2008 NFL Draft Preview: Tight Ends

The tight end position has seen a transformation in the past few years, and this year’s tight end class has some really athletic tight ends and some complete tight ends that can make an impact as a rookie. 

John Carlson, Notre Dame – Carlson had a poor 2007 season at Notre Dame due to inconsistent QB play and an extremely underachieving offense.  The fact still remains that Carlson is a great blocker, has great hands, good route running ability, and adequate speed.  He is very comparable to Jason Witten.  Carlson didn’t time well at Indianapolis, but he looked to be taking it easy in his 40.

Fred Davis, USC – Davis came into USC as a wide receiver, and it’s pretty obvious because he runs great routes, has good speed, and looks like a receiver.  Everyone assumes Davis has trouble blocking, but he’s a really willing and able blocker, as seen by some of the edge runs by USC this season where Davis was a key blocker. 

Dustin Keller, Purdue – At 6’2” 242, Keller is almost identical to Shannon Sharpe, but he’s not the same blocker.  Keller was this year’s “combine freak”, but he’s much more than that.  The 38” vertical, 26 bench reps, and 4.53 40 all stand out, but the fact is Keller played in a spread offense at Purdue and has always showed a great feel for the game and solid hands.  Keller’s sub par blocking keeps him from being the top TE this year and doesn’t make him a good fit in every NFL offense.  Put Keller in an offense with a solid outside threat and good running game and he could develop into a solid NFL TE.

Sleeper:  Brad Cottam, Tennessee – Cottam is a lean 270 pounds, and most 6’7” tight ends struggle to be effective in the NFL, but Cottam is new to the position with good athleticism.  With good coaching, he could be a day two steal in the 6^th round as a developmental project.

Potential Bust: Kellen Davis, Michigan State – Davis is another freaky athlete, but that’s about it.  At 6’6” 262 pounds, Davis is physical imposing, but lacked production at Michigan State recording only 513 yards and six touchdowns.  Davis did play some defensive end at Michigan State, and he has the athleticism to potentially move there at the next level if he can not cut it at tight end.

Top 10 Tight Ends in 2008 Draft:

1. John Carlson – NOTRE DAME
2. Fred Davis – USC
3. Dustin Keller – PURDUE
4. Martellus Bennett – TEXAS A&M
5. Darrell Strong – PITTSBURGH
6. Craig Stevens – CALIFORNIA
7. Martin Rucker – MISSOURI
8. Brad Cottam – TENNESSEE
9. Kellen Davis – MICHIGAN STATE
10. Jermichael Finley – TEXAS