The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy names his top 10 tight ends in this year’s NFL Draft, based on ratings and talking to people in the league:
1. Trey McBride, Colorado Street, 6-3, 246 lbs
Not a Kyle Pitts type game breaker. This class has none. An inline tight end with reliable hands in traffic above the middle. Led all FBS tight ends with 90 catches and 1,121 yards.
2. Greg Dulcich, UCLA, 6-4, 243 pounds
Former walk-on-led team in receiving yards for the past two seasons, with 10 combined touchdowns. Generates mismatches when lined up in the slot and misses tackles after the catch. Needs improvement as a blocker.
3. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State, 6-5, 252 pounds
The Long Islander native hit a total of 39 goals on 714 offensive snaps in a blocking-first role, according to The Athletic. Physical traits point to a more effective pass catcher in the pro-style scheme. Missed the combine with plantar fasciitis.
4. Charlie Kolar, Iowa State, 6-6, 252 lbs
Only three All-Americans in school history after totaling more than 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns from 2019-21. Lacks the speed to be a vertical threat but plays with the throwback toughness to the chain drivers of the 1990s.
Trey McBride and Greg Dulcich AP; USA TODAY sports
5. Cade Otton, Washington, 6-5, 247 pounds
Understands two important arts: blocking and route running. And is physical in both aspects, he gets a hat on in the running game and seals defenders to catch them with his hands as is expected given the rich football DNA.
6. Jelani Woods, Va., 6-7, 253 pounds
Benefiting from a year-long transfer from the state of Oklahoma. An 82-inch wingspan is great for 50/50 balls and end-zone crossfades, and 34 ¹/₈-inch arms are an advantage as inline blockers. Tip the scales at 275 pounds.
7. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina, 6-4, 245 lbs
Widespread former wide receiver with soft hands (a drop to 77 goals last season) and catch-and-run ability, including a 99-yard touchdown on his 12 in 2021. Could be stopped on inline routes
8. Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin, 6-4, 250 pounds
Grandson of Wisconsin coaching legend Barry Alvarez. Four straight seasons with at least 30 catches, including at least one in all 47 career games. But actually he stands out more as a willing run blocker.
9. Daniel Bellinger, San Diego, 6-4, 253 pounds
Not much production — just one season of 21+ catches and 203 yards — which is a bit confusing given the athletic test results. Earn a roster spot as a regular in special team cover units.
10. Grant Calcaterra, SMU, 6-3, 241 pounds
Retired in Oklahoma in 2019 citing multiple concussions but returned with career-best numbers as he started all 12 games in 2021. Showed a knack for slipping coverage on longer rollouts. Offers H-Back versatility.
late riser
Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State: It’s not often Ohio State products have untapped potential, but scouts see this year-old starter as a future NFL starter whose ball skills have been hidden by his inline roll. Was asked to block Joey Bosa and Chase Young in practice.
fall fast
Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M: Preseason second-round pick and arguably TE1, now considered by some to be a late Day 3 pick. Too many drops, bad blocks and bombing NFL Scouting Combine tests will do that to a prospect.
Little school miracle
Gerrit Prinz, UAB: Zero star recruit as receiver. He grew up to be a tight end in community college and hit it big in his sixth year of college, leading all FBS tight ends with 19.4 yards per catch and 10 touchdowns.