Three Elite TE Prospects And a Mid Round Name to Know
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 19
- 7 min read
The tight end position is more important than ever in today’s NFL. It’s not just about being a big-bodied blocker anymore teams want guys who can stretch the field, create mismatches, and still hold their own in the trenches. A true do-it-all TE can change an offense, whether it’s as a reliable third-down target, a red-zone weapon, or a matchup nightmare for defenses trying to cover them with linebackers or safeties. This year’s draft class has a few guys who fit that mold players who can step in and make an immediate impact. But beyond the headliners, there’s also a sleeper in this group who has the tools to be a late-round steal. Let’s break down the top three tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft, plus one under-the-radar prospect who deserves more attention.
1. Tyler Warren (TE) Penn State, 6’6”, 257lbs
Strengths:
Prototypical TE Build: Legit 6’6”, 256 with a strong frame. Big enough to hold up as an inline blocker but athletic enough to be a threat in the passing game.
Red Zone Go-To: Knows how to body up defenders, high-point the ball, and come down with contested catches. A mismatch inside the 20.
Sneaky Good Athlete: Might not be the fastest guy on the field, but he moves well for his size. Can get up the seam and make plays downfield.
Plays Through Contact: Not getting rerouted easily. Strong hands, absorbs contact, and fights through grabs to finish plays.
Legit Blocking Ability: Not just a willing blocker he’s solid at it. Good hand placement, strong base, and can hold up against edge defenders.
Moves Around the Formation: Played inline, in the slot, and even in H-back looks. Comfortable in multiple roles, which helps his value.
High Football IQ: Knows where to sit in zones, understands leverage, and finds ways to get open even if he’s not the fastest guy on the field.
Weaknesses:
Still Cleaning Up His Route Running: More of a straight-line guy right now. Needs to get crisper at the top of routes and learn to create more separation.
Not a Home Run Threat After the Catch: Tough runner, but he’s not breaking off 40-yard gains after a short grab. More of a chain-mover than a big-play guy.
Production Doesn’t Jump Off the Page: Never put up monster stats at Penn State, so teams will have to project what his role could be at the next level.
Needs More Wiggle in Space: Wins in traffic, but he’s not making a ton of guys miss when he gets the ball in the open field.
Warren is the type of tight end who doesn’t get all the hype but just plays sound football. He’s got the size, toughness, and blocking ability to get on the field early, and he’s reliable in the passing game. Not the flashiest athlete, but he moves well enough to be a legit option in the middle of the field and in the red zone. He’s the kind of guy who might not put up crazy numbers but does all the little things that keep an offense moving from third-down catches to sealing off blocks in the run game and being a reliable target when the QB needs an easy completion. He feels like one of those guys who’ll stick around in the league for a while. His ability to block, make tough catches, and play smart football gives him a high floor. If he lands in the right system, he’s got TE1 upside, but at worst, he’s a rock-solid TE2 who can be a QB’s security blanket and contribute in multiple ways. Teams looking for a physical, do-it-all tight end who can be trusted in key situations will see plenty to like in Warren’s game.
2. Colston Loveland (TE) Michigan, 6’5”, 245lbs
Strengths:
NFL Frame & Athleticism: Built exactly how you want a modern TE. Big, long, and moves way smoother than most guys his size. Still has room to add muscle without losing mobility.
Natural Pass-Catcher: Hands are legit. Plucks the ball out of the air with ease, doesn’t fight it, and doesn’t resort to body catches. Catches through contact too.
Fluid Route Runner: Not stiff at all. Can change speeds mid-route, set up defenders, and separate especially against linebackers.
After-the-Catch Ability: Not just a catch-and-fall guy. Knows how to make a move in space, can break arm tackles, and has enough burst to pick up extra yards.
Versatile Usage: Michigan moved him around a lot inline, out wide, H-back, even some motion looks. Comfortable in any role, which helps his NFL projection.
Red Zone Weapon: Size, hands, and body control make him a nightmare near the goal line. Can high-point and outmuscle DBs.
Effort as a Blocker: Not dominant, but he’s not soft either. He competes, which is half the battle for young TEs.
Weaknesses:
Still Raw as a Blocker: Effort is there, but the technique needs polishing. Hand placement, leverage, and consistency all need work.
Good Speed, Not Great Speed: Not slow, but he’s not a freaky mismatch speed-wise. More of a smooth runner than a straight-up burner.
Route Tree Needs Expanding: Michigan didn’t ask him to run a ton of advanced routes. Has the ability, just needs refinement at the next level.
Production Doesn’t Jump Off the Page: Michigan’s offense doesn’t feature tight ends a ton, so he wasn’t putting up Brock Bowers-type numbers. More of a "traits over stats" prospect.
