This tight end class may not be especially deep right now, but there is legitimate talent at the top. My first three players all possess the athletic ability to become matchup weapons in an NFL passing game. The wild card is Georgia’s Jaden Reddell, who could enter this draft or return to school and position himself near the top of the 2028 class.
- TREY’DEZ GREEN, LSU
At 6-foot-7 and approximately 240 pounds, Green presents an enormous target with a tremendous catch radius. He can work the seam, win above defenders and become a major problem inside the red zone.
Green is more of a receiving weapon than a traditional in-line tight end right now. He must continue developing his strength, blocking technique and ability to handle physical defenders at the line of scrimmage. I also want to see how his current injury affects the remainder of his season and his pre-draft preparation.
From a pure matchup standpoint, however, Green may offer the highest ceiling in this group. If he tests well and receives a clean medical evaluation, I believe he has first-round ability.
Current projection: First round
- JAMARI JOHNSON, OREGON
Johnson may be the most complete tight end on my board. At around 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he already possesses the size to play in-line, from the slot or as a movable piece within an NFL offense.
He catches the football naturally, creates separation against linebackers and has enough speed to threaten the middle of the field. He also has experience blocking from a traditional alignment, although I still want to see him become more physical and consistent in that area.
Johnson may not have Green’s unusual length, but he is a smoother and more polished all-around player at this stage. A strong combine could make him the first tight end selected.
Current projection: First to early second round
- LUKE REYNOLDS, VIRGINIA TECH
Reynolds could become the biggest riser at the position during the evaluation process. He is approximately 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds with outstanding athletic ability, movement skills and legitimate speed for the position.
He was not consistently featured early in his college career, so his production does not completely reflect his talent. On film, however, you can see the explosiveness. He can stretch the seam, separate in space and create yards after the catch.
The question will be whether he can become a dependable three-down tight end instead of primarily an athletic receiving weapon. His blocking, route detail and overall consistency will be heavily evaluated. If Reynolds tests the way I expect, teams will go back and take an even closer look at his tape.
Current projection: Second round
- JADEN REDDELL, GEORGIA
Reddell may eventually become as good as any tight end on this list, but he has an interesting decision ahead of him. He could enter the 2027 draft, although I believe there is a real possibility he returns to Georgia and positions himself as one of the top tight ends in the 2028 class.
He is athletic, fluid and dangerous working down the field. Georgia understands how to move its tight ends around and create favorable matchups, and Reddell has the ability to become the next high-level prospect from that system.
If he enters this draft, scouts will have to balance his physical upside against a smaller body of proven production. Another season could allow him to become the featured weapon, strengthen his overall résumé and potentially move into first-round consideration.
Current projection: Second to third round if he declares
Potential 2028 projection: First round
MY EARLY TAKE
Green currently has the highest ceiling, while Johnson may be the safest and most complete prospect. Reynolds is the player most likely to shoot up draft boards during workouts, and Reddell is the wild card who could dramatically improve his position by returning for another season.
This is not an especially deep tight end class at the moment, but the top three have the tools to become legitimate NFL starters. The combine will be particularly important because athletic testing could create real separation between them.
