1. OJ Howard, Alabama
It’s not close between Howard and the rest of the tight end class. Howard exploded in the National Title game and probably won’t be looking back anytime soon. Lane Kiffin has reportedly been itching to use Howard as a major part of the offense but until the end of the 2015 season he didn’t trust him enough.
Howard would have probably been a high 2nd/low 1st round pick if he entered the 2016 NFL draft. If he can be a bigger part of the Bama passing offense in 2016, then he could become a top 15 pick.
He does need to work on his game to some extent. His route running, until the Title game, was lethargic. And his run blocking could have been better for an offense that relied on the run primarily. But as a prospect, I’m particularly impressed by his footwork, hand use and catch radius. I have him rated as a top 20 pick right now in the 2017 NFL draft. And as a pro comparison: Coby Fleener. Both are long, lean with good hands. Both needed to work on their route running and using their body better to block off a defender.
2. Jake Butt, Michigan
The gap between Howard and Butt is fairly large right now. By the end of the season, Butt could be as highly rated as Howard has become. Butt was always seen as talented but it wasn’t until he got under Jim Harbaugh’s tutelage and found his role in Harbaugh’s pro style offense that he’s blossomed.
In 2015, Butt thrived as a two way tight end who could hold the edge as a run blocker and was a threat in the passing game. It looks like Harbaugh is going to lean on Butt far more than he did in 2015 and he has no reason not to.
As a prospect, I would compare him to Zach Ertz. And I have him rated as a 2nd round pick right now.
3. Evan Engram, Ole Miss
Engram is in an interesting spot. A lot of starters at Ole Miss left for the NFL, but Swag Kelly is still there and will need a vet target to lean on early until new starters emerge. As a receiver, Engram is arguably the best tight end in all of college football and was so in 2015 as well. He led all tight ends with 11 catches for 20 yards or longer.
And he’s this productive because he has amazing natural receiving skills: his route running, hands and footwork are what one would expect from a slot wideout. Only he’s 6-3 230 lbs. However, he’s the 3rd best tight end in my eyes because he’s very one dimensional.
As good as Engram is as a pass catcher, he’s pretty horrible as a run blocker. He’s clearly not strong enough to take on a powerful defender and he gets too aggressive with his run blocking which often takes him out of position. Unless he shows massive improvement in this, his future in the NFL will be limited to being a split out tight end.
As a pro comparison: Chris Cooley. Both were more of an H-Back than a pure tight end. Both weren’t the best run blockers but both have natural receiving skills. I have Engram rated as a late 2nd round pick right now.