The 5 Best Tight Ends In 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft is just about three months away. The NFL just got through its most difficult non-strike season of all time. This year, the draft will feel a little more normal if only because there’s widespread certainty that there will be a 2021 season. Such was not the case when the draft occurred last year – people did not know the 2020 season would get off the ground and work its way to the finish line at Super Bowl LV. When we look at the draft, tight end is a fascinating position to consider, given the different roles tight ends fill for various teams.

Kyle Pitts, Florida

The interesting aspect of Kyle Pitts as an NFL prospect is that the team which drafts him might play him less as a true tight end – at the end of the offensive line – and more as a receiver. If Pitts transitioned to the receiver spot, few if any people would be surprised. Pitts has world-class speed and is an excellent route-runner. He will be a matchup nightmare for linebackers. NFL defenses are likely to want to match up with him by using a safety rather than a linebacker. It could be that as long as Pitts is on the field, the opposing defense will use a nickel or dime package to deal with Pitts.

The flip side of all this is that in run situations, Pitts might not be as strong or sturdy a blocker. Will some teams see that as a reason not to take him? Maybe… but only if those teams already have a good receiving tight end and need a blocker. A team with a need for an elite pass catcher will not pass him up. Pitts is certain to go in the first round, likely in the top 15.

Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

The notable aspect of Freiermuth is that at Penn State – which did not have a very potent or threatening passing game in 2020 – everyone knew the ball was going to be thrown to the tight end, and he would still find a little space in which to get open, and he would still make the catch. Defenses devoted plenty of attention to Freiermuth, and it often didn’t matter. That is the mark of a quality tight end, a player who will be extremely valuable in third and five situations. Freiermuth will convert a lot of third downs in his NFL career.

Brevin Jordan, Miami

The Miami tight end helped the Hurricanes contend for the ACC championship and a berth in the Orange Bowl. Miami didn’t get the Orange Bowl bid, but the Canes had a season in which they improved from their 2019 standard. Jordan is projected as a tight end who will be taken either at the end of the second round or the start of the third. The one concern with him: Miami quarterback D’Eriq King made him look good. Jordan will need to find an NFL team with a polished quarterback. If he goes to a mediocre team with a below-average quarterback, he is unlikely to transform that offense. He needs to fit into an offense which is good but needs an extra weapon in order to become better.

Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame

The noticeable aspect of Tremble is that he won 50-50 balls. When he fought a defender for a ball, he came down with it. He is strong and hard to dislodge in a fight for position. He will win battles with cornerbacks. Maybe a muscular safety can beat him for a jump ball, but it will be hard.

Hunter Long, Boston College

The Boston College Eagles have turned out a number of quality NFL tight ends, most prominently Mark Chmura, who became a Super Bowl champion with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Pete Mitchell played for nine NFL seasons. Hunter Long follows in the footsteps of these players, and he will be attractive late in Day 2 of the draft (third round) or early on Day 3 (fourth round).