The Best Tight End Prospects to Keep an Eye On

29 November 2025

Let’s be honest—tight ends don’t always get the spotlight. They aren’t the flashiest position on the field, but man, when you have a dominant one, they totally change the game. Think about Travis Kelce dragging defenders like it’s a casual walk in the park, or George Kittle bulldozing his way for 15 extra yards. That’s the power of an elite tight end.

If you’re a football junkie or just love scouting young talent, this article’s for you. We're diving deep into the best tight end prospects that are poised to make noise in the upcoming seasons—whether it's college football heating up or NFL teams looking to draft their next offensive weapon.

Why Tight Ends Are More Important Than Ever

Before we break down the prospects, let's talk about why tight ends have become such a big deal in today’s game. A decade ago, this position was mostly about blocking and grabbing a few short-yardage passes. Fast forward to today, and you’ve got tight ends functioning like wide receivers—with the blocking skills of offensive linemen.

These guys are the Swiss Army knives of football. They’re mismatches waiting to happen. Line a linebacker up on them? Too slow. Put a corner on them? Too small. That's why coaches drool over tight ends with size, speed, and athleticism.

And with offenses getting more creative, having a versatile tight end isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

What Makes a Great Tight End Prospect?

So, what exactly should we look for in a standout tight end prospect? It’s not just about size or speed—it’s the whole package. Here’s what separates the elite from the average:

- Route running – Can they actually shake a defender and create separation?
- Hands – You’d be surprised how many can't consistently catch the ball.
- Size and strength – Can they hold their own against defensive ends and deliver key blocks?
- Football IQ – Reading coverages, adjusting routes, knowing where the soft spots are in zone.
- Versatility – Can they line up in the slot, out wide, or next to the tackle and be effective?

Now, with that in mind, let’s talk about the future stars.

1. Brock Bowers (Georgia Bulldogs)

Okay, let’s just get this out of the way—Brock Bowers is HIM. He’s not just the best tight end prospect in college football right now, he might be one of the best we’ve seen in years.

What Makes Him Special?

Bowers has rare acceleration for someone who's 6’4” and 230+ pounds. His agility is off the charts and once he gets the ball in his hands? Good luck. He moves like a wide receiver and runs through tackles like a linebacker.

NFL Comparison

He’s got a little George Kittle in him—with the toughness and physicality that makes scouts drool.

Expectation

If he declares for the NFL Draft after this season, don’t be shocked if he’s a top-10 pick. He’s that good.

2. Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas Longhorns)

Another name that’s been steadily rising is Ja’Tavion Sanders. Coming out of high school, he was a five-star recruit, and Texas has been developing him into a complete weapon.

What Makes Him Stand Out?

He’s a matchup nightmare—too fast for linebackers and too physical for DBs. Sanders has the kind of athleticism that makes him a red-zone terror.

Strengths

- Sure hands
- Clean route tree
- Excellent yards-after-catch ability

He’s not just a receiving threat either; his blocking has come a long way.

3. Theo Johnson (Penn State Nittany Lions)

Penn State has a low-key reputation for churning out solid tight ends, and Theo Johnson is next in line.

Physical Traits

At 6’6” and 260 lbs, he’s got NFL size already. His wingspan makes him a big-time red-zone target, and his straight-line speed is impressive for someone his size.

What He Brings

- Good blocking foundation
- Stretch-the-field potential
- Strong football IQ

He’s still refining his skills, but the ceiling is sky-high.

4. Michael Trigg (Ole Miss Rebels)

If you like athletic freaks, Michael Trigg needs to be on your radar. A former USC transfer, Trigg has both the height and bounce that make him a big-play threat on every down.

Strengths

- Athleticism that pops off the tape
- Great body control in the air
- Can play outside or inline

Room for Growth

He’s raw and has dealt with some inconsistency, but the potential is undeniable.

5. Darnell Washington (Georgia Bulldogs – Already Drafted, But Worth Mentioning)

Okay, yes, Darnell Washington is already in the NFL—and he’s no longer a “prospect” in the college sense—but we’re talking about tight end talent worth watching, and he still fits the bill.

What Makes Him Special?

At 6’7” and over 270 pounds, Washington is a literal mountain. Yet, he moves like someone 30 pounds lighter. His blocking is already NFL-caliber, and his upside as a receiver could be scary with the right development.

6. Mason Taylor (LSU Tigers)

Mason’s not just the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor—he’s carving out his own path. LSU has been leaning on him more, and he’s showing that he has both the pedigree and the skill to be elite.

Why He’s Intriguing

He’s one of those guys who’s always in the right spot. Smart, tough, and reliable—coaches love that. He’s also sneaky athletic and should continue to develop into a well-rounded weapon.

7. Benjamin Yurosek (Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford seems to have a pipeline for tight ends, and Benjamin Yurosek is keeping that tradition alive.

What You’ll Notice

When watching Yurosek, his smooth route running pops immediately. He looks natural in space and has great timing on his breaks.

Strengths

- Soft hands
- Route savvy
- Excellent awareness

He needs to bulk up a bit more and refine his blocking, but as a pass catcher, he's already a problem for defenses.

Traits the NFL Loves in Tight End Prospects

Let’s pivot for a second. Every year, the NFL combines and pro days are packed with scouts evaluating these guys on tons of different factors. But here’s what often matters most:

- 40-yard dash – Speed kills, especially for mismatches
- Bench press – Measure of strength, especially for blocking
- 3-cone drill – To test agility and change of direction
- Catching drills – Can they track the ball over their shoulder or snatch it in traffic?

And let’s not forget interviews. NFL teams want leaders. They want guys who “get it.” You could have all the tools in the world, but if you don’t have the mindset, you’re not going to last.

Sleepers Worth Mentioning

Let’s sneak in a few lesser-known names that could turn heads:

Erick All – Iowa

Yes, Iowa. Tight end U. Erick All, a Michigan transfer, is big, strong, and experienced.

Gavin Bartholomew – Pitt

He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable and gritty. Coaches eat that up.

Bryson Nesbit – North Carolina

Long, athletic, and smooth in space—he’s raw but tantalizing.

You might not hear about these guys in every draft discussion, but they could emerge quickly with strong seasons.

Final Thoughts

Tight ends are no longer just safety blankets or run-blocking afterthoughts. They’re chess pieces in today’s evolving offensive schemes. These prospects aren’t just playing a position—they’re redefining what it means to be a tight end.

Whether you’re a fantasy football fanatic, a college football die-hard, or an NFL Draft nerd (no shame—we’re with you), keeping your eye on these tight end talents will pay off. The next Travis Kelce or Darren Waller might be on this list, just waiting for their breakout.

So, next time someone says tight ends are just “big guys who block,” hit them with the facts—and maybe show them some game tape of Brock Bowers outrunning cornerbacks. Tight ends are evolving, and these prospects are leading the charge.