The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his Top 10 tight ends in this year’s 2020 NFL Draft:
1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame, 6-6, 262 lbs
Unanimous best of the bunch in a down year at the position who could rapidly develop now that football is sole focus. Ten career saves for Notre Dame baseball.
2. Adam Trautman, Dayton, 6-5, 255 lbs
Matchup nightmare who needs to improve his blocking to become a starter. Former QB with 14 touchdown catches in 2019 and 28 over three years.
3. Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic, 6-5, 243 lbs
High school offensive lineman didn’t lose his blocking toughness after changing positions. Ability to gain separation suggests it was the right move.
4. Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri, 6-5, 258 lbs
Red-zone threat running down the seam, with 23 touchdowns in three seasons. Tantalizing ceiling when his routes become more polished.
5. Hunter Bryant, Washington, 6-2, 248 lbs
Classic ’tweener who struggles blocking and ran slower than expected for a big slot receiver, raising questions about his history of knee injuries.
6. Thaddeus Moss, LSU, 6-2, 250 lbs
Completely different player than father Randy Moss. Willing run blocker who complemented LSU’s dynamic outside receivers.
7. Brycen Hopkins,, Purdue, 6-4, 245 lbs
Knack for finding open space and willing to take hits over the middle, but too many drops. Problem with focus or hands?
8. Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 257 lbs
Statistics plummeted from 2018 to 2019, and he showed frustrations with the struggling offense around him.
9. Devin Asiasi, UCLA, 6-3, 257 lbs
All but eight of his 52 career catches came in 2019. Michigan transfer has a lot to learn but plenty of untapped potential.
10. Colby Parkinson, Stanford, 6-7, 252 lbs
Long-strider will stretch the field and high-point tough catches but not a true in-line tight end like others from Stanford.
Late Riser
Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri: Fourth-fastest time (4.49) by a tight end at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003. Reward to be had for looking back at 2018 film playing with QB Drew Lock.
Falling Fast
Thaddeus Moss, LSU: Cited LSU’s long season when deciding not to do combine drills, despite limited resume after missing two full seasons (transfer, redshirt). Underwent foot surgery, too.
Small School Wonder
Charlie Taumoepeau, Portland State: Athleticism doesn’t stand out. Good attitude does, which will serve him well in his indoctrination to special teams.
