Tight end is one of the most interesting positions in the 2024 NFL Draft class. There's one unique receiving and blocking talent who has the potential to be a top-10 overall selection, but there are also plenty of intriguing but flawed prospects.
The past two drafts have offered rising young stars such as Trey McBride, Dalton Kincaid, and Sam LaPorta. Brock Bowers is the most likely to break into that group this season, and he'll likely be drafted much higher than any of those three.
Here's breaking down Bowers and nine other notable tight ends to watch from April 25-27:
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NFL Draft 2024: The top 10 tight ends
1. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (6-3, 243 pounds)
Bowers is an explosive, powerful athlete who gets the most out of his sturdy frame in addition to his receiving and blocking skills. He can create a lot of mismatches as a hybrid wide receiver, but he also gets physical enough to have an impact when needed.
Draft projection: High-to-mid first-round pick
2. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas (6-4, 245 pounds)
Sanders is another plus athlete for the position with dynamic pass-catching as his calling card. He also plays quicker and faster than he runs and played well off two top wide receivers in Austin.
Draft projection: Late second-round or early third-round pick
3. Theo Johnson, Penn State (6-6, 259 pounds)
Johnson's toughness and quickness for his size make him an effective, big athletic target. That also gives him the potential to continue to develop his sometimes shaky route running and blocking.
Draft projection: Third-round or fourth-round pick
4. Cade Stover, Ohio State (6-4, 247 pounds)
Stover pivots from the top three tight ends in this class, as his strength and power are seen more in his blocking. He can be a lot more effective as a receiver if he uses his frame and physicality better while also improving his ability to get open.
Draft projection: Third-round or fourth-round pick
5. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State (6-4, 250 pounds)
Sinnott is another tight end in this class packed with speed and quickness. That gives him some upside as a receiver, but there's work to do to play as an inline blocker.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late fourth-round pick
6. Dallin Holker, Colorado State (6-3, 241 pounds)
Holker, from the same program as Cardinals' breakout Trey McBride, has some great raw physical tools to excel in the passing game and grow a lot more as a reliable receiver and competent blocker.
Draft projection: Fourth-round or fifth-round pick
7. Jared Wiley, TCU (6-6, 248 pounds)
Wiley uses his big frame well to get physical as a receiver and blocker, and he brings the assets of fine hands and good footwork. He needs work to fine tune the technical aspects of each facet.
Draft projection: Fifth-round pick
8. Jaheim Bell, Florida State (6-2, 241 pounds)
Bell uses his athleticism and frame to stretch the field well, working down the seam to get open often as a move option. He also needs time to sharpen route-running, and his blocking is far from a pro-level asset.
Draft projection: Fifth-round pick or sixth-round pick
9. AJ Barner, Michigan (6-6, 251 pounds)
Barner, as one might think, was an integral piece to the Wolverines' rushing attack with his exceptional power run blocking. He also has good hands as a short-area receiver. He can last as a strong in-line complement in 12 personnel.
Draft projection: Fifth-round or sixth-round pick
10. Tanner McLachlan, Arizona (6-5, 244 pounds)
McLachlan has gotten more attention late for his relentlessness and quickness as a receiver, both getting into routes and finishing after the catch. He still could use his body positioning and footwork a lot better as a blocker and pass-cacher.
Draft projection: Sixth-round or seventh-round pick
