Despite all of the top-end talent from the wide receiver and offensive tackle positions in this NFL Draft class, it was actually a tight end prospect not named Brock Bowers who posted one of the highest Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) from the 2024 NFL Combine.
After the dust has settled from the event in Indianapolis, is it possible the tight end prospects behind Bowers are simply being overlooked heading into the 2024 NFL Draft?
Who Were the Top TE Position Performers by RAS?
Theo Johnson, Penn State: 9.99 RAS
Theo Johnson not only managed to turn some heads with a standout performance at the combine but happened to draw a direct comparison to a future Hall of Fame tight end in the process.
Standing at 6’6” and 259 pounds, Johnson’s testing numbers across the board were outright impressive. His 40-time (4.57 seconds), vertical (39.5”), broad jump (10’5”), and 20-yard shuttle (4.19 seconds) were eerily similar to the marks we saw once upon a time from Jimmy Graham.
That is a lofty comparison to live up to, but his standout performance at the NFL Combine certainly boosted his draft stock heading into March and beyond.
Tip Reiman, Illinois: 9.93 RAS
Considering Tip Reiman tips the scales — pun intended — at 271 pounds, his 40-time (4.64 seconds), 10-yard split (1.55 seconds), broad jump (10’1”), and 3-cone drill (7.02 seconds) were all very impressive.
Don’t forget to factor in his 28 reps in the bench press event, and you can quickly appreciate how athletic Reiman is for a tight end prospect.
His pass-catching production at Illinois doesn’t measure in comparison to some of the move TEs of this class, but Reiman definitely improved his draft stock with his performance at the NFL Combine and could present a great Draft Day value.
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State: 9.75 RAS
Normally, the fastest times in the 3-cone drill are reserved for RBs, WRs, DBs, and LBs. Well, Ben Sinnott showcased some impressive agility with the ninth fastest 3-cone drill time (6.82 seconds), which was faster than Rome Odunze and Troy Franklin — who are both considered among the best WR prospects in this class.
Sinnott was a very productive pass catcher during his days as a Wildcat and could present some opposing defenses with matchup nightmares with his fluid athleticism and explosiveness — which showed up in his vertical jump (40”) and broad jump (10’6”).
Many consider Ja’Tavion Sanders the second TE on the big board for this class, but Sinnott certainly helped his draft stock at the combine.
Jared Wiley, TCU: 9.53 RAS
Jared Wiley entered the draft process with an intriguing pass-catching profile that could prove very useful to a team in need of a TE prospect with a wide catch radius and physicality at the catch point.
His 4.62-second time in the 40-yard dash wasn’t exactly elite for a player who stands 6’6” and weighs in just under 250 pounds, but he was mostly solid across the board. He has a great feel for boxing out defenders and fighting through contact at the breakpoint of his route and showcased enough athleticism during testing that he could succeed in that type of role at the next level.
RAS Results for TE at the 2024 NFL Combine
- Theo Johnson: 9.99
- Tip Reiman: 9.93
- Ben Sinnott: 9.75
- Jared Wiley: 9.53
- Tanner McLachlan: 9.39
- Jaheim Bell: 8.49
- Cade Stover: 8.33
- Ja’Tavion Sanders: 8.06
- Brevyn Spann-Ford: 7.58
- Dallin Holker: 7.36
- Trey Knox: 4.18
All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!