Jan

28

2008 NFL Draft – Tight End

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under 2008 NFL Draft 

Notre Dame tight end John Carlson
Yesterday, I examined the wide receivers available for the 2008 NFL Draft; today, I will look at the tight ends expected to be available for the 2008 NFL Draft. Below, you will find the player’s name, school, a brief narrative about the player and the team expected to draft him. Here we go:

1. John Carlson, Notre Dame

Is what you’d consider a great natural athlete. Has very good size (6′6″, 259) with long arms. Runs very good routes and can stretch the field. Very good blocker; high football IQ with a great work ethic. His downside is his speed is just OK; not overly elusive or a big play threat.

Team likely to draft him: Seattle (2nd round)

2. Fred Davis, USC

Excellent prospect; is very good at reading defenses. Has good quicks. Has fair size (6′4″, 250); has good run and catch ability with excellent body control. Can and will create mismatches due to his intangibles. Downside for Davis – only an adequate blocker, has only average speed for a TE.

Team likely to draft him: Cincinnati (3rd round)

3. Martin Rucker, Missouri

Has very good pass-catching skills, very good speed for a TE. Has a very good work ethic, always looking to get better at his craft. Could possibly be a fullback at times to carry the ball as he did so while at Missouri. His downside – could improve as a blocker; needs to use his size to his advantage.

Team likely to draft him: Buffalo (3rd round)

4. Dustin Keller, Purdue

Converted wide receiver; has good speed and hands. Could create mismatches against linebackers and some safeties as his vertical leap is excellent. Downside – only an adequate blocker; will ply his trade as mainly a pass-catching TE at the NFL level.

Team likely to draft him: Tennessee Titans (3rd round)

5. Craig Stevens, California

Very fluid at the TE position. Has a solid build (6′5″, 254) and quickness. Has good hands; very good route runner and has a very good work ethic. Downside – sometimes catches passes too close to his body. Lacks speed to stretch the field. His timed 40 speed will determine his draft position.

Team likely to draft him: Minnesota (4th round)


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Comments

7 Responses to “2008 NFL Draft – Tight End”

  1. Russ Loede on January 29th, 2008 9:01 am

    You have to Move BOTH Fred Davis & Martin Rucker ahead of that ND TE. Davis & Rucker are just flat-out better receiving threats.

  2. 2008 NFL Draft - Offensive Tackles » NFL GridIron Gab on January 29th, 2008 8:36 pm

    [...] I examined the tight ends who I expected to be available in the 2008 NFL Draft. Today, I take a look at the top offensive [...]

  3. » 2008 NFL Draft - Offensive Tackles on January 29th, 2008 9:14 pm

    [...] I examined the tight ends who I expected to be available in the 2008 NFL Draft. Today, I take a look at the top offensive [...]

  4. ProFootball24-7.com » 2008 NFL Draft - Offensive Tackles on January 30th, 2008 9:19 am

    [...] I examined the tight ends who I expected to be available in the 2008 NFL Draft. Today, I take a look at the top offensive [...]

  5. c jordan on February 1st, 2008 10:31 am

    [quote comment=""][...] I examined the tight ends who I expected to be available in the 2008 NFL Draft. Today, I take a look at the top offensive [...][/quote]
    Chris Hopkins Sleeper t. e. Toledo

  6. Aaron on February 18th, 2008 6:13 pm

    How can you leave Martellus Bennett and Jermichael Finley out of your rankings? Both are widely considered to be top five tight ends…

  7. Terry on March 23rd, 2008 7:31 am

    Everyone is missing the sleeper of the draft…Stupar from UVA. His pro day performances rate him top 5 in every test; and he can play football.

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