With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five tight ends

By Maxwell Ogden

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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This may not sit well with everyone, but Hayden Hurst has something going against him that can’t be overlooked. For as talented as he may be, Hurst is also going to be a 25-year-old rookie after playing as a 24-year-old junior against athletes who were younger than he.

In saying that, Hurst is still one of the top three prospects at the tight end position and the player who’s most likely to experience immediate success.

If not for Hurst’s age, there’s a good chance that he’d be the No. 1 wide receiver in this class. He’s a skilled and athletic receiver who can make plays on all three downs, and a tough blocker who’s willing to get his hands dirty.

Hurst could be the first tight end off the board, and it would be with good reason if the team that selects him is a contender already.

As a receiver, Hurst has sub-4.7 speed and the hands to make plays on just about any ball thrown his way. As a blocker, he has a good frame and an undeniable toughness that will appeal to teams that blend the pass with the run in a balanced manner.

Hurst may be old for his class, but there are few who question whether or not the South Carolina star will be an effective player at the next level.

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