2022 NFL Draft: TE & FB Rankings

1

Strengths

McBride is a reliable target that can be effective anywhere on the field. He creates just enough separation to be effective in shorter areas. Meanwhile, his ability to elevate overtop of defenders, and secure the ball, makes him a nice target down the field. He has sticky hands and rarely drops targets that are within his catch radius. McBride isn’t the most dynamic player athletically, but he does well to pick up yards after the catch.  He has sort of a rumbling style and his speed picks up as he goes. McBride has a dense enough frame and shows effort as a blocker. He has some minor technical fixes to make, but overall, I thought he was pretty solid as a blocker.

Weaknesses

For a top rated TE, McBride doesn’t quite possess that elite athleticism that you would like. He isn’t a bad athlete, by any means, but it probably pushes him down to day two, when he might otherwise be a 1st round prospect. His early speed and burst off the line are specifically areas of concern. It takes him some time to pick up speed, which has an effect on his routes. His technique as a route runner is generally solid, but he does have instances of rounding them off at the top. Like his athleticism, his size doesn’t quite fall into that upper tier threshold. McBride isn’t a small guy, but a couple extra inches would be nice to add onto that frame. As a blocker, McBride has a few technique issues to clean up. Adding a bit more strength wouldn’t hurt either.

2

Strengths

Otton is probably as close to the full package as you’ll find in this draft class. He is a plus athlete – speed is good and he has the quickness and suddenness to be effective when working against man coverage. Otton is a smart player. Observes the field well and is able to find his way into the open space between defenders, when going against zone coverage. He has ideal height and a good frame. Catch radius is large and he has shown that he can elevate for the ball. He has also shown good body control on plays where he has to adjust in the air for the pass. Otton displays sticky hands. This is for both shorter check downs and stretch passes down the field. This is an essential trait that goes along with his ability to go up for the ball. His ability to hang onto it as he is falling to the ground, with a defender right on him, is impressive. Capping off what he does in the passing game is his ability to pick up yards after the catch. I wouldn’t call him an elite athlete, but it is quite good for his size. His speed builds up and he is fluid enough to wiggle his way around tacklers. Power is also an option, as he can lower his shoulder on defenders when the room runs out. Otton is one of the better blockers in this class. He uses good technique both on running and passing plays, when asked to block. In some instances, he handled himself well against bigger DE’s. 

Weaknesses

Otton is a good prospect, but not without flaws. He shows plenty of good traits as a receiver, but could still use some fine tuning in this area. As Bengals fans would know with Drue Sample, blocking is a major part of the TE’s role at Washington. This was also the case for Otton. While it has helped his development as a blocker, it has hurt his development as a receiver, as well as his statistical production. Otton will need to clean up his route running. While the athleticism is there, the precision currently is not. A lot of his routes look rounded at the top. For someone with his athletic ability, he just doesn’t create as much separation as you would like. 

3

Strengths

Kolar is threat to defences thanks to his catch radius and exceptional hands. His mitts are like glue. Anything in his vicinity and he is coming down with it. His big frame allows him to reach up and snag overthrows, and his ability to elevate himself only enhances his catch radius. He shows the ability to control his body in the air, and his ball tracking skills competent it nicely. Kolar has been able to combine those two traits to make some pretty impressive catches. Against man coverage, he has shown some flashes of beating man coverage. However, I really like what he does against zone. Kolar is a smart player with good field awareness. He is able to find that soft spot in the defence. 

Weaknesses

Kolar isn’t the dynamic athlete that you would like. While the flashes have been there at times when working against man, he sometimes looks a bit stiff when moving laterally and making cuts, which makes it harder for him to separate. This is also something to think about when considering his run after the catch ability. He is a bit more linear as an athlete. He will pick up yards after the catch, but won’t wow you in this area. Kolar has good height, but could stand to fill out his frame a little more. Adding some strength would help him fight off contact better when running his routes. More importantly, it would help him a lot as a blocker (run and pass). 

4

Strengths

Woods is a big, towering TE, whose potential might even be higher than his reach. He stands out right away when you turn on the tape, just because of his size. However, he is more than just measureables. Woods is a surprisingly good athlete, when taking his size into consideration. His burst is quite good, and he is able to pick up speed pretty quickly. This helps him create separation against man coverage. As well, he is effective with the ball in his hands in space. Not only dos he threaten with speed, but his size and toughness make him a pain to tackle. Woods’ long reach and excellent vertical leaping ability give him an enormous catch radius. He is a mismatch in almost any situation because you can toss it up way beyond where the defender can go, and you know Woods has a shot to come down with it. While he isn’t perfectg as a blocker, his size is an obvious asset in this category, and he has put some nice flashes on tape.

