As we wrap up skill-position player rankings in the 2021 NFL Draft, we move on from the running backs to a very unique group of tight end prospects. For a historically thin position group, this TE class of 2021 is filled with star power throughout. From top-ten talents to mid-rounders that could make an immediate impact, the tight ends offer tremendous value this year.
Take a look as I rank these versatile pass-catchers and chess piece players in my next top-10 rankings list of the 2021 NFL Draft. There are great players from each conference, and each prospect should find a spot on an NFL team before the end of the third day this coming April.
Pitts way above the rest of 2021 NFL Draft tight ends
Florida’s Kyle Pitts and Miami’s Brevin Jordan are seam-stretching vertical threats that appeared neck and neck at the onset of the 2020 college campaign. However, Pitts was a touchdown machine in an explosive passing attack for the Florida Gators this season. He scored 12 touchdowns and truly separated himself from the pack with his play-making ability. Among a ridiculous group of talents in the Gators’ offense, Pitts stood out in 2020.
In the process, he endeared himself as quarterback Kyle Trask’s favorite target. Pitts is an elite tight end prospect and probable top-10 2021 NFL Draft selection. Daniel Jeremiah recently labeled Pitts as the “overwhelming favorite” in this rookie class to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The elite prospect is a solid blocker in the run game and can provide a top-notch option in the red zone right away as a rookie. Pitts has Darren Waller-type upside at the next level and could go as early as the top-6.
2. Brevin Jordan – Miami (Fla.)
Brevin Jordan is another top talent from a school with a rich history of success at the tight end position. Jordan could follow in the footsteps of other premiere TE hopefuls like Jeremy Shockey, Greg Olsen, and Jimmy Graham. Each of these past Miami greats has become top players in the NFL. Jordan made an instant impact as a freshman and provides a soft pair of hands that can make tough catches look routine.
Jordan is that top dog and has an alpha-type mentality that can become a go-to player for any quarterback at the next level. Injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position hindered Jordan’s production at Miami, but his upside is excellent for an NFL prospect. Jordan could be selected as early as the top-20 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
3. Pat Freiermuth – Penn State
Penn State’s tumultuous and shortened 2020 campaign was only exacerbated by the loss of their top TE talent and 2021 NFL Draft hopeful, Pat Freiermuth. The big tight end prospect entered the season in contention for the top spot at the position before opting out after only four games. However, he recorded over 300 yards in that timespan, showcasing the type of ability that has scouts comparing him to a young Rob Gronkowski.
Freiermuth’s size may not fit the comparison, as the junior stands 6-foot-5, and 258 pounds, but his play-style is reminiscent of the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star. He’s a bully in the run game and can make tough and acrobatic catches in traffic. Those areas should only improve at the next level and Freiermuth could hear his name called before the end of the second round.
4. Hunter Long – Boston College
The Boston College Eagles do not have a great recent history of successful tight end prospects in the NFL. However, Tommy Sweeney was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round in 2020, and Hunter Long figures to come off the board much sooner. Long has great size and was extremely productive this past season. He racked 685 yards, which placed him second in the nation behind only Pitts from Florida.
In a deep and talented TE pool, Long should be drafted by the end of round two. He offers long-term starter upside in the NFL and could step in right away. Long is a functional blocker with good strength and soft hands. Long is a dependable target that runs good routes and makes tough catches all over the field. His upside is not as high as others in this list, but he is a solid prospect overall.
5. Kenny Yeboah – Ole Miss
There is a small drop-off between the number four prospect and the rest of the tight ends of the 2021 NFL Draft. The next guy up is Mississippi’s big-play man, Kenny Yeboah. The senior TE racked up six touchdowns and over 19 yards per catch in 2020, showing off his knack for the big play. In an offense devoid of playmakers outside of receiver Elijah Moore, Yeboah stepped up big this past season.
Due to his mini-breakout campaign in 2020, and his apparent athleticism for the position, Yeboah is starting to rise up 2021 NFL Draft boards. Once an afterthought in this process, Yeboah is on the cusp of a second day-selection. He will have to improve his focus as a blocker, but Yeboah has starting potential in the NFL in the right offensive scheme.
6. Tommy Tremble – Notre Dame
This ranking is purely based on talent and ability more than production at the college level for Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble. The gifted junior was held without a score in 2020 after splashing down four times in 2019 for the Fighting Irish. Despite only two seasons of measly college production, Tremble announced that he would enter the 2021 NFL Draft.
Based on his athletic profile and size at 6-foot-4, Tremble projects as a chess piece-type player and versatile offensive weapon at the next level. He should hear his name early on day four and should see some early reps on special teams and obvious passing downs next season for an NFL squad.
7. Quintin Morris – Bowling Green
When it comes to sleepers, Bowling Green’s Quintin Morris is a rising player in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former high school receiver struggled through inconsistent quarterback play throughout his college career but managed 13 touchdown catches in four seasons.
Due to his talent and receiving upside, Morris earned a spot at the Senior Bowl and impressed onlookers at the event. He raised his stock and now faces a potential mid-round selection this coming April. However, Morris will need to improve as a blocker to stand a legitimate chance at making an NFL roster.
8. Tre McKitty – Georgia
Just like Tremble from Notre Dame, this projection is based mostly on pure talent and fit at the next level. The former transfer from Florida State never made a consistent impact at the college level but has the talent to make a splash in the NFL.
At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds with plus athleticism, McKitty figures to make a better pro and remains one of the better sleepers at the position. He returned from a preseason knee injury to make six grabs in 2020, including two for 46 yards and a score against SEC foe South Carolina.
9. Matt Bushman – BYU
One of the top weapons for the Cougars from 2017-2019, Matt Bushman is a player that is flying under the radar in the 2021 NFL Draft. Bushman entered 2020 with unlimited potential and hype as one of the best TE prospects in all of college football. A ruptured achilles tendon forced Bushman to missed his entire final season at BYU in 2020.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, Bushman is a tremendous “move” option at the TE position. He has long arms and sticky hands that make him a reliable player in the passing game each week. However, Bushman is a liability in the run game as a blocker and does not have the speed to separate consistently. He will be a situational player that should be picked up by the end of the sixth round.
10. Nick Eubanks – Michigan
As part of a struggling Wolverines’ offense in 2020, Nick Eubanks is a player with untapped potential heading into the NFL. Eubanks is mostly unproven as a collegiate entity but has the size, speed, and athletic ability to become a decent NFL player.
He holds his own as a blocker but could stand to improve with added strength. Eubanks will likely be used as a red-zone threat early on, but he has starting potential down the line. With the tools in place to be a competitive weapon, Eubanks should hear his name between rounds five and six.