Here is my initial list of the top tight ends for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The number in parentheses represents the ranking for the top overall players in the draft.
Click here to check out that list…ORDER 66
Click here to check out our QB list…QUARTERBACKS
Click here to check out our RB list…RUNNINGBACKS
Click here to check out our WR list…WIDERECEIVERS
This list will be updated following all-star week performances from the East/West Shrine Bowl (1/28 – 2/3) and the Senior Bowl (2/1 – 2/5) as well as individual player pro days and the NFL Combine (3/1 – 3/7).
RANKINGS
1 (32) Trey McBride, CSU (Sr.) 6-4, 260; 2021 All-American and 2021 1st-team MWC; 2021 John Mackey Award winner (nation’s top tight end); three years of production (157-2,011-9 TDs) including a huge senior season in which he led all tight ends in the nation with 90 receptions and 1,121 yards; can line up in the slot or even wide; also a solid blocker which makes him a complete player; not a downfield threat; only scored 10 career touchdowns in four seasons; McBride is an excellent athlete and was also a good defender in high school with over 300 career tackles, 14 sacks, seven interceptions and six blocked punts; he also starred in basketball and baseball.
2 (48) Isaiah Likely, C Carolina (Sr.) 6-4, 240; 2020 and 2021 1st-Team SBC; four-year contributor (133-2,050-27 TDs) averaging 15.4 yards per catch including 17 yards per catch over the past two seasons; three years of solid production averaging 40-648-7 TDs; coming off his best season with 59-912-12 TDs including a 99-yard touchdown reception at Arkansas State; his 912 yards receiving was second only behind Trey McBride for all tight ends in 2021 and his 12 touchdowns were second only behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers; has demonstrated elite-level skill to his game for the past two seasons including route running and athleticism; not very big, but does a good job extending his arms to come up with the high throws which should be a valuable asset in the redzone; good speed for the position; smart kid.
By Greg DePalma
The Draft Apprentice and Executive Producer of the Ourlads’ Football Network at Ourlads.com.