Weaknesses

Woods has most of the measureables that you could want, but is still a bit raw as a prospect. This isn’t a big surprise, given the fact that he is a bit newer at the TE position. As a receiver, he needs to be more consistent with his ability to secure high point catches. The highlights are unreal, but the tape has some drops mixed in. For his size, Woods is a great athlete, but that doesn’t mean he is without flaws. While his speed is good, he is heavy on his feet, and has somewhat of a robotic look when moving laterally. Can be a bit stiff when making his cuts, which does have a slight impact on his ability to separate, at times. The same thing goes for his yards after the catch ability. He accelerates well when he has space in front of him, but from there, it is more so rumble until someone can bring you down. He won’t navigate around people very often. When it comes to his blocking, he does a lot well. However, his technique will need some fine tuning, which will help him turn the flashes into more consistency.

5

Strengths

Wydemyer, at his peak, looks like he could be the top pass catching TE in the draft. His speed is solid and he is a fluid mover. Route running is pretty smooth and he has shown the ability to create separation. His catch radius is outstanding and there are several examples of him elevating up to snag the ball, and then holding onto it while absorbing a lot of contact. Against zone, he does well to find the soft spot. He works the seam very well. Yards after the catch is a strength of his. He has enough speed to do some damage, and can be deceptively shifty as well. He still has work to do as a blocker, but he has made some improvements that are encouraging. 

Weaknesses

I mentioned before how good his peak is. Well, unfortunately, he doesn’t always play to his potential. Concentration drops showed up in some of his more recent tape, and there were some times where his effort has been called into question. Whilehe has shown improvements as a blocker, there is still quite a bit of work to do. His frame is a bit on the lean side for a TE that blocks regularly. Strength isn’t something that will give him an upper edge over opponents. He instead gets pushed back quite a bit. As well, he needs to learn how to better use leverage to his advantage. While his athleticism doesn’t look bad on tape, his testing numbers from his pro day were out of this world poor. Everyone had a relatively bad day at the Texas A&M pro day, so maybe there is more to it. However, with previous concerns about effort, I do wonder if there is a correlation between that and the poor testing numbers.

6

Strengths

Dulcich is a very athletic TE. His bread and butter is causing damage with the ball in his hands. He eats up the green grass in front of him very quickly, but also has the shiftiness and savyness to make people miss in the open field. Dulcich is an outstanding route runner. The shiftiness comes into play here as well, but he also uses head fakes to manipulate the defender. While it may be easy to lose track of the other stuff with how good his athleticism is, he is able to win in other ways too. Dulcich generally has sure hands and a long reach that can extend up high for the ball. He has made some pretty acrobatic catches over the course of his college career. As well, he ball tracking ability is outstanding. He does very well to track the ball over his shoulder on deep passes down the field. 

Weaknesses

Dulcich has a diverse skillset as a receiver. However, he isn’t super versatile when it comes to the TE position as a whole. He spent the majority of his time lined up in the slot, or even out wide. And when he was inline, he was still running routes for the most part. Blocking isn’t something that has been a big part of his game. When he was asked to block, inconsistencies were present. Dulcich seems like he has some room to add bulk onto his frame, so you figure there is developmental potential if a team wants to round out his game. As a receiver, there are some instances of double clutches, although I would say that, overall, his hands aren’t an issue. He is sure handed more often than not. Dulcich is a good athlete, but seems to be a high stepper when he gets into the open field.

7

Strengths

Ruckert is a big, more traditional TE. He is an underrated route runner with a knack for finding the soft spot in zone coverage. The Ohio State product has a big frame and a large catch radius. He is able to extend out quite far for the ball, and usually comes down with it. He has a solid vertical leap and can go up over top of defenders. As a blocker, Ruckert brings strength to the table. He is able to create push in the run game and can also hold his own as a pass blocker. 

Weaknesses

Athleticism is only average, which puts overall upside into question. He has some savyness as a route runner, which gts him some separation, but his linear style might hurt him at the next level. Ruckert isn’t the best when moving laterally, which hurts his route running. This additionally affects him when he is tasked with pulling as a blocker. Ruckert could also improve his technique as a blocker. As a pass catcher, Ruckert is generally solid. However, instances of double clutches do appear.

