NFL Draft Preview: It's not a great year for tight ends, but Eckel's Top 5 includes Notre Dame's Cole Kmet, Dayton's Adam Trautman
(Fifth in a series previewing the 2020 NFL Draft.)
If you’re an NFL team in need of a tight end you should have gotten one in last year’s draft.
This isn’t the year of the tight end.
While two tight ends went in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and eight went over the course of the first three rounds, in 2020 there is only one, maybe two, tight ends who will go before day three.
Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet is considered the top tight end in the class, but feelings are mixed on him as well. The long-time executive in personnel, who helped with this series, likes the former Fighting Irish player.
“He’s a complete tight end and you don’t see that too much any more,’’ he said of Kmet. “He can catch and he can block. Now, he’s not dynamic by any means, but he’s the best in this group by far.’’
Here’s his list of the top 5 tight ends:
Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 262
40 Time: 4.70
Stats: 2019: 43 receptions, 515 yards, 6 TD
Quote: “He could go bottom of the first round, because there isn’t anyone else. If you need a tight end, he’s your guy.’’
Adam Trautman, Dayton
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 251
40 Time: 4.80
Stats: 70 receptions, 916 yards, 14 TD
Quote: “Was very good at that level, in the right system with time he could be pretty good.’’
Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 242
40 Time: 4.73
Stats: 65 receptions, 1,004 yards, 7 TD
Quote: “He’s going to have to get stronger to play (in the NFL). There is some potential though.’’
Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 240
40 Time: 4.66
Stats: 61 receptions, 830 yards, 7 TD
Quote: “He ran well and that will help him. But he’s more of a move guy, H-back than your classic tight end.’’
Colby Parkinson, Stanford
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 245
40 Time: 4.83
Stats: 48 receptions, 589 yards, 1 TD
Quote: “He comes out of a pro ready offense, but I’m not sure he’s ready. (Stanford) lined him up everywhere, so again not sure he’s a legit tight end.’’