College Football is nearing its close to the regular season and the talent is beginning to solidify itself. The top remains strong, but now the rest of the field has risers and fallers and this week we focus on the tight ends. Rookie second-round picks continue to gain steam and this group is a major reason. So we'll show the big board and break down the Top 10 with scouting notes.
We continue positional rankings by moving to the tight end position. "Ban TEs!" the crowd chants during a wonky year. However, this class should encourage you to hold fast for the position in the future because this is as deep as I've ever witnessed.
10. Jake Briningstool, Clemson (SR)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 240 | Film Grade: 72.35
Strengths
- Excellent Hands
- Decent Size
Weaknesses
- Below Average Blocker
- Average Athlete
Jake Briningstool has flashed as a sure target in Clemson's underwhelming offense. The Senior has the ideal length and catch radius to be an easy safety blanket or formidable Red Zone target. However, I still have concerns about his consistency as a blocker to be an early starter.
Briningstool is narrow for the position and lacks any athletic upside, making his NFL role questionable. How do you use an average at best athlete who's a blocking liability?
9. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse (RS-JR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236 | Film Grade: 74.4
Strengths
- Elite Receiver
Weaknesses
- Poor and Inexperienced Inline Blocker
Legacy player Oronde Gadsden II has been a draft riser after converting from wide out to tight end. Transferring his receiving ability to where he can maximize his mismatch opportunities this early is a massive plus instead of waiting until the NFL. However, it would take the ideal team and scheme to expect much early usage with such glaring inline inexperience. He'll need to develop the finer points of blocking and protection to be anything beyond a Mike Gesicki-type player.
8. Gunnar Helm, Texas (SR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250 | Film Grade: 76
Strengths
- Elite Hands
- Good YAC
Weaknesses
- Minimal Agility
- Average Athlete
Gunnar Helm has emerged as a reliable target since Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell's departure. He's an adequate blocker with average size but excellent hands. He's comfortable attacking the ball with both hands and lowering his shoulder to pick up extra yards. He won't separate from many safeties or juke a linebacker, but you can envision a future steady contributor.
7. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon (JR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 256 | Film Grade: 83.45
Strengths
- Good Size
- Good Hands
- Modest Athlete
- Good Blocker
Weaknesses
- Tight Hips
- Lazy Route Runner
We've officially hit a steep tier above the previous group, and Terrance Ferguson has every tool to be an effective offensive weapon at the next level. He's one of the best blockers in the group and is adept at utilizing his body to make plays in traffic. He doesn't have elite acceleration, but his top-end speed rolls like a freight train downfield. His biggest area of improvement would be cleaning up his route-running to help both he and his quarterback stay on time, especially since his tight hips affect his ability to bend in and accelerate out his breaks.
6. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (SR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 235 | Film Grade: 83.8
Strengths
- Elite Route Runner
- Good Hands
- Elite YAC
Weaknesses
- Undersized
I'm not saying Eli Stowers is Brock Bowers, but their games are so similar. Vanderbilt designs their entire offense around their senior tight end, from shots downfield to shovel passes that serve as extensions of the run game. And he's delivered.
Stowers has truly elite receiving capabilities and moves through a route with quick feet and intention to separate from both linebackers and defensive backs. He won't plow through a square tackle from an NFL Mike but has excellent balance and wiggle to absorb contact and keep his feet moving. His downside is he's visibly undersized. However, that doesn't stop him from being a willing and adequate blocker.
5. Luke Lachey, Iowa (SR)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 247 | Film Grade: 84.4
Strengths
- Elite Hands
- Elite Blocker
- Good YAC
Weaknesses
- Average Athlete
- Downfield Route Running
If you liked Michael Mayer as a prospect, you'll love his more athletic clone named Luke Lachey. The Iowa to NFL Pro Bowl tight end pipeline is known, and we have another sure-handed blocker who's tough to tackle after the catch. The only downside is that, yes, he is more athletic than Mayer, but he's not exactly George Kittle. Moreover, he'll need to clean up his spacing on routes downfield.
4. Tyler Warren, Penn State (SR)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257 | Film Grade: 86.7
Strengths
- Elite Size
- Elite Hands
- Elite YAC
- Elite Blocker
Weaknesses
- Speed and Burst
Anybody from here on out is the TE1 for somebody, and I wouldn't argue too hard against it. This class is that good. However, it all comes down to scheme, usage, and versatility when projecting futures with a position that requires effective blocking. Tyler Warren is the most versatile blocker of the bunch.
He's a hulking athlete who became the big-play target Drew Allar has desperately needed. Warren naturally uses his size and strength after the catch to drag multiple defenders for extra yards. The money-maker is his leaping ability and steel trap hands that have made the ESPN highlights. That deadly combination translates to an NFL mismatch nightmare.
3. Colston Loveland, Michigan (JR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Film Grade: 89.7
Strengths
- Polished Receiver
- Good Blocker
- Good Athlete
Weaknesses
- Average Size
I know I already used this word in his strengths, but I feel the need to reiterate just how polished of a player Colston Loveland is. The receiving ability and smooth separation were evident with J.J. McCarthy in 2023 and shine brighter now that the Wolverine offense is devoid of talent. He can win anywhere on the field and isn't as physical a player as Tyler Warren, but the finesse exceeds that.
2. Mason Taylor, LSU (JR)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 255 | Film Grade: 93.45
Strengths
- Polished Complete Receiver
- Fast Feet
- Elite Blocker
- Good Athlete
Weaknesses
- None
Mason Taylor would be the unquestionable TE1 if there wasn't an athletic freak ahead of him. Rarely do you see a 6-5 athlete of his size with feet this quick. Moreover, he's a complete blocker with few holes in his game. Taylor is the ideal second target for an offense with a game that is reminiscent of Sam LaPorta.
1. Harold Fannin Jr. Bowling Green (JR)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230 | Film Grade: 92.8
Strengths
- Blue Chip Athlete
- Elite Receiver
Weaknesses
- Weight
Harold Fannin Jr. has first-round talent. Bowling Green should rename their mascot falcon to Harry after he leaves for the historical season he's quietly produced. Whereas many in this class deserve to be a top two target for a team, Fannin deserves to be the target.
Bowling Green has used him liberally across the formation and out wide at a higher rate than any in this group with success. He's a fast route runner with the bend to explode and separate out of breaks. His tape is reminiscent of a shorter Kyle Pitts, who compensates with strength and size, adding more value as teams prioritize versatility.
Bowling Green TE Harrold Fannin Jr. effortlessly throwing a 40-yarder on an end-around for no reason.
— Jagger May (@JagSays) November 18, 2024
Special athletes do everything differently and better than anybody else even if it's not their primary. pic.twitter.com/o85lxnVjeL
