A changing of the guard at tight end could be imminent – or already underway – in the NFL.
In recent years, Travis Kelce and George Kittle helped further push the once-overlooked position squarely into the limelight. But with Kelce having mulled retirement this offseason after a down year statistically and Kettle turning 32 in October, others might soon be left to pick up the mantle.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride and Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers look up to the task after their respective Pro Bowl seasons in 2024. But more competition is on the way in the form of a draft class that features two marquee names likely to land in the first round, as well as several other potential starters.
Here’s USA TODAY Sports’ ranking of the top 10 tight ends in the 2025 NFL draft:
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State
Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was one of the first to refer to his star pupil as a ‘football unicorn,’ and he deployed the do-everything star in a fittingly unique manner. A finalist for the Paul Hornung Award for college football’s most versatile player, the former quarterback lined up all over the field and even saw action behind center in Wildcat packages. Despite that usage, the 6-6, 256-pounder still could handle a more straightforward, throwback role as an inline tight end, though his future team will undoubtedly look to take advantage of all that he can offer in the passing game.
Warren is a top-tier athlete for the position, but his best attribute might be the urgency he displays on every play as he fights for contested catches and charges up field with the ball in his hands. He’s hardly afraid to take on defensive ends in the run game, though his hand usage leaves something to be desired. Above all, Warren is sure to be someone his future coaching staff will center, not only in the game plan but also as a tone setter in the locker room.
2. Colston Loveland, Michigan
Operating essentially as a supersized wideout, the 6-6, 248-pounder is the stylistic contrast to the more rugged Warren. And while he might have been overtaken in the positional pecking order by his Big Ten counterpart, Loveland might not be far behind as a highly desirable target primed to create mismatches against both linebackers and safeties.
Michigan’s moribund passing attack in 2024 (averaging a mere 129.1 yards per game) obscured his true capabilities, but Loveland still set a school single-season record for most receptions by a tight end with 56. As a downfield target, he can be a true terror for defenses to account for thanks to the ease with which he pulls away from opponents and then skies over them when high-pointing passes. With his long arms and massive catch radius, he can give his quarterback a higher margin of error and corral passes outside of his frame. Loveland might be in for somewhat of a rude awakening when facing opponents who will try to jostle him at the line of scrimmage and catch point, but pass catchers with his frame and athleticism aren’t easy to find.
3. Mason Taylor, LSU
The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor decided to focus his career on assisting passing attacks rather than derailing them like his father did. The younger Taylor’s steady ascent as a receiver – he tallied 55 catches for 546 yards last season – could continue in the pros if he becomes a more nuanced route runner, which would open up more downfield opportunities after his limited set of work in that area. The 6-5, 256-pounder likely will need to bulk up to handle battles at the line of scrimmage better, but he can be utilized as a move tight end in the early going.
4. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
A stellar combine performance – his 4.63-second 40-yard dash and 39-inch vertical stood as the best marks of any tight end, while his 10-foot-2 broad jump ranked third – helped underscore what Ferguson can offer an aerial attack. The 6-5, 247-pounder is equally comfortable operating in a traditional role or out of the slot, and he can threaten defenses by creating separation or settling in against zone coverage. His usage might be limited early, however, as pedestrian strength makes him a vulnerability when asked to help handle defensive ends.
5. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
In his lone season as a starter, Arroyo emerged as a key weapon for likely No. 1 pick Cam Ward, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. That figure might lead to some false conclusions about his athleticism, however, as the scheme did plenty of favors for a player who shouldn’t be expected to be the most dynamic target at the next level. But Arroyo is reliable and can compete for opportunities over the middle, which should position him to bail out his quarterback as a complementary piece in the passing game.
6. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
It’s not often that a tight end is truly the focal point of an offense, but Fannin was exactly that for the Falcons, setting Football Bowl Subdivision single-season records in 2024 for the most receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) at the position. With an H-back build at 6-3 and 241 pounds along with rigid and awkward movements, he can make for a difficult projection, especially with a sizable leap in level of competition ahead after dominating the Mid-American Conference. But Fannin is surehanded and makes things happen after the catch, so he should be an attractive option for a team that will be deliberate about how it gets him the ball.
7. Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska
Two knee injuries sidelined Fidone for the first two years of his career, but he powered through to notch 61 catches for 633 yards from 2023-24. At 6-6 and 255 pounds, he’s one of the more athletic inline players in this year’s class. Filling out his frame will be an important step for him, but Fidone is worth bringing along given his upside as a downfield target.
8. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
One of the more well-rounded players in this class, Evans can stay on the field in most situations thanks to his sufficient athleticism and effort as both a blocker and receiver. The 6-5, 258-pounder just isn’t particularly explosive in any element of his game.
9. Gunnar Helm, Texas
Helm broke out in a big way for the Longhorns in 2024, posting 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. The 6-5, 250-pounder wins primarily with knowhow rather than pure athleticism, and he might be hard-pressed to replicate his success when forced to play in traffic.
10. Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
The 6-4, 253-pounder might not amount to anything more than a bulldozer in the run game. But as a backup who hangs around for short-yardage situations and goal-line opportunities, he can add value as a reliable blocker.