As a Sports enthusiast and avid follower of the NFL, I have had my eye on the 2023 draft class for tight ends. After careful observation and evaluation, I have ranked the top ten tight ends that I believe will have the most impact in the league. From athleticism to agility, these players possess the skills and talent needed to make a significant impact on any team. Join me as I break down the top ten tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 10 best tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft, ranked
The tight end position has become increasingly important in the NFL in recent years. No longer just a blocker or short-yardage receiver, today’s top tight ends are often used as mismatches against opposing defenses, with their size, speed, and athleticism creating problems for even the best defensive players in the league. This makes the 2023 NFL Draft an exciting one for teams looking to find their next star tight end. Here are the top 10 prospects in this year’s draft, ranked according to their potential impact on the NFL.
1. Kyle Pitts, Florida
Pitts is the undisputed top tight end in this year’s draft. A matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, he excels at both route-running and contested catches, consistently making tough grabs with his 6’6″ frame and 83″ wingspan. He’s also surprisingly agile for his size, able to create separation with sharp cuts and explosive bursts off the line. With his combination of size, speed, and versatility, Pitts will almost certainly be a top-10 pick in the draft.
2. Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M
Wydermyer is another elite prospect at the tight end position, with excellent size (6’5″, 265 pounds) and impressive receiving ability. He’s a reliable target for quarterbacks, able to adjust to passes in the air and make difficult catches in traffic. With good speed and agility for his size, he can also create mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties. Look for Wydermyer to be a high first-round pick, potentially even cracking the top 15.
3. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
Kolar may not have the same raw athleticism as Pitts and Wydermyer, but he’s a skilled pass-catcher with excellent hands and body control. He’s a polished route-runner who knows how to find soft spots in coverage, and his 6’6″, 257-pound frame makes him difficult to bring down after the catch. While he may not be a dynamic deep threat like some of the other tight ends in this class, Kolar has the potential to be a reliable red-zone target and impact player at the next level.
4. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
Ruckert is a versatile tight end with experience as both a receiver and blocker. He’s a big target at 6’5″ and 250 pounds, but he’s also surprisingly quick and agile for his size. He’s a reliable pass-catcher who can exploit mismatches in the middle of the field, and he’s also a willing blocker who can help open up running lanes for his team. Ruckert may not have the same ceiling as some of the other tight ends in this class, but his well-rounded skillset makes him a valuable prospect for many teams.
5. Greg Dulcich, UCLA
Dulcich is a bit of a wildcard in this year’s tight end class, as he’s still relatively unknown outside of the West Coast. But his impressive junior season at UCLA (44 catches, 803 yards, 5 TDs) has put him on the radar of NFL teams, and his blend of size (6’4″, 245 pounds) and speed (he reportedly runs a 4.5 40-yard dash) make him a potentially explosive weapon. There are still some questions about his blocking ability and overall consistency, but Dulcich’s upside is hard to ignore.
6. Brevin Jordan, Miami
Jordan is a dynamic playmaker at the tight end position, with excellent athleticism and a nose for the end zone. He’s a dangerous receiver after the catch, able to break tackles and make defenders miss with his quick cuts and elusive running style. He’s not as big as some of the other tight ends in this class (6’3″, 245 pounds), but his speed and agility make him a tough matchup for any defense. Jordan has the potential to be a high-impact player at the next level, but he’ll need to work on his consistency and blocking to reach his full potential.
7. Trey McBride, Colorado State
McBride is a bit of an under-the-radar prospect, but his production at Colorado State (965 yards and 5 TDs in 2020) has generated some buzz among NFL scouts. At 6’4″ and 260 pounds, he has good size and strength to battle for position against defenders, and he’s a reliable pass-catcher who can make tough grabs in traffic. His blocking ability is also a plus, as he’s shown the willingness and technique to be an effective run blocker. While he may not have the same upside as some of the other tight ends in this class, McBride’s all-around game makes him a solid mid-round pick.
8. Cade Otton, Washington
Otton is a steady, reliable tight end with excellent hands and route-running ability. He’s not going to blow anyone away with his athleticism or speed, but he’s a technician who knows how to get open and make tough catches. He’s also a willing blocker who can help in the running game, making him a valuable all-around player. While he may not have the high ceiling of some of the other tight ends on this list, Otton is a safe bet to be a solid contributor at the next level.
9. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin
Ferguson is another well-rounded tight end prospect who can contribute as both a receiver and blocker. He has good size (6’5″, 246 pounds) and a reliable set of hands, with the ability to make difficult catches in traffic. He’s not a particularly explosive athlete, but he’s a smart player who understands how to find openings in the defense. Ferguson’s work as a blocker is also a strength, as he’s shown the ability to seal off defenders and create running lanes for his team. He may not have the same upside as some of the other tight ends in this class, but Ferguson’s versatility and blue-collar approach make him a perfect fit for certain NFL teams.
10. Josh Pederson, ULM
Pederson is another relative unknown in this year’s draft class, but he’s a potentially intriguing prospect with excellent size (6’4″, 238 pounds) and impressive production at ULM (368 yards and 5 TDs in 2020). He’s a fluid athlete with good hands and the ability to make plays downfield, and his experience as a receiver and blocker make him a well-rounded player. Pederson will need to make the leap to the NFL level, but his upside is tantalizing enough to make him a late-round pick or priority free agent for some teams.
In conclusion, the 2023 NFL Draft has some excellent tight end prospects. From the elite talents of Kyle Pitts and Jalen Wydermyer, to the solid all-around play of Trey McBride and Cade Otton, there’s a tight end for every team in this class. With the increasing importance of the position in today’s NFL, these players could be the difference between a good offense and a great one.
