie of the Year and more
By John Blair
Top tight end: Cade Otton, Washington
The top tight end in the 2022 NFL Draft is Cade Otton of Washington who earns a late first-round draft grade. Otton is a complete tight end who is both a strong blocker and is a reliable target in the passing game. As a receiver, he shows soft hands and does an outstanding job of catching the ball with his hands. When it comes to blocking he is one of the better blockers and has drawn praise from Washington head coach Jimmy Lake on this part of his game on several different occasions.
Most underrated: Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
One of the most underrated players in the 2022 NFL Draft is Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert. Ruckert is not listed as one of the top five tight ends in this year’s draft by either Mel Kiper or Pro Football Focus, however, it would be a shock if he is not drafted within the first three rounds of next April’s draft. While Ohio State does not use its tight ends much in the passing game, when thrown the ball Ruckert has shown impressive skills as a receiver. He has also improved as a blocker the past couple of seasons and overall shows the talent to be a starter in the NFL.
Most overrated: Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
Going into the 2021 season several sites have Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar rated as the top tight end which is a little high for his limited skill set. While there is no doubt he has reliable hands he lacks the speed to create much separation in the passing game. He is a below-average blocker as well and lacks much strength in this area.
Tight end that should significantly improve his stock: Jake Marwede, Duke
This should be a breakout year for Duke tight end Jake Marwede, now that he will be the team’s starting tight end. He will take over for Noah Gray who was taken in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs and so far has been one of the more impressive rookies in the NFL. At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Marwede has the size the NFL is looking for and is considered a better athlete than Gray was.
Biggest risk: Grant Calcaterra, SMU
Going into the 2019 season former Oklahoma tight end Grant Calcaterra was considered one of the top tight ends in college football. Unfortunately, he suffered several concussions at Oklahoma which caused him to retire during the 2019 season. Thankfully Calcaterra has been given the clear to resume his football career this year which he will do at SMU. If he can stay healthy he could be a day three pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Top small school tight end: Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State
While North Dakota State tight end Noah Gindorff may not be much of a receiving threat he is one of the better blockers in the 2022 tight end class. He does a tremendous job of driving his man off the line of scrimmage and plays with great technique. Due to his lack of ability as a receiver, he will likely be a late-round pick who finds a home in the NFL as a second or third-string tight end.
Overall Rankings
1. Cade Otton, Washington (first round)
2. Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama (second round)
3. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M (second round)
4. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State (second round)
5. Will Mallory, Miami (third round)
6. Austin Stogner, Oklahoma (third round)
7. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State, (fourth round)
8. Cole Turner, Nevada (fourth round)
9. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin (fourth round)
10. Nick Muse, South Carolina (fifth round)
11. James Mitchell, Virginia Tech (fifth round)
12. Trey McBride, Colorado State (sixth round)
13. Chase Allen, Iowa State (sixth round)
14. Braden Galloway, Clemson (sixth round)
15. Jake Marwede, Duke (sixth round)
16. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (sixth round)
17. Greg Dulcich, UCLA (sixth round)
18. Grant Calcaterra, SMU (seventh round)
19. Sam LaPorta, Iowa (seventh round)
20. Ben Bresnahan, Vanderbilt (seventh round)
21. Camren McDonald, Florida State (seventh round)
22. Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State (seventh round)
23. Peyton Hendershot, Indiana (free agent)
24. Brant Kuithe, Utah (free agent)
25. Lucas Krull, Pittsburgh (free agent)
26. Josh Babicz, North Dakota State (free agent)
27. Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Notre Dame College (free agent)
28. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati (free agent)
29. Trae Barry, Boston College (free agent)
30. Derrick Deese Jr, San Jose State (free agent)
31. Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State (free agent)
32. Daniel Barker, Illinois (free agent)