Loveland is one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in this class, combining prototypical size with natural receiving ability. At 6’5”, 245, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen. He is too big for defensive backs, too athletic for most linebackers. He’s a smooth route runner with strong hands and the body control to make tough catches in traffic. While his blocking is still a work in progress, he competes and has the tools to improve with the right coaching. He’s a red-zone weapon from Day 1 and has the versatility to line up all over the formation. The production isn’t eye-popping, but his tape shows a player who’s only scratching the surface of what he can be. If he lands in the right system, Loveland has all the tools of a high-end TE1 who a reliable target in critical situations can be.
3. Harold Fannin Jr. (TE) Bowling Green State, 6’4”, 230lbs
Strengths:
Versatile Playmaker: Not your traditional TE. Moves like a big WR and was used all over the field inline, slot, and even in the backfield.
Fluid Athlete: Runs well for his size, moves smoothly in and out of breaks, and can separate against linebackers and safeties.
Natural Hands: Doesn’t fight the ball. Snags passes away from his body and makes tough catches in traffic.
Yards After Catch (YAC) Ability: More of a modern TE can turn short catches into big plays. Runs hard and can make guys miss in space.
Mismatch Potential: Too big for DBs, too fast for most linebackers. The type of TE offenses can scheme into favorable matchups.
Red Zone Threat: Knows how to use his frame, adjusts well to the ball, and has a knack for finding space inside the 20.
Weaknesses:
Still Raw as a Route Runner: Relies on athleticism more than polished technique. Needs to refine his footwork and improve his route tempo.
Blocking Needs Work: Effort is there, but technique is a work in progress. Needs to add strength and improve hand placement to be an every-down TE.
Level of Competition: Didn’t face top tier defenses every week. Will have to prove he can win consistently against NFL-level athletes.
Limited Inline Experience: More of a move TE than a true inline blocker. Will need time to adjust if asked to play more traditional TE reps.
Fannin is a modern hybrid TE who fits today’s game perfectly. He’s more of a big WR than a traditional tight end, but that’s what makes him dangerous. He’s a fluid mover, has strong hands, and is a legit weapon after the catch. Bowling Green lined him up all over the field, and it’s easy to see an NFL team doing the same split him out, motion him, use him in mismatches against slower defenders. However, he’s not a polished product yet, especially when it comes to route running and blocking, but the upside is real. He’s the type of TE a creative play-caller can have fun with, and in the right system, he could be a sneaky good weapon. If he develops as a blocker and tightens up his routes, he’s got the skill set to be a dynamic TE2 early on with the potential to grow into a legit TE1.
A Mid Round Name to Know…Oronde Gadsden II (TE) Syracuse, 6’5”, 236lbs
Strengths:
Big WR Playing TE: Plays like a true wide receiver but has the frame of a tight end. A matchup nightmare against DBs.
Elite Ball Skills: Strong hands, tracks the ball well, and attacks it in the air. Wins a ton of contested catches.
Natural Route Runner: Smooth in and out of breaks, understands leverage, and knows how to create separation despite not being a burner.
Versatile Weapon: Syracuse moved him all over slot, out wide, even inline at times. NFL teams will see him as a hybrid chess piece.
Red Zone Threat: Big catch radius, great body control, and knows how to position himself to box out defenders.
Good After the Catch: Not just a possession guy. Can make defenders miss and pick up extra yards after the catch.
Weaknesses:
Not a Traditional TE: More of a big WR than an inline tight end. Won’t be a fit for teams looking for a true Y-tight end.
Blocking is a Work in Progress: Willing, but technique and play strength aren’t there yet.
Top-End Speed is Just Okay: Not slow, but he’s not running away from NFL DBs. More of a smooth strider than a true deep threat.
NFL Fit Depends on Scheme: Some teams may view him as a big slot WR, others as a hybrid TE. Role will vary based on landing spot.
Gadsden II is a TE/WR hybrid who brings serious mismatch potential. He’s got the size of a tight end but plays like a wideout smooth routes, strong hands, and a natural feel for getting open. He’s a problem in the red zone, wins in contested situations, and is dangerous after the catch. The blocking isn’t there yet, but that’s not why you’re drafting him. His NFL fit depends on how teams view him some will see him as a big-bodied slot WR, others as a move TE. Either way, he’s the type of player offenses will want to move around to create mismatches. His upside as a pass-catcher is high, and in the right system, he can be a legitimate go-to target, especially in the red zone and on third downs. If he cleans up his blocking and refines his game, he’s got the potential to be a top-tier TE1, who can create headaches for defenses every week.
