2025 NFL Draft: TE Rankings (Preseason Edition)
Volume XXIV Edition V | 2025 NFL Draft TE Preview
In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:
2025 NFL Draft Top 30 TE Prospects
Top 10 First Round TEs From The Past Decade
Latest TE Draft Trends
We’re Not Worthy: NFL Teams Hesitant To Invest
2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: TE FIRST ROUND PICKS
Welcome to the AAF 2025 NFL Draft Tight End Preview Edition. Having an impactful tight end in the passing attack is a novelty in the NFL. It requires a rare talent at the position to hear their name called on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
A look at recent history shows us that during the past 15 years (2008 - 2024), there has been more than one tight end chosen in round one on just two occasions (2017 and 2019). In fact, six of the fifteen drafts did not even feature a first round tight end.
The 2010s decade produced 11 first round tight ends in total, while there have been three tight ends selected in round one since 2020. Over the past ten drafts, there has been exactly 10 tight ends chosen on Day 1. To get an idea of what plays in the league, we ranked them in order:
Brock Bowers (2024) | (photo credit: Las Vegas Raiders)
TJ Hockenson (2019)
Evan Engram (2017)
Hunter Henry (2016)
David Njoku (2017)
Kyle Pitts (2021)
Dalton Kincaid (2023)
Noah Fant (2019)
Hayden Hurst (2018)
OJ Howard (2017)
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2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: TE
As alluded to up top, there has been a scarcity of first round tight ends in recent seasons, with a grand total of two that have heard their name called over the past three drafts. So who could potentially crash the Day 1 party in 2025? Let’s take a look.
The favorite to land in round one this year would be Colston Loveland, a polished tight end from Michigan who is willing to take out the papers and the trash. Loveland was second on the Wolverines in receiving a year ago with 649 receiving yards, while also embracing his blocking role and serving as a sixth offensive lineman. Based on his draft stock, it’s safe to say that he’ll soon have plenty of spending cash.
No one produces more tight ends than Iowa, who has become an NFL factory (see; George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, Noah Fant, etc.) In fact, the Hawkeyes have had a dozen tight ends selected via the NFL Draft during the Kirk Ferentz era. Next mold is Luke Lachey who seemed to be headed on a fast trajectory to the pros until he suffered a broken ankle in the third game of last season. Lachey had been on a torrid pace, as 333 of his 662 career receiving yards (30 games) came during his last five games in uniform, a glimpse of things to come this year.
An intriguing prospect worth monitoring is Oronde Gadsden II of Syracuse. The former wideout has officially transitioned to tight end, just two years removed from a breakout season in which he nabbed 61 balls for 975 yards and six touchdowns. He had successful surgery in the spring to remove screws inserted into his right foot from Lisfranc surgery. It has been an arduous journey for Gadsden II who has plenty of work to do, including his blocking and mental approach to the game, according to his coaches. If he can find a way to put it altogether, he could have a Darren Waller-like impact at the next level.
RK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Colston Loveland, Michigan, Jr, 6045, 245, 4.65 | (photo credit: Michigan)
Luke Lachey, Iowa, rSr, 6060, 255, 4.78
Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame, Sr, 6054, 266, 4.80
Tyler Warren, Penn State, rJr, 6057, 260, 4.64
Mason Taylor, LSU, Jr, 6046, 244, 4.60
Joshua Simon, South Carolina, rSr, 6033, 232, 4.55
Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina, Sr, 6050, 230, 4.65
Jake Briningstool, Clemson, Sr, 6053, 230, 4.70
CJ Dippre, Alabama, Sr, 6045, 257, 4.85
Oscar Delp, Georgia, Jr, 6045, 245, 4.56
Terrance Ferguson, Oregon, Sr, 6050, 255, 4.85
Benjamin Yurosek, Georgia, Sr, 6050, 235, 4.80
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse, rJr, 6042, 225, 4.55
Tre Watson, Texas A&M, Sr, 6041, 246, 4.65
Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh, Sr, 6050, 255, 4.70
Justin Joly, North Carolina State, Jr, 6030, 232, 4.68
Caden Prieskorn, Mississippi, rSr, 6053, 262, 4.75
Jack Velling, Michigan State, Jr, 6035, 241, 4.69
Jake Johnson, North Carolina, Jr, 6046, 240, 4.65
Brant Kuithe, Utah, rSr, 6020, 235, 4.60Â
Mark Redman, Louisville, Sr, 6055, 253, 4.75
Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech, Sr, 6040, 267, 4.70
Keleki Latu, Washington, Sr, 6061, 236, 4.65
Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn, rJr, 6044, 250, 4.72
Corey Dyches, California, Sr, 6006, 212, 4.65
Gunnar Helm, Texas, Sr, 6051, 252, 4.75
JJ Galbreath, South Dakota, Sr, 6036, 235, 4.65
Harold Fannin, Bowling Green, Jr, 6030, 231, 4.70
Garrett Miller, Texas A&M, rSr, 6043, 249, 4.80
Dominik Mazotti, UMass, rSr, 6036, 250, 4.77
GRID CAMPS PRO FREE AGENT SHOWCASE | 7.21.24
The next GRID CAMPS Showcase for pro football free agents is scheduled for July 21, 2024 in Philadelphia. All Access Football founder and Edmonton Elks scout Ric Serritella will be in attendance to help oversee testing and evaluate players. The workout will be conducted by Memphis Showboats head coach John DeFilippo and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Eugene Chung. To be eligible for this event, you must register at: www.GRIDCAMPS.com.
LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE
Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL ARCHIVES
07.10.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: WR Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.09.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: RB Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.08.24 — 2025 NFL Draft: QB Rankings (Preseason Edition)
07.04.24 — Happy Independence Day! Buckle Up For Football