2019 NFL Draft: NFL.com mock draft launches Noah Fant into top 10

Iowa tight end Noah Fant had a remarkable 2019 NFL combine performance where he outshined fellow Hawkeye T.J. Hockenson, who before the week in Indianapolis was considered the top tight end in the class.

Fast forward to mid-March, and it’s Fant who’s now receiving top-10 pick chatter.

In Charles Davis’ latest mock draft for NFL.com, Fant comes off the board seventh overall to the Jaguars.

“Already a top prospect, Fant blew the doors off the combine in Indy, and provides a great — andneeded — target for new Jags QB Nick Foles, who made great use of Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz in Philadelphia,” Davis wrote.

Wow. Talk about a late-surge up the board.

Fant is the most athletically gifted tight end in the class and there’s little-to-no debate that he projects as the best offensive weapon at the position, too. His blocking in the run game leaves a bit to be desired, but today’s tight ends are becoming more receiver first, blocker second. Fant fits that description perfectly.

As for Hockenson? Davis has him going 18th to the Vikings.

“The OL will get a long look,” Davis said, “but Hockenson is a tremendous blocker who will help the run game get untracked — and he’s an excellent receiver, as well.”

This is a good fit for Hockenson, whose game isn’t that much different than Kyle Rudolph. And with the veteran tight end entering the last year of his contract, adding Hockenson as the next guy up would make a lot of sense.