Today, we’re going to be looking at the top tight end prospects for this year’s draft
It’s that time of year again, folks, as the world get’s ready for the NFL 2020 draft amid one of the most uncertain climates in history.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the world and has seen all sport, from the NBA to the Premier League, brought to a standstill.
But NFL fans have been counting themselves fortunate that this crisis has hit during the off-season and are hoping things will stay on track for the start of the season in September.
Earlier this month, the NFL announced the draft would go ahead but would be completely virtual, with league staff, personnel and players communicating via digital means only.
READ MORE: NFL 2020 Draft will go ahead in virtual format
So, here at the Sports Despatch, we will be bringing you everything you need to know for the NFL 2020 draft which is set to take place between April 23 and 25.
Today, we will be taking you through the top tight end prospects in this year’s draft…
Adam Trautman – Dayton
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 251lbs
40-yard time: 4.8
In 2019, Adam Trautman hauled in 70 receptions for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns – the stats warranted an invitation to the Senior Bowl in Alabama.
There was also plenty of buzz about Trautman heading into the NFL combine and he was considered one of the best tight end prospects.
This was largely due to his performance at the Senior Bowl which showed he could perform with the best of them under pressure.
Trautman is a solid pass-catcher whose athleticism allows him to wrong-foot defenders and has flexibility when it comes to where you can line him up.
But scouts felt he under-performed and ran slower than expected. They also have concerns over his inline blocking so he’s expected to be a mid to late second-day pick.
Cole Kmet – Notre Dame
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 262lbs
40-yards: 4.70 secs
Cole Kmet’s size – which includes his long arms and big hands – gives him a huge catch radius and makes him an ideal target for any quarterback.
His size means he can challenge effectively for contested balls and that he has the physicality to take on linebackers.
Cole caught 43 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns and he has also proven himself to be a better-than-average run blocker.
Kmet is expected to go in rounds two to three.
Thaddeus Moss – LSU
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 250lbs
40-yard time: 4.65 secs
Thaddeus Moss has been billed as one of the top blocking tight end prospects going into this year’s draft.
He has also been credited with fantastic hands and capable of hauling in any ball that comes near his sizeable frame.
While he isn’t the fastest or most defined route runner, he has good, solid footwork which enables him to keep his balance when blocking.
In 2019, Thaddeus Moss caught 47 catches for 570 yards and four touchdowns – with an average of 12.1 yards.
Pundits suggest he will prove more valuable for his blocking than his receiving abilities and he is projected to go in the third or fourth round.
Colby Parkinson – Stanford
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 252lbs
40-yard time: 4.83 secs
Colby Parkinson is a smart, well-rounded tight end who is good at getting open and holding onto the ball through contact.
In 2019, Parkinson put up 48 receptions for 589 yards and one touchdown.
Colby tested poorly at this year’s combine but still remains one of the top tight end prospects of the draft.
This is largely due to his ability as a pass catcher and blocker despite his lack of athleticism.
Because of this, expect Parkinson to get picked late on day two or early day three.
Albert Okwuegbunam – Missouri
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 258lbs
40-yard time: 4.49 secs
Okweugbunam impressed everyone at the combine and was the fourth fastest tight end since 2003.
Albert O – as he likes to be called – is a talented athlete with the speed and nimbleness to get downfield quickly.
His size makes him a good mismatch for opponents but critics have pointed to his separation difficulty as a major weakness – he will also need to work on his blocking.
Another concern is that he never played more than nine games in each of his three seasons, largely due to injuries.
While he was given limited touches in 2019, he hauled in 26 passes for 306 yards and six touchdowns – but if he can stay healthy, he could prove to be a powerful weapon.
So there you have it – if your team is in need of a tight end, these are the top tight end prospects to look out for in this year’s draft.
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