With an absence of versatile tight ends in the 2018 NFL Draft, it appears as though teams will be willing to overpay during the 2018 period of free agency.
One of the most compelling trends in the NFL has been the evolution of the tight end position. In the modern era, players are closer to the mold of a Tony Gonzalez or a Shannon Sharpe than they are the run-blocking specialists of yesteryear.
With a glaring absence of tight ends who specialize in providing help in the run game, it appears as though those who are already in the NFL will see an uptick in value.
Running backs may not be quite as coveted as they were in the past, but championship-level teams continue to focus on establishing the run. It’s the most efficient way to control the clock, as well as a manner in which a team can diversify the offense by masking their plans with versatile tight ends who can either block or break out for a reception.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the lack of blocking tight ends in the 2018 NFL Draft could increase the value of the pass-blocking tight ends in free agency.
As free agency takes shape in a depth-starved class, interest comes in surprising places. Blocking TEs like #Lions Darren Fells, #Raiders Lee Smith & #Broncos Virgil Green, for instance, are all going to earn more than expected because of poor draft talent there & lack of options
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2018
This may be a reverse interpretation, but Rapoport’s report could prove to be rewarding news for the top tight end prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Players such as Mark Andrews and Mike Gesicki represent the new breed of tight ends who thrive as a receiver but offer unproven aid in a blocking scheme. That’s likely what Rapoport is alluding to, as both have Pro Bowl potential, but may not have value when the play-call is a run.
For players such as Hayden Hurst of South Carolina, Dalton Schultz of Stanford, and Ian Thomas of Indiana, however, this news could work wonders for their draft stock.
For players like Hurst, Schultz, and Thomas, their projection could improve by a full round if teams believe they can balance blocking with pass-catching.
A number of teams are looking to find their version of a Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, or Zach Ertz. The key to a skill player’s emergence as elite, however, is often the ability to stay on the field for all three downs.
In the case of the few tight ends in this draft class who can both block for the run and provide value in the passing game, their projections could soon improve.
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It’s a pass-heavy era in the NFL, but versatility will sell in every generation.