The tight end position made headlines in the 2021 NFL Draft when Kyle Pitts was taken fourth overall. Let’s take a look at the full list of tight ends selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Which tight ends were drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft?
Let’s take a look at the tight ends chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kyle Pitts, Florida | Round 1, Pick 4 | Atlanta Falcons
Entering the 2020 college football season, three tight ends were in contention to be the first selected at the position in the 2021 NFL Draft. By the time the national championship game was over, one tight end stood clear atop the list.
Pitts posted incredible numbers in 2020. In eight games, he generated 43 receptions, 770 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 5.4 receptions and 1.5 touchdowns per game, as well as 17.9 yards per reception. Pitts scored multiple touchdowns in a single game three times in 2020. He failed to score a touchdown in just two games and recorded fewer than 50 receiving yards just once.
Pat Freiermuth, Penn State | Round 2, Pick 55 | Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth‘s hope of becoming the top tight end selected in the 2021 NFL Draft disappeared when he was injured during the 2020 college football season. However, he was on pace to post awe-inspiring numbers. Through four games, he reeled in 23 receptions for 310 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Freiermuth’s increased usage in 2020 flashed his ability as a big-play threat. In his first two years, he totaled 69 receptions in 25 games. In his sophomore year, he averaged 3.3 receptions per game. That increased to 5.75 in the first four games of last year.
Freiermuth was on pace for around 75 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards had he played a 13-game season. He could be a valuable option for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ passing game, even as a rookie.
Hunter Long, Boston College | Round 3, Pick 81 | Miami Dolphins
The 2020 season was intriguing for Hunter Long. Long more than doubled his reception total from 2019 (28 to 57). Yet, he managed just 179 more receiving yards despite the 29 additional receptions. As a result, Long’s yards per reception fell from 18.2 as a sophomore to 12 as a junior.
Long lands in an interesting spot with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have several tight ends on their roster. He’ll likely be competing with Durham Smythe, Adam Shaheen, and Cethan Carter for the secondary role behind Mike Gesicki. Additionally, Gesicki is entering the final year of his contract, meaning Long could become the logical replacement.
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame | Round 3, Pick 83 | Carolina Panthers
Like many at the tight end position, Tommy Tremble‘s numbers are somewhat underwhelming. Across 2019 and 2020, he produced just 35 receptions for 401 receiving yards and 4 scores.
The selection of Tremble as the fourth tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft is more about the Carolina Panthers’ situation than Tremble’s receiving prowess. Tremble is an excellent blocker who has flashed potential in the receiving game. Look for him to grow into a role as the Panthers’ lead tight end throughout his rookie contract.
Tre’ McKitty, Georgia | Round 3, Pick 97 | Los Angeles Chargers
Following his junior season, Tre’ McKitty transferred from Florida State to Georgia. After 49 combined receptions in 2018 and 2019, McKitty hauled in just 6 catches in four games for Georgia. On those 6 receptions, McKitty averaged 18 yards per reception for a total of 108 yards.
After the Chargers lost Hunter Henry in free agency, McKitty presents a potential long-term replacement. McKitty is a solid blocker who has exhibited potential in the receiving game.
Tight ends selected in the 2021 NFL Draft | Round 4
6) John Bates, Boise State | R4-P124 | Washington Football Team
7) Kylen Granson, SMU | R4-P127 | Indianapolis Colts
Coming out of college with just 47 career receptions, John Bates will start his career competing to back up Logan Thomas. As Thomas advances in age, Bates has the opportunity to progress to a starting role on Washington’s roster.
The potential for Kylen Granson on the Indianapolis Colts’ depth chart is extremely high. Frank Reich and the Colts have demonstrated a willingness to use multiple tight ends, and Granson can be a direct replacement for Trey Burton in this offense.
Tight ends selected in the 2021 NFL Draft | Round 5
8) Luke Farrell, Ohio State | R5-P145 | Jacksonville Jaguars
9) Brevin Jordan, Miami (FL) | R5-P147 | Houston Texans
10) Noah Gray, Duke | R5-P162 | Kansas City Chiefs
11) Zach Davidson, Central Missouri | R5-P168 | Minnesota Vikings
This group of fifth-round picks has plenty of potential. Some viewed Brevin Jordan as a potential top tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft. He now lands with a Houston Texans team that has no clear leader at the position, offering him the opportunity to play from Day 1.
Zach Davidson will have the opportunity to step in as the second tight end on the Minnesota Vikings’ depth chart after they released Kyle Rudolph. Luke Farrell also has an opportunity to start if he can impress in a tight end room containing the newly acquired Tim Tebow.
How many tight ends were drafted in 2021?
A total of 11 tight ends were selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. That is tied for the fewest total in any single draft since 2014. The only other time since 2000 that fewer than 11 tight ends were drafted was in 2005.
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