2021 NFL Draft watchlist: Keeping tabs on a deep tight end class

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Kyle Pitts #84 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Kyle Pitts #84 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 2 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 2 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The frontrunners

The big three names heading into the summer and building up towards the 2021 NFL Draft are Florida’s Kyle Pitts, Miami’s Brevin Jordan, and Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth. Here we take a quick peek at each of the three as they vie for the claim as the top tight end in the class.

Pitts is a certified stud for the Gators’ offense, as he has the ability to line up in a variety of looks, win at the top of his routes, and display elite hands to make the catch through contact. While he is not a great blocker, Pitts has the ability to win at every level of the defense as a pass catcher and is a reliable target that would make any quarterback a happy camper.

A bit on the smaller side for a tight end at 6-3 and 235 pounds, Jordan has a knack for making plays after the catch and in the open field. He flashes a resemblance of 2019 NFL Draft second round pick Irv Smith Jr. with his ability to not only block well, but be a versatile weapon in the Hurricanes’ offense. With D’Eriq King now under center, maybe the Miami passing attack can do Jordan a few favors.

The one known as Baby Gronk. Had Freiermuth declared for last month, he probably would have been the first tight end off the board as a redshirt sophomore. However, given a deeper class, he’ll have to battle out the right to TE1 with Pitts and Jordan.