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

2 of 6

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

TE8: Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan)

Height: 6-foot-5 1/4
Weight: 251 pounds
DOB: 9-28-1998 (24 years old)

Luke Schoonmaker is flying under the radar even after an impressive NFL Combine. At Michigan, the gifted tight end rarely had the chance to showcase his talents as a pass catcher. It wasn’t until 2022 that Schoonmaker saw more than 23 targets in a season.

Still, in his one year as the primary target for Michigan, Schoonmaker showed signs of being a starting tight end in the NFL. He plays strong, and the elite short-area agility flashes on tape. Schoonmaker is a legitimate threat after the catch.

His NFL projection is an interesting one. Right now, he is still raw and limited in terms of on-field experience. That being said, it is easy to see how Schoonmaker can be a better pro than he was a college player. NFL teams should consider Schoonmaker at the end of day two or the beginning of day three.

NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 2

TE7: Zack Kuntz (Old Dominion)

Height: 6-foot-7 3/8
Weight: 255 pounds
DOB: 6–06-1999 (23 years old)

The standout performer for tight ends at the NFL Combine was Old Dominion’s, Zack Kuntz. He ran a 4.55 40-yard dash, a sub-7 3-cone drill, and posted a 40-inch vertical. Oh yeah… he’s also 6-foot-7 and weighs 255 pounds. Wild, huh?

Kuntz put together a stellar 2021 season after transferring from Penn State, catching 73 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns. His tape shows a smooth mover who uses his size as an advantage. Oftentimes, Kuntz gets separation from the slot and goes over the top of smaller defenders — and runs past bigger ones.

This highlights the role Kuntz could have in the league. He is a former four-star recruit, oozing potential in the modern NFL. Kuntz suffered a season-ending injury in 2022 but proved this issue is in the past as he looked 100% at the NFL Combine.

With only one season of production, Kuntz still presents a risk. He will be 24 as a rookie but is less raw than most think. Kuntz can impact an offense upon arrival, and if he can continue improving his blocking, the sky is the limit. I would take him at the end of day two and not think twice about it.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2

Home/NFL Draft