2020 NFL Draft: Jake Ferguson sits atop preseason TE rankings

Throughout the month of August, we’ll go position-by-position, presenting the top-5’s for the 2020 NFL Draft. In this post, we cover the tight ends.

This year’s class of tight ends is nothing spectacular. No one player truly stands above the rest and is worthy of a day one selection. However, several players display the potential to take advantage of favorable situations that could lead them to the top of draft boards at the position. Only time will tell for these athletes, but until then, these are the names to keep an eye on ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jake Ferguson has all of the tools to be the top tight end in this class and for that reason, I’ve slotted him at the top of this ranking. That said, Ferguson has the smallest body of work receiving wise thanks to his youth and the Badgers run-heavy, pro-style offense. All things considered, that actually plays to his benefit as he makes the most out of every target.

Ferguson is a traditional in-line tight end with good size at 6’5″, 245 pounds. Though he is far from a slouch as a receiver, his best quality is his blocking. Ferguson possesses a strong frame when coupled with sound technique which allows him to execute his assignments in a positive way. He handles defensive ends in the Big 10 about as well as you’d hope for in a tight end.

As for his receiving work, he simply needs more experience getting involved. He is a redshirt sophomore after all. In 2018 he posted 36 catches for just 456 yards and four touchdowns. While that is disheartening at face value,  Ferguson displays all the traits an NFL tight end needs to succeed. He uses his body to create separation in route running to create plenty of space for his quarterback. He also possesses just enough agility to make a believable double move, though no one should expect him to win a foot race against any defensive back. Once he is targeted, Ferguson has strong hands, catching the ball away from his body.

With Alex Hornibrook at Florida State, Ferguson will have to quickly find rapport with his new quarterback Jack Coan. Though the offense will still run through Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin could rely on Ferguson more in passing situations, particularly near the goal line. Should he become more of a weapon in 2019, Ferguson will top many scouts tight end boards.