1. Mayer, Michael
Notre Dame 6050 251
Three year starter from Independence, KY. Evolved into a third team All American in 2021 as he set a program record for receptions (71), yards (840), and touchdowns (7) by a tight end. The key focal point to their offense with a passing game that is built around getting him the ball anywhere and everywhere. Carries a receiver-caliber skill set once the ball is in the air. Gives matchup problems to defensive backs and linebackers respectively via different avenues. Out-muscles smaller defenders with body positioning and sheer power. Plays wide and long. Gets open underneath with efficient footwork and route running mechanics that are clearly refined. Sturdy blocker with a strong initial punch and excellent power presence. Needs to stay on his man longer against the run and lacks dynamic ability after the catch to create more on his own.
2. Washington, Darnell*
Georgia 6070 265
Three year starter from Las Vegas, NV. Overwhelming size and natural power. Carries his mass with ease and minimal bad weight. Opponents feel every single pound of force he brings as a blocker. A true weapon in the running game as a blocker both in-line and in space. Will pull out ahead as a lead man pave his own path and running lane for the back. Gets a lot of movement once he gets in contact with the defender. Plays with the nasty demeanor that wants to dominate his man and has a high success rate of doing so. An inviting target for the passer. A hard target for defenders to reach around on passes where he comes back to the ball. Elite-level length with an incredible radius. A force after the catch that no lone defender will want to take on. Still a blank canvas with limited experience. Rough around the edges as a pure hands catcher that needs more development as a receiver.
3. Musgrave, Luke
Oregon State 6057 250
Three year starter from Bend, OR. Unique blend of talent when looking at his size and ability to move. Top shelf straight line speed with the ability to jump late and reach an unmatchable apex by most defenders. Carries his mass with ease and will add bulk as time passes without losing athleticism. Well-developed understanding of the game and is an asset on all downs. Easy, smooth acceleration with sharpness at the top of his routes. Will create separation on his own via movement and size respectively. Holds his own in the trenches. Swings his hips into the hole and stays attached. Plays hungry. Needs to become more consistent with his hands. Too many balls hit the ground that he should bring in.
4. Whyle, Josh
Cincinnati 6065 244
Three year starter from Cincinnati, OH. Earned honorable mention All-AAC honors in 2021, first team in 2020. Excellent burst off the line with an extra gear up the seam. Has basketball player-type traits when it comes to attacking the ball in the air. Natural timing and extension to reach the ball at his apex. Gains vertical separation and is comfortable in a crowd. Space-aware within the phone booth and excels at proper positioning. Struggles to impact the running game as a blocker. Below average length and sustainability in the trenches.
5. Schoonmaker, Luke
Michigan 6052 248
Two year starter from Hamden, CT. Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2021. Has the classic Y-Tight End frame and opportunity for bulk. Should be able to hold more weight in time. A fluid long strider with good build up speed as he moves vertical. Tracks the ball with balance and control which will maximize his plus-sized radius. Soft hands that will pluck the ball out of the air from all angles. Rarely lets it into his body. Shows light feet and an easy bending lower half. Mechanically sound across the board that pays attention to the details. Needs to live in the weight room for a year or two so he can hang out in the trenches without getting pummeled. Shows solid blocking technique but overall impact there is limited.
6. Kincaid, Dalton
Utah 6064 241
7. LaPorta, Sam
Iowa 6034 250
8. Kraft, Tucker
South Dakota 6050 255
9. Bell, Jahiem
South Carolina 6030 235
10. Mallory, Will
Miami 6050 248
11. Durham, Payne
Purdue 6053 260
12. Latu, Cameron
Alabama 6042 237
13. Allen, Chase
Clemson 6054 251
14. All, Erick
Michigan 6042 251
15. Kuntz, Zack
Old Dominion 6075 250
16. Durham, Payne
Purdue 6053 260
17. Barker, Daniel
Michigan State 6030 251
18. Castles, McCallan
Cal-Davis 6044 245
19. Billingsley, Jahleel
Texas 6040 213
20. Gindorff, Noah
North Dakota State 6060 266
21. Knox, Trey
Kansas 6032 231
22. Sims, Ben
Baylor 6034 254
20. Kuithe, Brant
Utah 6016 220
23. Upshaw, Keaton
Kentucky 6055 243
24. Gamble, Kemore
Central Florida 6032 253
25. Willis, Brayden
Oklahoma 6024 244
26. Taylor, Leonard
Cincinnati 6046 250
27. Spann-Ford, Brevyn
Minnesota 6066 256
*Denotes Underclassman