Tight Ends to target in the 2022 NFL Draft

TREY MCBRIDE

By John Mesenbrink

Colorado State (SR), TE

Arguably the best Tight End in this year’s draft class, Trey McBride led the nation with 91/1,125 but only one TD in 2021. Known as a two-way tight end because of his size — 6’ 4” 260 lbs — McBride does need to work on his blocking at the point of attack. His 4.56 40-time at his Pro Day didn’t hurt his chances of being the first TE off the board later this month. Later first round, early second round, the Cincinnati Bengals would be a premier landing spot.

Pluses:
• Size
• Willing blocker
• Good footwork
• Big hands and solid pass catcher
• Smart route runner

Concerns:
• Does need improvement with blocking
• Lack of TD production
• Separation ability
• Catch radius

GREG DULCICH

By John Mesenbrink

UCLA (rJR), TE

One of the fastest and most athletic TEs entering this year’s draft, Dulcich caught 42 passes on 65 targets for 725 yards and five TDs for the Bruins in 2021. A potential top 5 TE taken off the board and a probable middle round (3–4) selection in this year’s NFL Draft, Dulcich led the Bruins with 17.3 YPC in 2021 and earned first the All-Pac12 honors. In addition, his Senior Bowl performance opened some eyes where his entire skill set was on display. Has potential to be an impact player in a couple of years.

Pluses:
• Big play ability
• Large hands
• Faster than appears
• Good against press coverage

Concerns:
• Willing blocker but needs improvement
• Needs better focus throughout entire route and catch
• Body control

JELANI WOODS

By John Mesenbrink

VIRGINIA (JR), TE

Used primarily as a blocker in his first three years for Oklahoma St., Woods’ body of work — as a pass catcher — was limited with 31 receptions on 45 targets for 361 yards and four TDs. Then, in his last year with Virginia, he blossomed with 44 receptions on 71 targets for nearly 600 yards and eight TDs. Which Woods you gonna get? Relatively new as a pass catcher, Woods is a 3rd round projection and a very good backup TE with potential starter status.

Pluses:
• Great size 6’7” 265 lbs
• Catch radius
• High potential

Concerns:
• Functional blocker but needs improvement
• Acceleration from line of scrimmage
• Questionable YAC

Tight End Watch List:

Jeremy Ruckert, Isaish Likely, Charlie Kolar, Cade Otton