8

Strengths

Bellinger is an athletic TE with the size and talent to outperform his mid round draft stock. He has a big frame and a large catch radius. Bellinger does well when targeted in traffic, fighting off contact while securing the ball. He is athletic and creates a good amount of separation with his route running. As well, he is someone that can pick up chunk yards after the catch. He is not a finished product as a blocker, but he has shown some nice flashes.

Weaknesses

As mentioned in the strengths category, Bellinger flashes as a blocker, however, more consistency is needed. He doesn’t always use leverage to his advantage and technique can be sloppy. As well, I’d like to see a bit more of a mean streak. As a receiver, I love his ability. That said, the production just wasn’t that great. Now, he didn’t play on the best team, and the TE position didn’t seem to be the focal point of the offence at San Diego State. That said, it is hard to raise his grade with this small of a sample size.

9

Strengths

On tape, Likely looks like arguably the most athletic TE in the class. He glides, seemingly effortlessly across the field. Likely is quick and shifty, and uses these traits to create separation. With the ball in his hands, he has the speed to pick up chunk yardage after the catch. He also is able to create something out of very little, using his ability to make people miss. Likely doesn’t drop a lot of passes. He has an outstanding vertical leap and is capable of retrieving passes thrown up a bit higher.

Weaknesses

His combine measurements did him some favours. But regardless, he looks extremely undersized when you watch him on the field. Really, he looks more like a receiver playing TE. He is lacking ideal strength for the position. He held his own at times as a blocker, but was out muscled badly at other times. The step up in competition could very well over match him, when he enters the NFL. In high pointing situations, he doesn’t always pluck the ball out of the air. Instead, he will elevate up and line his midsection up with the ball, catching it against his body. He has had some success doing it, but this generally isn’t a habit you would want to see. This reduces his catch radius. As a receiver, the lower competition did him many favours. Much of the time, he was able to run his route without much contact, allowing him to create easy separation. Things will be tougher on him in the NFL.

10

Strengths

On tape, Likely looks like arguably the most athletic TE in the class. He glides, seemingly effortlessly across the field. Likely is quick and shifty, and uses these traits to create separation. With the ball in his hands, he has the speed to pick up chunk yardage after the catch. He also is able to create something out of very little, using his ability to make people miss. Likely doesn’t drop a lot of passes. He has an outstanding vertical leap and is capable of retrieving passes thrown up a bit higher.

Weaknesses

His combine measurements did him some favours. But regardless, he looks extremely undersized when you watch him on the field. Really, he looks more like a receiver playing TE. He is lacking ideal strength for the position. He held his own at times as a blocker, but was out muscled badly at other times. The step up in competition could very well over match him, when he enters the NFL. In high pointing situations, he doesn’t always pluck the ball out of the air. Instead, he will elevate up and line his midsection up with the ball, catching it against his body. He has had some success doing it, but this generally isn’t a habit you would want to see. This reduces his catch radius. As a receiver, the lower competition did him many favours. Much of the time, he was able to run his route without much contact, allowing him to create easy separation. Things will be tougher on him in the NFL.

11

Strengths

Turner is primarily a pass catching TE that has a good combination of athleticism and reach. He has made his fair share of acrobatic diving catches. He affords the QB a lot of freedom to place the ball away from the defender, as his ability to stretch out for the ball is among the best in the class. Turner’s catch radius is easily his best asset. He can extend horizontally for the ball, but also wins jump balls but goes right overtop of his opponent. Turner is athletic enough to also create separation down the field. He is also solid with the ball in his hands after the catch.

Weaknesses

As a receiver, Turner could improve his route running. Average route running, at times, took away from the amount of separation he was able to create. This forces him to rely heavily on his jump ball ability. His lack of ability as a blocker might bring down his stock quite a bit. At this point, he is exclusively a receiving TE. He lacks the strength and technique, at this point, to win consistently as a blocker. As well, he doesn’t have a ton of experience doing it.

