Let’s get right into the fourth group in my final positional rankings for the 2023 NFL draft: the tight ends . This is another interesting group; there is one guy locked in pretty much at #1 and then a few guys who could be in any order.
As always, I will be listing players at their expected NFL positions. Be sure to check out my mid-season rankings on the tight ends, and if you want to check out the draft database that I help update almost daily, you can find it at risendraft.
2023 NFL Draft Tight ends: The Top 5
- Michael Mayer, Notre Dame: Mayer was NFL ready as a freshman, at least from a physical stand point. He has ideal size and solid athleticism. His game does compare somewhat to Rob Gronkowski. He is an all-around tight end who should be a top 20 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
- Dalton Kincaid, Utah: Kincaid, a transfer from San Diego, didn’t do much in his first year at Utah. He had a bit of a break out in 2021 while sharing snaps with Brant Kuithe. He put on a show against USC with 16 catches for 234 yards this past season. He is a little on the older side, turning 24 in October of his rookie year. His blocking is probably his biggest weakness. Kincaid has good hands and is a smooth route runner.
- Darnell Washington, Georgia: Washington is a mountain of a man at 6’7 264 pounds and ran a 4.64 4o-yard dash at the combine. He flashed some in 2020, but an injury derailed his 2021 season. He came back in 2022 and showed he can be consistent, having his best season yet. Already a good blocker, Washington showed improved route running this past season.
- Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State: Kraft had a big 2021 season with 65 catches 773 yards and 6 TDs. A lot was expected of him coming into 2022, but due to an injury he played in only nine games, missing five, and never seemed to be himself after he came back. Kraft has good size and athleticism. His blocking can be inconsistent, though.
- Sam LaPorta, Iowa: LaPorta has been a solid tight end since he stepped on campus. He is a solid all-around tight end who is probably a little bit better as a receiver. LaPorta is an adequate blocker. He is dependable and a hard worker. The former Hawkeye tested a lot better at the combine than many thought going in, meaning he might have more upside than initially thought. LaPorta does have a decent floor.
2023 NFL Draft Tight ends: Best of the Rest
6. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State: Musgrave is the son of Bill Musgrave, and has been a solid receiving tight end. He has shown improvement each season. At 6’6 253 and 4.61 40-yard dash speed, he has the size and speed to be an effective weapon in the passing game. His blocking leaves a lot to be desired.
7. Josh Whyle, Cincinnati: Whyle has the new-age tight end size at 6’7 248 pounds and is a good athlete. He is not used in-line that much since his frame is lacking a little, but when asked to block he has done his job. While not the same level, he is in the Kyle Pitts mold. He has yet to meet the potential he flashed in 2020, but seemed to start in 2022.
8. Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion: Kuntz is a Penn State transfer who couldn’t get on the field at PSU and subsequently transferred. He is a massive tight end at 6’7 255 pounds and ran a 4.55 40-yard dash with a 40″ vertical. He exploded in 2021 with 73 catches for 692 yards and 5 TDs. Big things were expected of him this past season. He got injured in Week 5 and didn’t play the rest of the season. His blocking has consistently been a weakness.
9. Cameron Latu, Alabama: Latu is a former edge, and it shows in his play. He plays a very physical brand of football. The former Crimson Tide tight end has shown potential in the passing game. He has solid size at 6’4 242 and runs in the 4.7 range. He showed flashes in 2021, but regressed some as a receiver. However, Latu showed improved blocking.
10. Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan: Schoonmaker is a late bloomer. He had a total of two catches in his first three seasons at Michigan. The former Wolverine was mostly used as a blocker until 2022, where he showed some flashes of potential as a receiver. He measured in at 6’5 250 and ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine. One of the downsides is that he is already 24 years old