TE

SORTING THROUGH THE RANKS TO FIND THIS YEAR'S Tyler Eifert TO BAFFLE DEFENSES

1 HUNTER HENRY

Arkansas (6'5", 250 lbs.) 51 rec / 739 yards / 3 TDs

Despite playing in a throwback offense—325-pound linemen; strong commitment to the run game—Henry showed many traits that will appeal to the modern NFL. He lined up in the slot, as a fullback and in the traditional in-line position, with the athleticism to get open from each spot. There's a solid base to work from here.

CONCERNS

Tends to lunge, lose balance while blocking. Gets lost in the muck running routes in traffic.

NFL COMP

Tyler Eifert

2 NICK VANNETT

Ohio State (6'6", 257 lbs.) 19 rec / 162 yards / 0 TDs

His scouting report is similar to that of 2015 third-rounder and former Ohio State teammate Jeff Heuerman, including this: Vannett projects to be a better pro receiver than he got to show in college. Heuerman may have been a bit more solid as a blocker, but Vannett can be more dangerous as a passing-game mismatch.

CONCERNS

Limited production. He isn't fooling anyone with his routes.

NFL COMP

Travis Kelce

3 AUSTIN HOOPER

Stanford (6'4", 254 lbs.) 34 rec / 438 yards / 6 TDs

Hooper plays a big game over the middle, using all of his weight to box out defenders and fight for extra yardage. He has enough speed (4.72-second 40) to be problematic for linebackers when he gets a step, too. Give him a little time and he might turn into a dominant run blocker.

CONCERNS

Given his size, room to be more physical as a receiver. Just two years of college experience.

NFL COMP

Dwayne Allen

4 TYLER HIGBEE

W. Kentucky (6'6", 249 lbs.) 38 rec / 563 yards / 8 TDs

Higbee was a wide receiver when he arrived at WKU in '11, and that background shows, as both a positive and a negative. Pushing him toward the top of this TE class is the fact that he knows how to get open and is smooth finishing plays. There's no easy way to cover him man-to-man on the second or third level.

CONCERNS

Blocks like a converted receiver. Missed time in '15 with a left-knee injury.

NFL COMP

Ladarius Green

5 JERELL ADAMS

South Carolina (6'5", 247 lbs.) 28 rec / 421 yards / 3 TDs

Adams was listed at 231 pounds by the Gamecocks, yet he weighed in significantly above that at the combine. He still ran a 4.64-second 40—best among ends—so he now boasts a scary combo of speed and size. Adams is developing as a blocker. He'll make his mark, though, as a versatile, field-stretching target.

CONCERNS

Can he maintain (or add) weight? Needs creative coordinator to unlock potential.

NFL COMP

Zach Miller (Bears)

2015 FBS receiving yards leader HUNTER HENRY, Arkansas 739

Top 40 time at combine JERELL ADAMS, South Carolina 4.64

PHOTO

STACY REVERE/GETTY IMAGES

ILLUSTRATION