2012 Tight End rankings (pre Combine)

I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve the right to change my mind later this month.

Tight End

1. Dwayne Allen (Clemson, 6’4″, 255lbs)
Athletic prospect that is a very productive receiver. Runs sharp routes and has soft hands. Doesn’t have elite speed, but is by no means slow. A decent blocker who works hard in practice to get better. Has the frame to put on some more muscle. Definitely the best tight end prospect in this class and could easily go in the first round if a team wants to fill that position.

2. Coby Fleener (Stanford, 6’6″, 248lbs)
Very productive receiver for the Cardinal. Has great hands and catches the ball away from his body. Great red zone target. Elite route running ability. Great football intelligence. Above average speed. Needs to put on some more weight to become more of a force in the running game. Should be a second round pick but could go in the late first if Allen goes off the board earlier than expected.

3. Orson Charles (Georgia, 6’3″, 240lbs)
Could be the best receiver in this year’s tight end class. Has great speed and incredible hands. Great vertical jump that allows him to go up and catch passes at their highest point. Above average agility, especially for a man his size. Needs to add some weight to be more of a factor as a blocker. Can be overwhelmed by defensive linemen and linebackers in the run game. A solid day 2 pick.

4. David Paulson (Oregon, 6’4″, 245lbs)
Underrated player who was a little underused in Oregon’s high-octane offense. However, he has deceptive speed and good hands. Great asset in the running game where he uses his quick feet and agility to seal rushing lanes. Exceptional red zone target. Was a co-MVP for the Ducks this past season. Could make his way up draft boards with a good showing at the Combine but looks to be a 3rd or 4th round pick.

5. Michael Egnew (Missouri, 6’5″, 251lbs)
Had a very underwhelming senior season after being a Mackey Award finalist in 2010. A lot of that can probably be attributed to the loss of Blaine Gabbert at QB, however it also appeared like he had some trouble dealing with the extra coverage that was rolled to his side. Has prototypical height for the tight end position and exceptional hands. Currently a liability as a blocker but could get better with good coaching. Doesn’t have the speed to separate from defenders. Currently rated as a 4th round prospect.

Honorable Mention:
Kevin Koger (Michigan, 6’3″, 260lbs)
Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette, 6’6″, 240lbs)
Cory Harkey (UCLA, 6’4″, 262lbs)

Other positional rankings…

Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen

Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties