Best TE Targets for 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a long way away, but it’s never too early to start looking at the top prospects. With that in mind, here is a look at the top 5 players in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to the latest rankings from ESPN.

At the top of the list is Arch Manning, a quarterback from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. Manning is the son of former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, and he has already committed to play at the University of Texas. Manning is a 6’4″, 215-pound pro-style quarterback with a strong arm and good accuracy. He is also a good athlete who can move around in the pocket and make plays with his feet. Manning is considered to be the best quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, and he is expected to be a high first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

The next player on the list is Jadon Perlotte, safety from Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana. Perlotte is a 6’1″, 190-pound safety with good size and athleticism. He is a physical player who is not afraid to come up and make tackles, and he also has good ball skills. Perlotte is considered to be one of the best safeties in the 2025 class, and he is expected to be a high second-round pick in the NFL Draft.

Top 10 Tight End Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

1. DeSean Simmons

DeSean Simmons is a towering tight end prospect who has all the tools to be a dominant force at the NFL level. At 6’5″, 245 pounds, Simmons has a massive frame that he uses to his advantage both as a blocker and a pass-catcher. He has excellent speed and athleticism for his size, and he is capable of making big plays down the field. Simmons is also a willing blocker, and he is not afraid to get physical in the trenches. He is a complete tight end prospect who has the potential to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.

Other Top Tight End Prospects

Rank	Player	School
2	Kaleb Webb	Texas A&M
3	Jaheim Singletary	Georgia
4	Jaleel Skinner	Miami (FL)
5	Oscar Delp	Georgia
6	Sam James	North Carolina
7	Joshua Conerly	Oregon
8	Nick Emmanwori	South Carolina
9	Eli Russ	Ohio State
10	Will Mallory	Miami (FL)

These are just a few of the top tight end prospects who could make an impact in the NFL in the years to come. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it will be interesting to see which of these players rise to the occasion and become stars at the highest level of football.

Unveiling the Elite: Elite-Tier Tight End Draft Prospects

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature a wealth of exceptional tight end prospects. Among them are several highly-rated individuals who project as potential impact players at the professional level.

2023 TE Draft Rankings: The Elite

The elite tier of tight end prospects is comprised of a select few players who possess a rare combination of athleticism, size, and receiving skills. These individuals are projected to make an immediate impact in the NFL and become cornerstone players for their respective franchises.

Micah Tease, Alabama

Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 260 pounds, Micah Tease is a physical specimen with NFL-caliber size and strength. He is an exceptional pass-catcher with soft hands and the ability to make contested catches with ease. Tease is also a more-than-capable blocker, providing a complete skillset for a modern tight end.

Colby Canfield, Penn State

Colby Canfield is a dynamic and versatile tight end who excels in both the passing and blocking game. At 6’6″ and 255 pounds, he possesses an impressive frame and uses his athleticism to create separation from defenders. Canfield is a natural receiver with excellent route-running abilities and a knack for finding open space.

Prospect	College	Height	Weight
Micah Tease	Alabama	6’7″	260 lbs
Colby Canfield	Penn State	6’6″	255 lbs
Devon Green	Clemson	6’5″	245 lbs
Zac Pinchback	Georgia	6’5″	250 lbs
Trey Wilson	North Carolina	6’4″	240 lbs

College Standouts: Highlighting the NCAA’s Finest Tight Ends

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a special one for tight ends. The NCAA is overflowing with talented prospects who are sure to make an impact at the next level. Here’s a look at three of the most promising tight ends in college football:

cade stover

The 6’3″, 240-pound Stover is a complete tight end. He has the size and athleticism to be a force in the passing game, but he also has the blocking ability to excel at the line of scrimmage. In 2023, Stover caught 37 passes for 493 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 15 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff run. Stover is a consensus All-American and one of the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick.

oscar Delp

Delp is a 6’5″, 250-pound tight end from Georgia. He is a physically gifted player with a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism. In 2023, Delp caught 28 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns. He also had two catches for 55 yards in the Bulldogs’ National Championship Game victory. Delp is a consensus All-American and one of the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick.

Zachariah Branch

Branch is a 6’1″, 205-pound tight end from Southern Cal. He is a versatile player who can line up at tight end, wide receiver, or H-back. In 2023, Branch caught 57 passes for 851 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had three catches for 34 yards in the Trojans’ Cotton Bowl victory. Branch is a consensus All-American and one of the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick.

Name	College	Height	Weight	40-Yard Dash
Cade Stover	Ohio State	6’3″	240	4.60
Oscar Delp	Georgia	6’5″	250	4.55
Zachariah Branch	Southern Cal	6’1″	205	4.40

Breakout Candidates: Surprise Tight Ends to Watch for

While the likes of Cade Otton and Luke Musgrave are highly touted tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft, several under-the-radar prospects have the potential to emerge as breakout candidates.

Cal’s Gavin Bartholomew

Bartholomew, a 6’4″, 230-pound junior, has flashed his athleticism and pass-catching ability. With a strong senior season, he could solidify his status as a potential draft gem.

Georgia’s Oscar Delp

Delp, a 6’5″, 245-pound sophomore, is a physically imposing tight end with excellent blocking skills. His development in the passing game could make him a sought-after prospect in 2025.

Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon

Raridon, a 6’6″, 250-pound sophomore, is another physically gifted tight end. With his size and athleticism, he has the potential to be a versatile weapon in the NFL.

Air Force’s Kyle Patterson

Patterson, a 6’4″, 235-pound junior, is a bit of a wild card in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hailing from a run-heavy triple-option offense, he has limited pass-catching stats. However, his athleticism and potential are undeniable.

Player	School	Year
Kyle Patterson	Air Force	Junior
Gavin Bartholomew	Cal	Junior
Oscar Delp	Georgia	Sophomore
Eli Raridon	Notre Dame	Sophomore

Intriguing Prospects: Unheralded Tight Ends with Potential

While the top prospects at the tight end position may draw the most attention, several under-the-radar players possess intriguing talent and could make a significant impact in the NFL.

No. 5: Josiah Phillips, Tennessee

Phillips, a 6’5″, 240-pound tight end from Tennessee, has flown under the radar compared to his more well-known teammates. However, his combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills makes him a hidden gem. Phillips is a natural pass-catcher with soft hands and the ability to make contested catches. His physicality and blocking prowess could also make him a valuable asset in the running game.

Despite starting only five games for the Volunteers, Phillips has consistently produced when given the opportunity. He averaged 15 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns in 2022, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. Phillips has the potential to become a dynamic receiving threat and a reliable target for any NFL offense.

Name	Team	Height/Weight
Josiah Phillips	Tennessee	6’5″, 240 lbs

Day Two Gems: Value Picks for the 2nd and 3rd Rounds

6. Lorenzo Styles Jr., CB, Oklahoma

Lorenzo Styles Jr. is a rising star in the college football world, and many believe he has the potential to be a standout player in the NFL. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, Styles possesses the ideal size and athleticism for the cornerback position. His exceptional speed and quickness allow him to keep pace with even the fastest wide receivers.

In the 2022 season, Styles showcased his playmaking abilities, recording 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, and 37 tackles. He has a knack for making big plays, and his ball-hawking instincts are a valuable asset to any defense. Styles’s tackling skills are also impressive, and he is adept at wrapping up ball carriers with strong and sure tackles.

While Styles has some areas to improve upon, such as his consistency and technique, his physical tools and natural instincts make him a highly sought-after prospect. If he continues to develop his skills and refine his game, Styles has the potential to become a dominant force in the NFL.

Year

Tackles

INTs

2022

Late-Round Sleepers: Underrated Tight Ends with Upside

Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State

Bellinger is a physical specimen with a strong frame, good speed, and soft hands. He excels in the red zone and has a knack for finding the open space in the end zone. Despite coming from a smaller program, Bellinger has shown enough potential to warrant a late-round selection.

Jack Olsen, Washington

Olsen is an athletic tight end with excellent blocking skills. He is also a reliable receiver with good hands and route running. Olsen has the potential to be a complete tight end in the NFL, making him an intriguing late-round sleeper.

Octavious Evans, North Carolina State

Evans is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to line up at tight end or wide receiver. He has excellent speed and agility, making him a threat in the passing game. Evans also has good size and strength, which allows him to contribute as a blocker.

Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

Conerly Jr. is a massive tight end with a strong frame and impressive blocking skills. He is also a capable receiver with good hands and athleticism. Conerly Jr. has the potential to be a solid all-around tight end in the NFL.

Gervin Brinkley, South Carolina

Brinkley is a versatile tight end with a good combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills. He is a reliable target in the passing game and can also contribute as a blocker. Brinkley has the potential to be a valuable role player in the NFL.

Corey Patterson, Eastern Michigan

Patterson is an underrated tight end with good size, athleticism, and hands. He is a reliable target in the passing game and can also contribute as a blocker. Patterson has the potential to be a solid backup tight end in the NFL.

Lucas Krull, Pittsburgh

Krull is an athletic tight end with good size, speed, and agility. He is a reliable target in the passing game and can also contribute as a blocker. Krull has the potential to be a valuable role player in the NFL, particularly in a pass-heavy offense.

Analysis of Receiving Skills: Evaluating Catch Radius and Route-Running Ability

Catch Radius

Tight ends with a large catch radius are highly sought after in the NFL. They create a larger target for quarterbacks, especially in contested catch situations. Players with big hands and long arms are naturally advantaged in this area.

Route-Running Ability

Route-running is a crucial skill for tight ends, as they often need to create separation from defenders to get open. They must have good footwork, agility, and acceleration to run crisp routes, break tackles, and get into position for passes.

8. Jack Wickham

Analysis

Jack Wickham is a 6’6″, 250-pound tight end with an impressive catch radius. His long arms and big hands allow him to snag passes easily, even in traffic. Additionally, Wickham has good instincts and awareness, which helps him find soft spots in zone coverage and make contested catches.

Wickham’s route-running ability is still developing, but he shows promise in this area. He has good footwork, especially on in-breaking routes, and can adjust his routes well on the fly. He also has the potential to excel as a blocker, using his size and strength to create running lanes for his teammates.

Player	Catch Radius	Route-Running Ability
Jack Wickham	Excellent	Developing

Blocking Prowess: Identifying Tight Ends with Elite Blocking Potential

Identifying tight ends with exceptional blocking prowess is crucial for teams looking to establish a dominant ground game. These players possess the size, strength, and technique to seal off defenders, create running lanes, and protect the quarterback. Here are some key characteristics to look for:

Power and Physicality

Elite blocking tight ends possess immense power and physicality. They have a strong lower body and core to drive defenders back and create space. Their upper body strength allows them to engage with defenders using proper leverage and technique, effectively neutralizing their impact.

Athleticism and Mobility

While size and strength are important, athleticism and mobility are equally crucial. Blocking tight ends need to be able to move quickly and laterally to seal off defenders at various angles. They must be agile enough to reach defenders in space and maintain their blocks throughout the play.

Technique and Leverage

Proper technique is essential for effective blocking. Tight ends must use their arms and legs to gain leverage on defenders. They should slide their feet, keep their back straight, and extend their arms to create a wide base. By mastering these techniques, they can maximize their blocking efficiency.

Number 9: David Bailey, Stanford

David Bailey, a standout from Stanford, stands at 6’4″ and weighs 245 pounds. He possesses an impressive combination of size, power, and athleticism. Bailey is a relentless blocker who consistently drives defenders off the line of scrimmage and creates running lanes. His understanding of angles and leverage makes him a formidable opponent in both the running and passing game. Bailey has the potential to be a top-tier blocking tight end at the NFL level.

Prospect	School	Height	Weight
David Bailey	Stanford	6’4″	245 lbs

Fit and Projections: Predicting the Landing Spots for Top Tight End Prospects

No. 10: Jeremiah Alexander, Alabama

With his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and pass-catching ability, Jeremiah Alexander has emerged as a top prospect at the tight end position. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 245 pounds, Alexander possesses an imposing frame that allows him to excel in contested catch situations. His athleticism enables him to make defenders miss with quick moves and burst off the line of scrimmage. Most importantly, Alexander has exceptional hands and a natural feel for finding the soft spots in zone coverage.

Alexander’s ideal landing spot would be a team in need of an athletic and versatile pass-catching tight end. Teams that employ 12 personnel (two-tight end sets) and prioritize passing volume would be a great fit for his skill set. Potential suitors include the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Projected Landing Spot: Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are in the market for a dynamic tight end to complement their high-powered offense. Alexander’s ability to create separation and make big plays would complement the Bills’ talented wide receiver corps. With Josh Allen at the helm, Alexander could thrive in a pass-heavy offense that emphasizes play action and vertical passing.

Rank	Player	College	Ht/Wt	Projected Landing Spot
10	Jeremiah Alexander	Alabama	6’4″ / 245 lbs	Buffalo Bills

2025 NFL Draft TE Rankings

The 2025 NFL Draft is still over two years away, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead. The tight end position is one of the most important in football, and there are a number of talented players who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Here is a look at the top 10 tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to ESPN:

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