Top 5 TEs in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft tight end class stands out as one of the most dynamic and versatile in recent memory, blending athletic freaks, receiving weapons, and multi-faceted contributors. Below is an overview of the top tight end prospects based on their 2024 performances, skills, and draft projections as of February 21, 2025. Rankings may shift with the NFL Combine, pro days, and further analysis, but this group is poised to make waves.

1. Tyler Warren, Penn State

  • Profile: A 6’6”, 261-pound athletic marvel, Warren transitioned from quarterback to tight end, emerging as Penn State’s offensive centerpiece in 2024.
  • 2024 Stats: Warren hauled in 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 8 touchdowns, adding 251 rushing yards and 5 scores on 28 carries, plus 2-for-2 passing for 31 yards and a touchdown.
  • Strengths: Warren’s versatility is unmatched—he’s a wildcat threat, inline blocker, and seam-stretching receiver. His 90.2 PFF receiving grade, combined with 15 missed tackles forced as a receiver and 9 as a rusher, showcases his physicality. His quarterback background aids his pre-snap reads, and his 8.2 yards-after-catch (YAC) average is elite. Think George Kittle with gadget-play flair.
  • Draft Outlook: A first-round lock, potentially top 15, Warren’s rare blend of size, production, and multi-dimensionality could see him challenge recent trends of late-round tight end picks.

2. Colston Loveland, Michigan

  • Profile: At 6’5”, 245 pounds, Loveland is a fluid, mismatch-creating tight end who carried Michigan’s passing game despite quarterback woes.
  • 2024 Stats: Loveland recorded 56 catches for 582 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading Michigan in receptions despite missing three games.
  • Strengths: Loveland’s route-running is surgical—he’s the class’s best separator, with crisp breaks and reliable hands (zero drops in 2024). His 38% target-per-route-run rate reflects his role as a safety net, and his 4.6 speed threatens all levels. Blocking is a work in progress, but his balance improved in 2024. He’s a Sam LaPorta-esque big slot with higher upside.
  • Draft Outlook: Projected for the first round, likely late teens to 20s, Loveland’s receiving prowess makes him a Day 1 starter, though his blocking may cap his ceiling slightly.

3. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (FL)

  • Profile: A 6’4”, 235-pound late bloomer, Arroyo overcame early knee injuries to shine as Miami’s athletic receiving threat in 2024.
  • 2024 Stats: Arroyo caught 35 passes for 590 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per catch.
  • Strengths: Arroyo’s 9.9 YAC per reception led the class, highlighting his explosiveness post-catch. His Senior Bowl showing emphasized his speed (projected 4.65 40) and leaping ability, making him a red-zone nightmare. He’s a wingback or slot option with soft hands, though his 320 inline snaps show functional blocking effort. He’s a sleeper with Evan Engram vibes.
  • Draft Outlook: A Day 2 pick (Rounds 2-3), Arroyo’s ceiling hinges on athletic testing, but his health and 2024 tape suggest a rising stock.

4. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

  • Profile: At 6’4”, 230 pounds, Fannin is a hybrid tight end who shattered FBS records at a Group of 5 school, doubling as a big slot receiver.
  • 2024 Stats: Fannin led all FBS players with 117 receptions, 1,555 yards, and 10 touchdowns, averaging 13.3 yards per catch.
  • Strengths: Fannin’s production is jaw-dropping—his 36% target-per-route-run rate and 7.6 YAC average scream playmaker. He’s fluid, with strong hands (4 drops on 161 targets) and surprising contact balance for his size. Inline blocking is limited (311 snaps), but he held his own against Penn State and Texas A&M. Think Trey McBride with less bulk.
  • Draft Outlook: Rounds 2-3 projection; his size and MAC competition may temper first-round hype, but his dynamism could make him a steal.

5. Mason Taylor, LSU

  • Profile: A 6’5”, 255-pound true junior, Taylor (son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor) is a reliable three-down tight end for LSU.
  • 2024 Stats: Taylor nabbed 55 receptions for 546 yards and 2 touchdowns, with a career total of 129 catches for 1,308 yards.
  • Strengths: Taylor’s a balanced prospect—his 480 inline snaps show solid run-blocking chops (66.8 PFF grade), while his soft hands (3 career drops) and 6.2 YAC average add receiving value. He’s not a burner but wins with size and savvy, projecting as a Dalton Schultz-type chain-mover who can block in the C-gap.
  • Draft Outlook: Day 2 (Rounds 2-3), Taylor’s well-rounded game suits teams needing a steady starter, with potential to climb if he tests well.

Other Notable Prospects:

  • Gunnar Helm (Texas): A 6’5”, 252-pound senior, Helm stepped up with 60 catches for 786 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024. Smooth routes and reliable hands (2 drops career) make him a sleeper, though he’s average as a blocker. Rounds 3-4 potential.
  • Terrance Ferguson (Oregon): At 6’5”, 255 pounds, Ferguson’s 43 catches for 591 yards and 3 touchdowns pair with strong inline blocking (70.1 PFF grade). Lacks elite speed but is a safe, versatile option. Day 3 (Rounds 4-5).
  • Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse): A 6’5”, 236-pound tweener, Gadsden’s 73 catches for 934 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 scream big slot. His blocking is minimal, but his catch radius and 7.8 YAC shine. Rounds 3-4.
  • Jake Briningstool (Clemson): At 6’6”, 240 pounds, Briningstool’s 49 catches for 530 yards and 7 touchdowns highlight his seam-stretching speed. Lean frame limits blocking, but he’s a red-zone threat. Day 3 (Rounds 4-5).

Class Overview:

The 2025 tight end class is a standout group, blending Warren’s do-it-all dominance, Loveland’s receiving polish, and a deep Day 2-3 pool of specialists. Warren and Loveland could crack the first round, a rarity for the position, while Arroyo, Fannin, and Taylor bolster a robust mid-tier. This class rivals 2019 (Hockenson, Fant, Kmet) for impact potential, with Warren’s versatility and Fannin’s production echoing Brock Bowers’ 2024 rookie buzz. As teams prioritize tight ends in modern offenses (e.g., Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews), expect this group to draw heavy pre-draft attention, with athletic testing likely to refine their stock.

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