There is a lot left to be determined over the final two weeks of the regular season in college football but for many players, their decisions have been made. Their body of work is nearly complete and they’re already hearing about their draft stock and where they’ll go.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top tight ends available in the 2016 NFL Draft:
O.J. Howard, Alabama Crimson Tide
Junior
The Pratville, Alabama-native hasn’t put up outstanding numbers with the Crimson Tide this season but he can do absolutely everything that is asked for him. He’s probably the most complete tight end prospect at the college level right now and is highly regarded by NFL scouts. Howard’s opportunities have been limited at Alabama but he is a 6’6’’, 242-pound stud that can catch the football like a receiver and hold his own as a blocker on the offensive line. Scouts definitely understand that his potential hasn’t been maximized at the college level. Alabama tends to have a very conservative passing offense. With a good workout, there is a good chance he will be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. He has the makings of a stud at the next level.
Evan Engram, Ole Miss Rebels
Junior
Engram is another star tight end prospect whose prospects have not been maximized at Ole Miss this season. He was barely used early on in the year and has been limited to 25 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown. Engram has decent size at 6’3’’ and 227 pounds but it is his athleticism and hands that make him such an intriguing prospect. He’s definitely one of the best pass-catching tight ends at the college level right now. He has soft hands and smooth route-running. That’s going to be very appealing to someone on the first day of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Hunter Henry, Arkansas Razorbacks
Junior
Henry is an absolute beast at 6’5’’ and 253 pounds and he has used every bit of his massive frame to excel at Arkansas this season. Henry has just one touchdown catch but he has 37 receptions for 490 yards. An argument can be made that he has hasn’t been used enough in the passing game. Henry has all of the tools to go as high as the second round. He has a lower ceiling than Engram but he’s a better-rounded player, so don’t be surprised if he is one of the first tight ends off the board at next year’s NFL Draft if he declares.
Gerald Everett, South Alabama Jaguars
Junior
Everett is a UAB transfer that has shown flashes of dominance with his size and speed. South Alabama has showcased his skill set in a variety of different ways this season. Everett has been used as a tight end, hybrid receiver and ball carrier this season. On the whole, he has compiled 35 catches for 498 yards and eight touchdowns.
He comes from a small program, so he won’t get the attention of the SEC tight ends. However, he’s clearly a quality sleeper. The junior tight end could opt to return for another year with the Jaguars but he is refined enough to move on to the next level. He’s an intriguing prospect at the tight end position.
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David Morgan II, UTSA Roadrunners
Senior
Morgan has all of the tools to be higher on this list but his small school status will affect his draft stock. Playing out of Texas San Antonio in the Conference USA, he’s not going to get the benefit of the doubt. The senior tight end is 6’4’’, 260 pounds with soft hands and some decent speed. He’s also not afraid to get his hands dirty in the running game. He has already amassed 39 catches for 456 yards and four touchdowns so far this season as he’s great at finding the gaps in the zone. Morgan is the final name on our list right now but he has the potential to climb even higher after edging out Florida International’s Jonnu Smith and Michigan’s Jake Butt.
