2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Offense
By Jon Dove
Tight End
1. Jake Butt, Michigan
2. OJ Howard, Alabama
3. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech
4. Jordan Leggett, Clemson
5. Evan Engram, Ole Miss
The tight end position is stack this year with several players capable of making an immediate impact. In fact, there are a few prospects who have star potential. This is great news for the NFL as the league as a whole lacks great depth at the position.
Michigan’s Jake Butt has a strong hold on the No. 1 spot in my rankings. He’s a major threat in the passing game thanks to his size-speed combination. Butt is a strong route runner who has the feel to find openings in the zone.
His ability to make the tough catch in traffic will make him a favorite target of any quarterback. Butt also provides help in the running game where he fights to open running lanes.
OJ Howard is top-end athlete who has only shown flashes of his potential. The biggest problem appears to be Alabama doesn’t focus on feeding the ball to Howard. He is typically asked to do the dirty work as a blocker or working across the middle.
Bucky Hodges is a fast rising prospect who has a legitimate shot at cracking the 1st round. Jordan Leggett and Evan Engram are pass-catching tight ends who fit well in today’s NFL.