Who will be the next Brock Bowers in an emerging 2025 NFL Draft tight end class?
There will be a few players in this draft class out to make their own name in the NFL. But, when it comes to making an instant impact, which tight end prospects can come in and be the focal point in an offense like Bowers was with the Las Vegas Raiders in his 2024 rookie season?
It will be tough to mimic the type of historic rookie season the Georgia product put forth, but there are a few with the combination of size, athleticism and pure football instinct who could stamp their impact in the NFL immediately.
2025 NFL Draft tight end class features intriguing playmakers
There have been tight ends already compared to Travis Kelce entering this draft, but who will stand out and have the type of impact Day 1 in the NFL like the rookie seasons of Bowers in the 2024 and Sam LaPorta in 2023? With the success of those tight end standouts, teams will be looking for players with similar skillsets who can be instant playmakers in their offense.
Here are NFL Mock’s top 5 tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State Nittany Lions
2024 Stats: Receptions 98 | Yards: 1,158 | Avg: 11.8 | TD: 8
With classic tight end size, Penn State’s Tyler Warren is a big reason why the Nittany Lions are just two games away from a national championship. At 6-foot-6, 257 pounds, this athletic playmaker has put up big-time stats to go along with some stellar highlights in 2024.
With 98 catches, Warren has proven to be a reliable target within the offense. His quickness and route-running skills along with his ability to go up and get the ball against any defenders should make for an instant impact on the NFL level. Teams with young quarterbacks will be intrigued by a playmaker like Warren who can also get after it as a blocker.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round
2. Harold Fannin Jr, Bowling Green Falcons
2024 Stats: Receptions 117| Yards: 1,555 | Avg: 13.3 | TD: 10
A tight end who has been even more valuable to his offense than Warren is Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. If he played for a bigger school, you would’ve heard a lot more about this highly touted tight end out of Canton, OH.
Speaking of Canton, Fannin has the combination of size and skill to be elite in the NFL if drafted by the right team in the right situation. With 117 catches for 1,555 yards, Fannin Jr was explosive in 2024 and could even convince a team to take him early on Day 2 if he impresses at the NFL combine. With the ability to create yards after the catch, Fannin Jr could serve as a big wide receiver type with the versatility to line up anywhere on the field.
Again, if he played for a bigger school, he could be an easy first-round selection.
Draft projection: Second round, early third round
3. Colston Loveland, Michigan Wolverines
2024 Stats: Receptions 56 | Yards: 582 | Avg: 10.4| TD: 5
A tight end compared to Kelce prior to the 2024 season, Michigan’s Colston Loveland didn’t hold onto his No. 1 ranking, but as far as talent and skillset, he’s a tight end NFL teams will be looking at late in the first round.
Like Warren, Loveland has ideal NFL size with the athleticism to be a nightmare matchup for defenses. In a season in which he battled injuries and lacked consistency at the quarterback position, Loveland produced 56 receptions for 582 yards. In showcasing great vertical speed and above average route running, Loveland is a player who could produce right away if drafted in the right situation. Perhaps a team like the Denver Broncos.
Draft projection: Late first round
4. Gunnar Helm, Texas Longhorns
2024 Stats: Receptions 58 | Yards: 744 | Avg: 12.8 | TD: 7
Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm doesn’t flash like Warren, Fannin Jr., or Loveland, but he’s a modern tight end with ideal size (6-foot-5, 238 pounds) who can both block and serve as a reliable pass catcher. He proved that with 744 yards receiving as part of an explosive Longhorns offense.
Helm could have the success of LaPorta as he’ll provide pass catchers with a big target who continues to improve his game. His route running will stand out to NFL scouts as well as his sneaky elusiveness in the open field. Helm is a great later round option for any team looking to secure or upgrade their tight end position.
Draft projection: Fourth Round
5. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse Orange
2024 Stats: Carries 73 | Yards: 934 | Avg: 12.8 | TD: 7
NFL enthusiast will know the name, but Oronde Gadsden II is a player who will make a name for himself at the next level. The son of former NFL wide receiver Oronde Gadsden, this Syracuse star has been among the elite at the tight end position.
A First Team All ACC selection in 2024, Gadsden is a big bodied tight end with a great catch radius as a slot type tight end. A former receiver himself, his route-running will stand out to NFL scouts along with his ability to excel against zone coverages. With 73 catches for 934 yards in 2024, Gadsden proved to be a vertical threat with great burst after the catch. He could go as high as the fourth round but would definitely serve as a fifth-round steal for teams looking to add explosiveness and red zone targets to their offense.
Draft projection: Fourth Round