Outside of the top two tight ends in this group, there aren’t any home runs here. However, there are some very solid options and players who can make significant contributions. The 2015 NFL Draft tight end class isn’t very deep either so the tight ends on this list will likely be earning more money in free agency than they probably deserve.
5. Jermaine Gresham
Gresham has the potential to be one of the top tight ends in the league but needs to work on his consistency. He has all the physical tools, he just seems to lack to concentration at times. In 2012 he was near the top of the league in drops but has only had four drops combined in the last two seasons. His blocking use to be awful but he’s made considerable improvements there as well. For whatever team decides to sign Gresham, they’ll be getting a ton of potential.
4. Owen Daniels
Daniels had a solid bounce back year after only playing in five games in the 2013 season. He makes a lot of the tough catches and isn’t afraid to take some hits. However, his blocking leaves a lot to be desired. Daniels can be a quality addition for a team and can serve as a bit of a security blanket for whoever ends up being his quarterback.
3. Larry Donnell
Donnell came onto the scene quick, fast, and in a hurry this season. He’s a dynamic tight end that is capable of making all the plays you would need him to make. However, he really slowed down in the final eight games of the 2014 season averaging only three catches per game and scoring only one touchdown in that stretch. He’s a very good red zone target and will likely put together a much more complete season in 2015.
2. Jordan Cameron
When Cameron is healthy he is one of the best tight ends in the game. He has an incredible catch radius and runs exceptional routes. Couple that with his speed and he is a major mismatch for just about any defense. The biggest knock on his game is his blocking. But with a tight end with the athleticism that Cameron has, it’s not too often you’ll be putting him inline to block.
1. Julius Thomas
The book on Thomas is basically the same as Cameron but with a little more speed. Thomas is a physical specimen that defenses have to account for on every play and is incredibly hard to cover. He’s entirely too fast for a linebacker to cover alone and too big and strong for a safety to cover. The threat he poses in the red zone is almost unparalleled in the league.