/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45721868/usa-today-8249577.0.jpg)
All but a few NFL teams would be happy to add a big, pass-catching tight end in the draft. While this isn't a great year for the position, there are some intriguing options for teams to choose from.
Just as it is for offensive linemen, tight ends can boost their draft stock with good measurements at the NFL Scouting Combine. Though exceptions exist, most teams prefer their tight ends at 6'4 or above and with hands over nine inches in length.
The consensus top tight end is Minnesota's Maxx Williams. The redshirt sophomore had a big year for the Golden Gophers, catching 36 passes for 569 yards and eight touchdowns, and his combine weigh-in will only help his cause. Williams came in at 6'4 and 249 pounds. His 33 1/2-inch arms may not stand out too much, but his giant 10 3/8-inch hands certainly will.
On the other side, South Carolina's Rory Anderson provided somewhat disappointing measurements. While his 6'5, 244-pound frame certainly fits the bill, his 8 3/4-inch hands are going to raise significant questions about his ability to catch passes.
Below is a table of the complete tight end measurements:
Player | School | Height | Weight | Arm | Hand |
Rory Anderson | South Carolina | 6'5 | 244 | 32 1/4 | 8 3/4" |
Blake Bell | Oklahoma | 6'6 | 252 | 33 1/8 | 10" |
E.J. Bibbs | Iowa State | 6'2 | 258 | 31 1/8 | 10 1/4" |
Nick Boyle | Delaware | 6'4 | 268 | 33 3/8 | 10 3/8" |
Gerald Christian | Louisville | 6'5 | 244 | 32 1/2 | 10 3/4" |
Cameron Clear | Texas A&M | 6'6 | 277 | 33 5/8 | 9 5/8" |
A.J. Derby | Arkansas | 6'4 | 255 | 30 1/2 | 9 1/2" |
Jeff Heuerman | Ohio State | 6'5 | 254 | 33 1/4 | 10 1/8" |
Jesse James | Penn State | 6'7 | 261 | 33 | 9 3/8" |
Ben Koyack | Notre Dame | 6'5 | 255 | 32 5/8 | 10 3/4" |
Tyler Kroft | Rutgers | 6'6 | 246 | 33 | 9 5/8" |
Nick O'Leary | Florida State | 6'3 | 252 | 29 3/4 | 9 3/8" |
Mycole Pruitt | Southern Illinois | 6'2 | 251 | 33 1/2 | 10 1/4" |
Wes Saxton | South Alabama | 6'3 | 248 | 32 | 9 5/8" |
Jean Sifrin | Massachusetts | 6'5 | 245 | 33 3/8 | 11" |
Randall Telfer | USC | 6'4 | 250 | 33 1/2 | 9 5/8" |
Eric Tomlinson | Utep | 6'6 | 263 | 32 7/8 | 10" |
Clive Walford | Miami | 6'4 | 251 | 34 | 10 1/4" |
Maxx Williams | Minnesota | 6'4 | 249 | 33 1/2 | 10 3/8" |
Loading comments...