Our Top Six Tight Ends in the 2025 NFL Draft
By Brandon Lane
TYLER WARREN
Penn State (SR), TE
Many might be wondering who this year’s Brock Bowers is, and the answer is Tyler Warren. He was the driving force behind the Nittany Lions’ offense, contributing an impressive 31% of their total production. Warren caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and scored eight touchdowns. His achievements don’t stop there; he also made an impact on the ground, rushing for 218 yards and adding four touchdowns. Warren combines size, athleticism, and that unique “it” factor that NFL teams covet. He excels in short-to-intermediate routes, and I expect him to be a top 10 selection in this year’s NFL Draft.
Pluses:
• Natural athleticism
• Excellent footwork
• A versatile pass catcher who can beat man and zone coverage
• A threat out of the backfield
• Violent/mauling contact seeker
• YAC
Concerns:
• Solid blocker but needs to work on technique
• Aggressive defenders can be problematic for him
• Lacks elite separation
• 4th-year breakout
COLSTON LOVELAND
Michigan (JR), TE
Loveland began his time with the Wolverines alongside J.J. McCarthy, helping the team win a National Title in 2023. In 2024, Michigan faced challenges due to subpar quarterback play, which led to Loveland becoming a focal point of the offense, contributing to 35% of Michigan’s passing offense. Although he missed three games due to a shoulder injury, this is not a concern as he approaches the draft.
He is a superior athlete with excellent separation skills, functioning as a natural big slot tight end while also possessing the ability to play outside. Look for Loveland to be the second tight end selected in this year’s NFL Draft, likely in the mid-to-late first round.
Pluses:
• Superior athlete
• Separates with ease
• Great hands with a plus catch radius
• Can play inside and out
Concerns:
• Needs to hit the weight room
• Competent blocker but needs work
• Lacks in the YAC department
ELIJAH ARROYO
Miami (rJR), TE
A 4-star recruit from Texas faced knee injuries during his time with the Hurricanes but managed to play in all 13 games during his final season at Miami. He had an impressive year, recording 35 catches for 590 yards and 7 touchdowns. Although he was underutilized in college, it was his remarkable performance at the Senior Bowl that truly caught my attention, as he consistently excelled as a move tight end. While his injury history raises some concerns, his combination of size and athleticism has earned him the position of my TE3 on this year’s NFL Draft board.
Pluses:
• Speed and elusiveness
• Contested catch winner/Redzone threat
• Good footwork
• YAC
Concerns:
• Needs to improve blocking skills
• Durability concerns
• Limited sample of work
MASON TAYLOR
LSU (JR), TE
Mason grew up in a football family; his father, Jason, is a Hall of Fame defensive end, making it seem like Mason was destined to continue the family legacy. Although he was never the main focus for the Tigers, he became the first tight end in LSU history to achieve 100 receptions and 1,000 yards. He has a large frame, excellent hands, and impressive athleticism, finishing his last season with the Tigers with 55 catches for 546 yards. Mason significantly improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, where he caught everything thrown his way and showcased his skills in the red zone. I currently rank Taylor as my TE4 on the board, and I expect him to thrive as an in-line receiving tight end at the next level.
Pluses:
• Size
• Strong hands (2024 season only registered one drop in 81 targets)
• Effortless catch and run
• Red zone threat with excellent body control
Concerns:
• While an adequate blocker there is room to improve
• Lacks physicality at times
HAROLD FANNIN JR.
Bowling Green (JR), TE
A former high school safety and wide receiver, Fannin transitioned to tight end when he committed to Bowling Green. While he may not fit the typical tight end mold, he is more likely to serve as an H-back or utility player in the NFL due to his size and speed limitations. However, it’s important not to overlook the fact that Fannin had one of the most historic seasons ever for a collegiate tight end. He possesses natural hands and an aggressive playing style, coupled with excellent ball-tracking ability, which allows him to excel in contested catch situations. That being said, based on what I observed at the Senior Bowl and his underwhelming NFL Combine performance, I believe he is best suited for a role-specific system at the next level and will likely function as a power slot.
Pluses:
• Yards After Catch (lead the nation with 873 yards in YAC)
• Great hands
• Body control and ability to win contested catch situations
• Beats zone with ease
Concerns:
• Undersized
• Speed (4.71 40-Yard Dash)
• Scheme dependent
TERRANCE FERGUSON
Oregon (SR), TE
A former four-star recruit, he is a well-rounded player known for his smooth route-running and natural receiving abilities. He possesses excellent speed and explosiveness, showcasing his skills effectively at the combine. While his statistics may not stand out and he isn’t the flashiest player in this year’s tight end class, he is still an exceptional prospect likely to be selected in the second round of this year’s NFL draft.
Pluses:
• Excellent route runner
• Tackle-breaking ability
• Good speed
• Great hands
Concerns:
• Blocking needs improvement
• Needs to add strength
