While there may not be a Kyle Pitts of the 2023 NFL Draft class, there are four tight end prospects who could conceivably be drafted in the first round. It’s unlikely that all four players are drafted in the first round, but it’s anybody’s guess as to the order that they go off the board. I want to take a moment to look at the consensus top four options, and see how they compare to one another. From there, we can stack the top of the tight end class depending on our wants and needs for the position. Let’s look at them in alphabetical order by last name.
Be sure to follow NFL Draft Lounge for more coverage on the 2023 NFL Draft, as well as the tight end class. As always, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Dalton Kincaid, Utah – 6’4, 246
Of the top four tight ends, Kincaid is the best pure receiver. He isn’t the biggest or strongest, but he moves exceptionally well. He has the natural quickness and fluidity to separate from his man in all three levels of the field. His speed makes him a true seam threat. He tracks the ball well, and is able to extend away from his frame to reel in the football. Kincaid is very dangerous after the catch, showing the ability to make his man miss in the open field and pick up extra yards. On the flip side, he isn’t the most physical player. He can get knocked around a bit, and is a relatively poor blocker. To get the most out of Kincaid, teams will want to flex him out and use him as a receiving mismatch weapon.
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame – 6’4 ½, 249
Michael Mayer is arguably the most well rounded tight end of the bunch in this 2023 NFL Draft class. He has average speed, but possesses incredible ball skills. Mayer makes tough, contested catches regularly. He gets just enough separation at the top of his route, and is able to box out his opponent to make a play on the ball. Mayer is strong, physical, and a quality run blocker. While he won’t make a ton of guys miss after the catch, he is going to make the defense work to bring him down. Mayer is a bit of a throw back tight end who can do a bit of everything, but lacks the elite athleticism of some of the others in this class.
Luke Musgrave, Oregon State – 6’6, 253
When considering the combination of size and athleticism, Musgrave checks all of the boxes. His 4.61 40-yard dash, combined with a 36″ vertical and 10’5 broad jump just confirm what everyone sees on tape. Musgrave is a truly modern tight end who can stretch the field and create big plays on a moment’s notice. His combination of size, speed, and fluidity make him a nightmare in the open field for opposing defenses. His hands are good, not great. And while he is a willing blocker, he still needs to sort some things out technically to improve in that department. He was also limited to just two games this past season due to injury.
Darnell Washington, Georgia – 6’7, 264
Washington is the biggest wildcard of the group. A mammoth of a human being, Washington was essentially a sixth offensive lineman for a Georgia team that also features Brock Bowers. On film, he did flash as a receiver when given the chance, but I thought he looked a bit tight. It took him some time to build up speed, but his strides were powerful once he got going. Then, he checked in a bit lighter at the combine. He wowed with 4.64 speed and a remarkable 4.08 short shuttle. That shuttle time is the 5th fastest for a tight end in combine history, and was third best of any position at the combine this year. His upside is through the roof, though his production was limited and there is a bit more projection with Washington as a receiver.
So how do we go about stacking these tight ends? Ultimately, it comes down to what each team wants from the position. This past season, three of the four teams that reached the conference championships employ highly talented receiving tight ends in Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Dallas Goedert. Personally, I value those tight ends who can create big chunk plays thanks to their athleticism in the open field. Sure, tight ends still need to block on occasion, but the primary skill has shifted. For those reasons, I currently have my tight end board stacked as follows:
Dalton Kincaid
Luke Musgrave
Darnell Washington
Michael Mayer
Kincaid and Musgrave have identical grades, with Washington and Mayer right behind them. Mayer is likely the safest choice, but he is the least likely to be a dynamic receiving threat. He is a very reliable receiver who would be a quarterback’s best friend on third downs, but doesn’t stretch the field like the others can. Washington is incredibly intriguing, but requires the most projection as a receiver. Musgrave and Kincaid are both dangerous receivers who offer YAC ability, with Musgrave being bigger and Kincaid possessing better hands. Take them in any order you choose, but this is mine at the moment.
