This is the first edition of the 2022 NFL Draft tight end rankings. This tight end class seems to be weak at the top, but with good depth with guys who should be available early day 3 that have some starter potential. Tight end rankings may vary from team to team because of this. You can see the previous rankings here: 2022 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings 1.0

1. Jahleel Billingsley – Alabama

Elite athlete, almost wide receiver like. Great hands and route runner. On the smaller side at 230. Needs weight and strength. Versatile, can be split out and moved around. Blocking is obviously a weakness and character needs checking into. He was called out publicly by Nick Saban.

2. Jalen Wydermyer – Texas A&M

Big strong all around skilled tight end. Similar skill set to a young Marcedes Lewis, not as tall and long. Has some versatility but not an elite athlete and has heavy feet. Doesn’t get much YAC and still could improve as a blocker.

3. Cade Otton – Washington

Another all around skilled tight end. Solid receiver and blocker. Good size and a solid but not elite athlete. Big soft hands and a great route runner. Might be a high floor low ceiling type player. Still has some room for growth, but not be a lot.

4. Trey McBride – Colorado State

A little on the smaller side at 6’3. Big and strong, good run blocker. Gets yards after contact. He is a sufficient athlete. Can be moved around and used in different formations. Big strong hand but not flashy. Decent straight line speed and another high floor low ceiling player.

5. Isaiah Likely – Coastal Carolina

Athletic pass catcher and can play anywhere, almost h-back style. Good blocker for his size, but could still stand some improvements there. Good speed but a little small at about 240, could stand to add bulk. Can stretch the field vertically but not a guy you want to play in line too much. Plays in a funky offense so will need time to develop.

6. Cole Turner – Nevada

Has continuously gotten better every year. Good blocker for a guy who is only around 240. Big frame at 6’6 with room for growth. Good overall athlete with good speed and agility. Can make circus catches but needs some work on his release. He has a lot of upside.

7. Austin Stogner – Oklahoma

Size, length, speed prospect with a small breakout in 2020. Plays for Oklahoma so he obviously can block and is versatile. He can get up and make contested catches. Still lacks strength as a blocker and needs to add some more strength. Still can improve a couple more levels, he needs to show it.

8. Charlie Kolar – Iowa State

6’6 with big strong hands so he is a good receiver. Tries as a blocker but still can be a lot better. Skinny for a tight end, still needs some bulk. Great in contested catch situations and can flex out and play inline. Feet are a little heavy but he is a great red zone player. Not much after the catch and still needs to get stronger in his routes.

9. Josh Whyle – Cincinnati

Big dude with lots of potential and room for growth. Showed lots of potential in 2020, but started slow in 2021. Lacking as a blocker but has good hands and does well in contested catch situations. Gets YAC but needs to develop his route tree and strength to deal with physicality.

10. James Mitchell – Virginia Tech

Smooth mover, and a good athlete. Great hands and body control, can make contested catches. YAC monster for a tight end. Has experience in line and flexed out. A bit undersized, and not much of a blocker. Also needs to continue developing his routes. Coming off a season ending injury that needs to be checked out.