2023 NFL Draft: Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid Lead Stacked Tight End Rankings

The tight end class is one of the strongest positional groups in the 2023 NFL Draft. Who earned a spot on the latest top 10 rankings?

Versatile tight ends have become an invaluable chess piece for offensive coordinators in the NFL. The ability to make an impact as a blocker while also stretching the defense and moving the chains as a pass catcher is something the best tight ends in the league have in common.

This year’s tight end class is arguably the best in a decade. The consensus big board features six of the top 70 players overall at the position, and this number matches up with my big board.

2023 NFL Draft: Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid Lead Stacked TE Group

Most of the top options can contribute as rookies, making them all the more coveted heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Multiple teams in the first round need an upgrade (or replacement) at tight end… how many of these guys will go on day one?

Our updated top 10 rankings are here! You can predict a majority of the names on this list, but stay tuned for the back half of the top 10 as I sprinkle in a few sleepers.

TE10: Josh Whyle (Cincinnati)

Height: 6-foot-6 1/2
Weight: 248 pounds
DOB: 9-08-1999 (23 years old)

The Cincinnati Bearcats sent several starting-caliber players to the NFL last year, but tight end Josh Whyle is joining the party this year. Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, Whyle is a late-round target with high upside. He is an every-down player who thrives in a scrum and always comes out on top as a blocker.

The most intriguing part of Whyle’s game is his untapped potential as a pass catcher. The Cincy tight end showed ability as a receiver, flexing elite hands and the competitiveness to fight for the ball in traffic. He didn’t test as well as others in the class, and he will never be a threat after the catch, but look for a team to take Whyle somewhere on day three.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

TE9: Davis Allen (Clemson)

Height: 6-foot-5 7/8
Weight: 245 pounds
DOB: 2-03-2000 (23 years old)

Clemson witnessed a ‘down season’ by its standards in 2022, but Davis Allen had a career year for the Tigers. He hauled in 39 receptions for 443 yards while chipping in five touchdowns.

Allen only dropped three passes across his entire collegiate career, highlighting his hands as a top attribute. He is not the best athlete, but his size — and underrated route running — still free him up downfield. Allen being as tall as he is will benefit him as a red-zone target, too.

An NFL team will want to unlock Allen’s potential as a blocker, as he has never been an above-average player in this facet. He is worth taking on day three, as a coaching staff can turn Allen into one of the biggest steals of the entire draft.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3