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A good tight end is a rich blend of pass-catching and run-blocking. A top-notch TE is becoming increasingly important in the modern NFL.
With Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews and Zach Ertz, the tight end position has been stacked for a while. As such, the incoming tight-end rookies have their work cut out as they enter the NFL.
In this article, we will showcase three of the best tight-end prospects entering the NFL in 2023. We will explore their scouting profiles and show why the TE position looks to be in good hands for the next decade or so.
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Top Three Tight End prospects in 2023 NFL Draft
Here are the top three tight-end draft prospects and a brief overview of what they would bring to the NFL. We will be going from third to first.
#3 Michael Mayer, Notre Dame | 6-4, 265
Michael Mayer is a different prospect from Kelce, Kittle and Kyle Pitts, but he brings something unique. He's a 6' 4", 265-pound tank with a penchant for blocking and catching the ball, thanks to his ultrasoft hands.
Mayer had a six-year stretch where he averaged 92 catches and 1,018 yards a season. There's no reason why he can't slot into the 2022 Travis Kelce role, as he did pretty well at that in Notre Dame.
Mayer went over 800 yards in the last two college seasons with 138 catches and 16 scores despite not having speed for days. He could be a menace in the league, and with the right coaching, could carve out an excellent role for himself in the league.
2023 NFL Draft Projection: Early Second-Round Pick
#2 Darnell Washington, Georgia | 6-7, 269
Look at Darnell Washington, and tell me you don't like what you see. That's right, you could not take your eyes off the mammoth of a tight end with offensive lineman skills and a solid catching bag. Darnell Washington is a potential mismatch for NFL defenders, and top-notch offensive coordinators will be salivating, thinking of how many ways they could use his skillset to their advantage.
Washington rarely played up to his potential in Georgia, maybe due to the numerous offensive weapons Stetson Bennett had at his disposal. However, there will be no excuses for Washington in the NFL, as analysts will undoubtedly expect a lot for a player of his build.
Thankfully, he learned a thing or two about expectations and the joys of winning as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs.
2023 NFL Draft Projection: Late First Round to Early Second Round Pick
#1 Dalton Kincaid, Utah | 6-4, 240
The closest tight end comp to Travis Kelce in this year's draft class, Dalton Kincaid, is that guy when it comes to catching the football, and he doesn't even bother pretending to be a decent blocker.
The NFL has become a pass-heavy league, and tight ends have become big-bodied wide receivers. Dalton Kincaid certainly got the memo, and his 70 catches for 890 yards led the FBS during the regular season.
Kincaid is so effortless along the entire route tree that he can clear his hips on his cuts. He could face challenges because of his size and how he would fare as a blocker, and there are a few concerns about his receiving ability too. However, Dalton Kincaid could be a stud in the NFL and is the best tight-end prospect for a reason.
2023 NFL Draft Projection: Mid-First-Round Pick
