With the deadline for early declarations to the 2017 NFL Draft passing this week, we now know for sure which players will be back with their respective programs and which players will not be. That makes this the perfect time to look ahead to the top returning players in college football and the tight end position in particular stands out. Here is a look at the top returning tight ends in college football for the 2017 season.
Michael Roberts, Toledo Rockets
The senior tight end recorded 45 catches for 533 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and while he didn’t receive any love as a potential AP All-American his combination of scoring production and blocking were unrivalled. Roberts has a massive 6’5’’, 270-pound frame that makes him look like an offensive lineman in protection schemes but he can also move and get open with a huge edge when it comes to producing in the red zone. While he won’t get the attention he deserves playing for a smaller program at Toledo, Roberts owns the all-around skill set to be the best tight end in college football for 2017.
Evan Engram, Ole Miss Rebels
The senior tight end from Ole Miss had 65 catches for 926 yards and eight touchdowns for the Rebels last season. While he doesn’t get the same marks as Roberts in terms of his blocking ability, Engram was an absolute force in the Ole Miss passing game as he really came on in his third season. Engram needs to improve his blocking but he is poised for another massive year in terms of production as a receiver for the Rebels this season.
Ole Miss is rebuilding their offense this year and Engram will now have to work with Shea Patterson at quarterback. However, he’s one of the most fluid pass-catchers and should continue to be in 2017. One more solid year and he could find himself as a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s likely the best pass-catcher at his position right now.
Jacob Hollister, Wyoming Cowboys
One of the lesser known tight ends that scouts will be eye is Jacob Hollister of the Wyoming Cowboys. The Cowboys came back from the dead last year (2-10 the previous season) and Hollister was a big reason for the offense’s turnaround. He’s a well-rounded player who still needs to get better, but he does a lot of things pretty well. He’s a good blocker and he’s a good receiver. Is he elite in any one realm? At this point, the answer is no. However, he also doesn’t seem to have any weakness either. Some tight ends are one-dimensional as either receivers or blockers, but that criticism can’t be said for Hollister.
We all witnessed just how effective he can be as in one of Wyoming’s toughest games of the season – a showdown with Boise State – Hollister had six grabs for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Another good year like that could make him an intriguing prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin had a strong season last year and should be a Big Ten contender at least in the coming year. One of the key cogs on that squad was tight end Troy Fumagalli, who had 47 receptions, 580 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. What’s interesting is that he does it with nine fingers. Fumagalli’s left index finger had to be amputated shortly after he was born due to amniotic band syndrome.
At any rate, he’s proven to be a stellar pass catcher even with the minor disability. Fumagalli led Wisconsin with 47 catches last year and he was quite clutch. 36 of those grabs led to a first down. He needs to work on his blocking but if he does that, he could find himself eventually playing on Sundays at the pro level.
Top Tight Ends Entering The 2017 NFL Draft
O.J. Howard, Alabama Crimson Tide
David Njoku, Miami Hurricanes
Gerald Everett, South Alabama
Evan Engram, Ole Miss Rebels
Jordan Leggett, Clemson Tigers
Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech Hokies
Jake Butt, Michigan Wolverines
Jonnu Smith, Florida International Panthers
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