The 2016 Draft Prospects by position continues with tight end. This 2016 class is pretty weak but there are a couple worthy tight ends in this draft.
Hunter Henry: Arkansas
Henry is the top TE in this draft by a good margin. Henry is a good run blocker from the run heavy Arkansas offense. Alex Collins did well running with Henry blocking. Henry is 6’5 and 250 pounds. Henry can find holes in zones and can beat LBs one on one. Henry had a few holding calls but is good blocker. Henry is a complete TE but not an overly athletic tight end. Henry had 739 yards and 14.5 YPC and 3 TDs in 2015. Henry is a solid second round pick. There is no way the Packers take him in Round 1.
Austin Hooper: Stanford
Hooper is a more athletic tight end that can also line up in-line. Hooper gets good YAC with Stanford but only decent separation. Hooper ran a 4.72 at the combine and had good bench reps and three cone drill to show his strength and athleticism. Hooper needs to work on his routes and hands (11 percent drop rate). He compares to former Stanford tight end Coby Fleener (2nd round pick). Hooper is 6’4 and 258 pounds. Hooper had 438 yards and 6 TDS in 2015. Hooper could be a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
Nick Vannett: Ohio State
Vannett is 6’6 and 260 pounds but didn’t produce much for the Buckeyes. Vannett had 220 yards and 5 TDs in 2014 and was worse in 2015. Vannett is a solid blocker with decent athleticism. Vannett needs to work on his separation and route running. Vannett was easily tackled and didn’t get much YAC. Vannett compares to Zach Ertz. Vannett is a day 3 pick.
Thomas Duarte: UCLA
Duarte has good athleticism and is smooth in his routes. Duarte doesn’t have good size and will need to add some bulk but not lose athleticism. Duarte must develop as an inline blocker. Duarte was productive with 872 yards and 10 TDS for the Bruins in 2015. Duarte could be an early Day 3 pick.
Other Tight Ends
Jerrel Adams (South Carolina), Bryce Williams (East Carolina), Tyler Higbee (Western Kentucky), Kyle Carter (Penn State) and Jake McGee (Florida) should get some consideration on day 3 at tight end.
This is a very weak class. Henry and Hooper seem to be the only starting capable tight ends.