The XFL is back in 2023, and we’re here to provide all of the coverage you need for this season. Whether you want to scratch that fantasy football itch or just need that adrenaline rush only football can bring, the XFL is here to quench our gridiron thirst. But first, you need to know who is playing in Week 1.
There’s a mix of former NFL players and notable collegiate athletes who you may remember. We saw some of the less familiar names play better in past spring football league iterations, so keep your eyes open as you’re enjoying Week 1 XFL action.
We’re looking at our early top 2023 XFL tight end rankings as Week 1 kickoff looms.
Top XFL Tight End Rankings in 2023
1) Sal Cannella, Arlington Renegades
The XFL draft isn’t always a good way to judge the best players at any position, but Cannella has an athletic profile and was selected over other playmakers. The former Auburn Tigers tight end has great size at 6’5″ but keeps his speed at 228 pounds. I’d expect him to be a slot nightmare as the Renegades look to unleash him as someone who gets reps at both wideout and tight end.
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He had 25 catches for 330 yards, and five touchdowns in 19 games played at Auburn. Athletically, I expect him to stand out amongst his peers.
2) Jaylen Smith, St. Louis Battlehawks
Like Cannella, Smith boasts a frame that makes him more of a receiving threat than a blocker. Smith played receiver at Louisville at his 6’4″, 219-pound frame, producing 2,505 yards and 15 touchdowns over four seasons. He was a big play threat for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Quarterback AJ McCarron will need to trust Smith for the big man to produce, but McCarron will be hard-pressed to find a bigger mismatch option.
3) Briley Moore-McKinney, D.C. Defenders
Formerly of Northern Iowa and Kansas State, Briley Moore-McKinney was quite accomplished throughout his collegiate career. He led NIU in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2018 but missed most of 2019 due to an injury. He answered the bell when he transferred to the Wildcats, starting seven games and producing 338 yards and three scores on 22 receptions.
Moore-McKinney has traditional size for the position and is a good blocker. He might be the best overall tight end in the XFL this season, considering his experience in run and pass blocking.
4) Garrett Owens, Houston Roughnecks
Formerly a running back who converted to tight end, Owens will be a fascinating player to watch because of the positional change. Houston should be able to maximize his speed in space against linebackers, and after taking Owens with a second-round pick, they appear confident in what he brings to the table. He led Mercyhurst University in rushing across three seasons, totaling 2,752 yards in college.
It’s doubtful Owens will be asked to be an inline blocker too often, considering his lack of experience, but he can be a great role player.
5) Ryan Becker, Orlando Guardians
Becker played at SMU, totaling only 16 receptions for 198 yards and five touchdowns, but he earned NFL opportunities with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons before landing with the Guardians. In his limited time on the field, Becker showed impressive hands and the ability to create after the catch.
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His movement ability should stand out if the Guardians can clear some underneath space for Becker to operate.
6) Alizé Mack, San Antonio Brahmas
A former seventh-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, Mack was the quintessential Notre Dame tight end. He’s more of a blocker than a receiver in terms of his past usage. He caught 68 passes for 716 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons with the Fighting Irish.
But Mack has a promising frame at 6’4″ and 251 lbs that may allow him to be more impactful in a healthy passing game. The question is whether Jack Coan, Jawon Pass, or Reid Sinnett are good enough QBs to maximize Mack’s potential.
7) Jordan Thomas, St. Louis Battlehawks
A former sixth-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2018, Thomas is still only 26 years old despite being out of the league for the last two seasons. He was a raw prospect out of Mississippi State and struggled to find playing time across four teams in three seasons. However, he did bring value in the red zone.
Five of his 22 career receptions went for touchdowns, meaning the 6’5″, 277-pounder has a skill set the Battlehawks can use. His massive frame will stand out against linebackers and defensive backs alike.
8) Ben Beise, Seattle Sea Dragons
Small-school prospects like Ben Beise have the most to gain from the XFL. Beise was a first-team All-American in 2021 in the AFCA, producing 358 receiving yards and 93 rushing yards for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He’s 6’5″ and 255 pounds, making him an intriguing athlete who could show up the competition.
9) Travis Koontz, Vegas Vipers
Formerly at Texas Tech, Koontz was a late-bloomer who finished his 23-game career with the Red Raiders totaling 45 receptions for 647 yards and five touchdowns. The 6’4″, 255-pounder isn’t overly fast or nimble, but he did well to get better throughout his time in Lubbock.
He’ll have to fight his teammate for targets, but there’s talent between Koontz and Sean Price at the position in Vegas.
10) Sean Price, Vegas Vipers
The oldest player on our list is Price. He played at USF from 2012-2015, notably catching a career-high 306 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season. The 6’2″, 245-pounder was a police officer before being drafted by Vegas. But it’s not too late for Price to make an impact on the gridiron, as he showed a good baseline of talent in college.
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The question is whether he has the speed to thrive and be a difference-maker. He was never very fast and has been removed from the game for seven years. Still, he was a good talent the last time we saw him.