Tight Ends
The 2020 TE draft class was very underwhelming in terms of legitimate studs . While twelve did get drafted in total, there were no first-rounders and only three in the top 100 selections. There was level depth across rounds 3 and 4, however. All said, this 2021 draft class will upstage the aforementioned group in terms of early selections
1) Pat Freiermuth | 6'5 | 256 | TE | Penn State -
Freiermuth has great size and is probably the most complete TE prospect going into the 2020 season. In 2019, he posted 43 catches for 507 yards, good for 7 TDs. He's athletic enough to pull off a decent wheel route after a quick DE chip, while being able to function as an extra on-the-line blocker. He's a nuanced route runner in the seam, one who does a great job of setting up LBs and SAFs out of the slot. Opponents often don't know whether he's releasing to seal off a defender, or making himself a target in the passing game. He has Round-1 potentially, should be targetted frequently.
2) Brevin Jordan | 6'3 | 245 | TE | Miami -
Jordan doesn't have elite TE size, and his 2019 stats of 35 catches with just 2 TDs certainly isn't eye-popping. Had he landed with a different program that utilizes their TEs, and his production would be a whole different story. Going back to even his high school game tape, you see a kid who simply dominates his competition. He's too fast, gifted and athletic to keep at bay. Whether he's used as a big slot WR or flexed out, he's a match up nightmare. Technically speaking, he may not be the most refined receiver or staunch blocker, but he's good enough at both to be an all-around threat.
3) Kyle Pitts | 6'5 | 240 | TE | Florida -
Pitts is a very similar player to Brevin Jordan, so much so that you can take your pick as to who you like more given the same role. Pitts excels in the receiving game, having caught 54 balls for 649 yards worth 5 TDs in 2019. He's not asked to block all that much, is often used as an extra receiver. He's a match up problem, as LBs are suspect against his speed, DBs rendered too short to account for his length.
4) Matt Bushman | 6'4 | 245 | TE | BYU -
Bushman is a production machine. He's amassed at least 500 yards receiving in each of his past three seasons. While not targeted consistently as a TD threat, this has more to do with the offense than any lacking ability on his part. He's good at pressing and splitting the seam, typically displays the ability to stack LB while operating underneath SAFs. He plays with enough functional speed to keep defenders honest.
5) Charlie Kolar | 6'5 | 250 | TE | Iowa State -
After looking promising in 2018, Kolar busted out in 2019 and became one of Purdy's favorite, most reliable targets. He had 51 receptions for 697 yards, 7 TDs. He has excellent size and uses it well to gain superior positioning on defenders. While built like a traditional Y, Iowa State often splits him out and puts him 1:1 in favorable match up scenarios. He is a willing blocker, but improvements can be made in this area.
6) Josh Pederson | 6'5 | 232 | TE | Louisiana
7) Kylen Granson | 6'3 | 235 | TE | SMU
8) Jeremy Ruckert | 6'5 | 250 | TE | Ohio State
9) Jacob Ferguson | 6'4 | 247 | TE | Wisconsin
10) Luke Farrell | 6'5 | 250 | TE | Ohio State
11) Peyton Hendershot | 6'4 | 255 | TE | Indiana
12) Nick Eubanks | 6'4 | 255 | TE | Michigan
13) Zach Davidson | 6'4 | 255 | TE | Michigan
14) Noah Gray | 6'4 | 240 | TE | Duke
15) Chase Allen | 6'6 | 240 | TE | Iowa State
16) Cary Angeline | 6'6 | 254 | TE | NC State
17) Quintin Morris | 6'4 | 230 | TE | Bowling Green
18) Nick Muse | 6'4 | 250 | TE | South Carolina
19) Shaun Beyer | 6'4 | 245 | TE | Iowa