The 2025 NFL Draft tight end class may not feature a generational talent like Brock Bowers from last year, but it remains a strong group with plenty of intriguing prospects. Leading the class is Tyler Warren, who is coming off an exceptional season. The group also includes several value picks, such as LSU’s Mason Taylor, whose playing style draws comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft tight end class
Top player: Tyler Warren, Penn State
The top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft is Penn State’s Tyler Warren who saw his draft stock improve greatly this season. He finished the year with 104 receptions which makes him the first tight end in Big 10 history to catch over 100 passes in a season. As a pro prospect he is a physical receiver who does a great job of picking up yards after contact due to his strength as a ball carrier. He also does a great job of using his 6-foot-6 257 pound frame to shield defenders from the ball. In addition he is a terrific target in the red zone having caught 15 touchdown passes over the past two seasons. He should be a first round pick, and could be a great fit with the Indianapolis Colts.
Guy I would stand on the table for: Mason Taylor, LSU
This site is one of the few places where Mason Taylor carries a late first-round grade, while other outlets, like The Sporting News, project him as a third-rounder. However, his tape justifies this ranking. At 6’5” and 250 pounds, he’s an elite athlete with exceptional agility, allowing him to make difficult catches with consistency. His hands are among the best in this draft class—he’s dropped just one pass all season and has hauled in 50% of his contested targets. Beyond his receiving ability, Taylor is also a solid blocker. When he maintains good pad level, he stands out as one of the most well-rounded tight ends in this year’s class.
In just 29 games, @masontaylor52 has set the LSU record for receptions by a tight end pic.twitter.com/TVvfSEsXuj
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 16, 2024
Breakout player: Gunnar Helm, Texas
Texas tight end Gunnar Helm emerged as a breakout player this season. Entering the year with just 19 career receptions and two touchdowns, he quickly became a key target for the Longhorns. Helm led the team with 60 receptions and recorded two games with at least 90 receiving yards. As a pro prospect, he showcases reliable hands and excels at finding openings in the middle of the field as a receiver.
Biggest Risk: Elijah Arroyo, Miami
Miami’s Elijah Arroyo took a big step forward this season, finishing with 35 receptions and seven touchdowns after managing just 11 catches and one score over his first three years. However, durability is a major concern, as a lingering knee injury sidelined him for much of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Additionally, his struggles in contested catch situations could be a red flag for NFL teams as he secured only 20% of his targets in tight coverage this season according to PFF.
Sleeper: Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh
A late-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft with intriguing potential, Pittsburgh’s Gavin Bartholomew stands out for his physicality. His strength is evident on film, as he excels as a blocker in the run game and is difficult to bring down after the catch. Additionally, he possesses good athleticism for a bigger tight end, making him a viable option in the mid-range passing game. However, his lack of production is a concern—he recorded just 38 receptions this season while averaging only 25 receiving yards per game. He also lacks the speed to be a consistent downfield threat. Despite these limitations, his overall skill set should allow him to carve out a role as a backup tight end at the next level.
Had a disappointing season: Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
North Carolina tight end Bryson Nesbit experienced a significant decline in production this season after leading all ACC tight ends with 585 receiving yards in 2023. A wrist injury limited him to just seven games, but even when on the field, he struggled to replicate his previous success. His dropped passes more than doubled from two in 2023 to five this season, despite receiving 11 fewer targets. Additionally, he posted a career-low catch rate of just 50%. Despite these setbacks, Nesbit’s size and quickness make him an intriguing prospect, potentially earning him a late-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft as a versatile matchup threat in the passing game.
Overrated: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Harold Fannin Jr. delivered elite production this season, setting FBS records for both receiving yards and catches by a tight end. However, his impressive stats have overshadowed some key concerns in his game. One major issue is his lack of elite speed, which is particularly concerning for an undersized tight end. Without top-end speed, he may struggle to create separation and make plays downfield in the NFL. This also raises doubts about his ability to transition into a big slot role, a position often expected for a player of his 6-foot-3, 238-pound frame. Additionally, he lacks high-end athleticism, which, combined with his other limitations, places him as a fourth-round prospect on my board—despite some outlets, like Pro Football Network, projecting him as a late first-round pick.