NFL Draft 2008- Tight Ends

With a solid group of play makers this years tight end class could be the deepest at the position in recent years. This class lacks a true first round talent, but has the depth to offer up to four selections in the top- 100. With the resurgence the tight end position had in 2007 with impact players in Kellen Winslow and Jason Witten, look for NFL teams to seek out that physical receiving tight end for their own offense. With blue chip junior Martellus Bennett, and a trio talented seniors in Fred Davis, John Carlson, and Martin Rucker; the NFL combine will be instrumental in sorting out who truly deserves to be the top tight end selected in 2008.

1. Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M)- A true physical specimen (6' 7, 235), Bennett also flashes decent speed for his size (4.8- 40). Bennett never really had that dominating year in college that you would expect from the top player at this position topping out with 49 receptions for 587 yards and four touchdowns in a frustrating junior year for the Aggies. Despite suffering through a disappointing 2007 season, Bennett has what every NFL team is looking for: POTENTIAL. Bennett will likely need to bulk up a little more and improve as a blocker, but this athletic tight end has the physical package to develop into one of the games best. Bennett will likely take some time to develop, which could prompt a team to draft a more NFL ready prospect in John Carlson or Fred Davis.

2. Fred Davis (USC)- Davis may be the most NFL ready player in this group. He has shown throughout his career at Southern California that he has good run and catch ability while displaying excellent body control. Davis also turned in a top notch senior season, hauling in 62 receptions for 881 yards and eight touchdowns, helping USC finish the season11-2. With his outstanding performance, Davis was honored by winning the 2007 Mackey award given to the nations top tight end (USC’s first- ever recipient). Davis has good size (6' 4, 250) and has displayed improved blocking to go along with his above average mobility and athleticism. Davis has the intangibles as well and has shown the ability to read opposing defenses and find the mismatches on the field. He looks primed to make the biggest immediate impact to his NFL team, and could find his stock on the rise come draft day.

3. Martin Rucker (Missouri)- Rucker fits into that new breed of tight ends that can line up as a receiver, fullback or stay in as a blocking tight end. While Rucker does have size (6' 6, 255) it is his speed and pass catching ability that should catch the attention of NFL scouts. In a resurgent year for the Missouri Tigers, Rucker had his best offensive season, tallying 84 receptions for 834 yards and eight touchdowns. Rucker has displayed a good football IQ, and was truly a mismatch in any one on one situation in college. It will be interesting to see if he can carry over those same skills at the NFL level. Rucker will need to work on his blocking, but his offensive potential should be enough to make him one of the top tight ends selected in this years draft.

4. John Carlson (Notre Dame)- Carlson is a true football player possessing natural athletic ability and size (6' 6, 259). Along with the rest of the Fighting Irish, Carlson suffered a down year in 2007 making only 40 receptions for 372 yards and three scores. Carlson was one of three finalists for the Mackey award in 2006, and is ranked the No. 1 tight end by Mel Kiper. After is sub- par senior season and an off- season illness, no players NFL combine means more to his stock than Carlson’s. At Notre Dame, Carlson displayed fine route running ability and soft hands. He is also one of the better blocking tight ends in the group and receives high praise with his football IQ and strong work ethic. John’s biggest downside is his average speed, he wont blow away any defenders, and isn’t the big play threat that the modern tight ends have become.

5. Jermichael Finley (Texas)- Finley is a redshirt sophomore who started all 13 games in 2007 and caught 45 passes (No. 2 on Texas single-season list for tight ends) for 575 yards (No. 3 on the Texas single-season list). Finley had told officials that he would likely return to Texas for another season, but after learning of his 4th round grade decided that it was his time to make the leap to the NFL. With his size (6' 5, 240) he should make a fine red zone threat, and he has the potential to develop into one of the more talented tight ends in this group. Tutored by former Longhorn David Thomas, Finley will likely take a year or two to reach his true potential, but this fluid athlete has displayed well- developed receiving skills, and could play an early role in the pro passing game.

6. Kellen Davis (Michigan St.)- Kellen Davis is yet another player who will make his money at the combine this year. The 6'6", 246 lbs. tight end finished with 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 TD’s this season. However, Davis was horribly under utilized in an offense that focused heavily on the run this season. His career totals are modest at best, but his 60 career catches for 789 yards and 9 scores show a flash of potential. He has racked up a 13.2 yard per catch average for his career, displaying his ability to get down the field and make plays. Davis shows good blocking ability; having the size, speed, and strength to take on defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. He will, however, have to work on his technique to block at the same level in the NFL. He is a tremendous athlete and a good leaper, both good tools in the red zone. Davis is, however, still extremely raw as a route runner. With some work he should be able to run crisp underneath routes and stretch the seam at the next level.

7. Dustin Keller (Purdue)- This converted wide receiver should be a solid pick up in the middle rounds of the draft. Keller has great hands and solid speed. At 6' 3, Keller is small compared to the modern tight end, and he has struggled with blocking assignments in the past. Keller may develop into a pass catching tight end brought in on selected plays to give his team an added dimension, but is not likely going to develop into an every down player. With his speed and route running ability, Keller should create mismatches against linebackers and some safeties, and with an impressive vertical leap he should develop into a solid red zone target.