In a somewhat overlooked tight end class, you could argue that most prospects are 2022 NFL Draft sleepers. We’re likely to see a glut of highly talented players still available throughout Day 3. However, some of the later-round tight ends are being slept on more than most. It’s time to wake some people up to five players with excellent potential.
2022 NFL Draft sleepers at TE
Last year, Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth ensured there was significant attention on the tight end class. While there isn’t a playmaker to match their prowess in the 2022 NFL Draft, Trey McBride, Greg Dulcich, Isaiah Likely, and Jeremy Ruckert have attracted national coverage. This means there’s a laundry list of NFL Draft sleepers at the tight end position. These are some of our favorites who can make an impact in the NFL.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland
Relatively meager production during his Maryland career has allowed Chigoziem Okonkwo to slide under the radar in this class. Despite a sensational Shrine Bowl performance and some breath-taking athletic numbers, Okonkwo still remains a sleeper in the 2022 NFL Draft. His 4.52-second 40-yard dash led all TEs at the NFL Combine. His speed translates to the field, with the Maryland product projecting as a devastating seam threat with rare hands and alignment versatility.
Lucas Krull, Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for an athlete at the tight end position, look no further than Pitt’s Lucas Krull. He posted a 9.07 Relative Athletic Score, headlined by a 4.64 40-yard dash at over 250 pounds plus excellent vertical and broad jumps.
Krull looks the part of an NFL tight end, possesses the length and technical prowess to pluck the ball away from his frame, and showcases strength as a blocker. As one of the sleepers in this NFL Draft tight end class, you don’t hear much about him. Nevertheless, Krull is a top-200 player on our Top 300 Consensus Big Board.
James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell entered the 2021 college football season with a decent amount of hype. As a result of a season-ending injury early in the year, he’s fallen out of the spotlight and dwells amongst the sleepers of the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, Mitchell is a big-bodied playmaker who uses his frame to box out defenders and his reliable hands to be a secure target. While blocking may not be his forte, he’s a pass-catching threat with deceptive speed, fast footwork, and good body control and ball-tracking skills.
Derrick Deese Jr., San Jose State
In his final campaign for San Jose State, Derrick Deese Jr. tallied 730 receiving yards at 15.5 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns. Despite being one of the most productive tight ends in college football, Deese’s lack of national recognition sees him head to Las Vegas as one of the sleepers of this NFL Draft class.
The stats speak to Deese’s ability as a pass catcher, but he’s a long-levered tight end with a natural pass-catching technique. Furthermore, he has strength as a blocker who could become proficient at the NFL level with coaching.
Andrew Ogletree, Youngstown State
In a two-play stretch during the Hula Bowl, Andrew Ogletree demonstrated his ball-tracking skills, body control, reliable hands, and spatial awareness to bring the ball down in the back of the end zone while maintaining possession in bounds.
Playing for Youngstown State, he’s a legitimate sleeper in the 2022 NFL Draft class. However, he caught some attention — including from me — with his performances in the Hula Bowl and an exceptional testing performance at the Miami (OH) Pro Day. He could be a surprise draftee on Day 3.
Honorable mentions
- Trae Barry, Boston College
- Josh Babicz, North Dakota State
- Armani Rogers, Ohio
- Teagan Quitoriano, Oregon State