12

Strengths

Deese is a solid TE prospect who offers a diverse skill set. He is a vertical threat as a receiver with his size and ability to box out the defender. His height is nothing to write home about for the position, but he has a nice reach and large catch radius, as a result. Deese is able to high point the ball and make difficult catches look easy. In addition to his catch radius, his body control in the air is a big part of his playmaking ability, as is his ability to hang onto the through contact.  He rounds out his game nicely with his blocking ability. Deese possesses good strength and it shows up when asked to block. It was a big part of his role, so you don’t have to question his willingness to play in the trenches. 

Weaknesses

Deese has a skill set that translates to the next level, but it will need development before he can reach his ceiling. As a receiver, route running is average at best, with several rounded breaks at the top of his routes. Foot speed is decent, but I wouldn’t say he has great short area quickness. This hinders him on shorter routes especially, as he can have a tough time creating separation. Lack of separation, on those plays in particular, can make it tough on the QB when he is supposed to be the emergency outlet. Has talent as a blocker, but technique needs further development. Can be all over the place with his hand placement.

13

Strengths

Ogletree is a big, towering TE. He has sure hands and has shown the ability to hang on to them through a lot of contact and traffic. Ogletree is a solid athlete that has the ability to create separation down the field. On these stretch passes, his large catch radius allows the QB to throw the ball away from the defender. The big TE is able to adjust his body in the air and come down with the ball. He has good strength and shows potential as a blocker. The TE’s in their offence were used more often as blockers than pass catchers, so he has plenty of experience. 

Weaknesses

Ogletree is a small school prospect that went against lesser competition. Despite his abilities, he wasn’t really a focal point in the passing game, and will need some development. Route running can be a bit sloppy at times and he makes some passes more contested than they need to be. Potential is there as a blocker, but he needs to improve his technique. He often blocks with a high pad level, which causes him to lose leverage. 

14

Strengths

Okonkwo is an athletic TE that can do damage with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to create separation down the field and contribute some big plays. Screen passes seem to be his bread and butter. It allows him to get the ball in space, and his ability to make people miss has led to chunk gains. He has a dense frame and generates power from his legs as a blocker. On blocking plays, he is willing to battle it out with his opponent. 

Weaknesses

Severely undersized for a TE. Doesn’t have a great catch radius and has to rely almost entirely on his athleticism to win. A strong lower half gives him a chance as an inline blocker, but he still lacks the size and strength to win consistently. As a pass catcher, I found his hands to be disappointing. Committed some drops, and couldn’t always fight off contact. As well, he often catches passes against his body, rather than extending out for the ball.

1

Strengths

Chenal is your traditional, old school FB. He has a small but dense frame that is suited perfectly for lead blocking. He is generally effective in this role, and is usually able to at least hold his opponent to a stalemate. Some wins are mixed in as well. He lines up all over, whether it is at FB, H-Back, or in-line. Chenal has been used in short yardage situations, taking handoffs. More often than not, he has been able to pick up the 1st down. He also has a little experience catching passes. Chenal rounds out his skillset with the ability to play and contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses

He is a solid player, but plays a position that is a dying breed in the NFL. He doesn’t have the athleticism to be much of a statistical producer, whether as a receiver or ball carrier. As a blocker, there are instances where he doesn’t get a whole lot of push and has to play for a stalemate. 

2

Strengths

Mitchell is an athletic player that can make plays with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to have success as a lead blocker due to his mobility. Having some momentum should also help him as a blocker. Plenty of experience lining up in the traditional TE spot and is a capable receiver. He should appeal to teams looking for a H-Back/TE hybrid that can catch passes.

Weaknesses

Slightly undersized for the traditional TE position, and is definitely lacking in strength to be a consistent in-line blocker. Gets pushed back a bit and can be a liability in the run game. Has ability as a receiver, but average route running holds him back. For a guy that might be a situational role player on offence, he doesn’t seem to offer special teams versatility to make him a more valuable bottom of the roster player.

3

Strengths

Hall has a smaller, but dense frame. He is a very powerful player that is well suited for a role as a FB/H-Back. Hall has the strength and has shown to have success as a blocker, both behind the line of scrimmage and from the in-line position. He offers a little bit as a receiver as well. At the next level, probably as a check down option/safety net. Hall has the strength and toughness, as well as the frame, to potentially contribute on special teams at the next level.

Weaknesses

Old school tough player, but lacks athletic traits to be an offensive contributor outside of his blocking. He hid run routes at Oklahoma, but lacks the ability to consistently separate, and his route running was not great. Further, his projected position is that of a dying breed in the NFL.