We rarely get multiple potential difference-makers at the tight end position in a single NFL Draft class, but that might be the case in 2025. With as many as three potential first-round options, there is talent at the top of this class and solid developmental options available on Days 2 and 3.
Let’s examine our current top 10 TE rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft and analyze their respective skill sets.
This article’s analysis is based on the opinions of a combination of our scouting analysts at PFSN.
10) Luke Lachey, Iowa
Luke Lachey is a big-bodied, athletic tight end with a well-rounded skill set that makes him a valuable offensive weapon. His length and smooth acceleration off the line should serve him well as a seam stretcher.
Lachey is also a fluid and technical route runner when working against air. He needs to develop his core strength to become more effective as a blocker, especially as that will likely be his path to playing time early in his career. Lachey is a perfect Day 3 draft swing on an athletic tight end who could contribute as a TE2 and on special teams early in his career.
9) Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
Mitchell Evans led Notre Dame in 2024 with just three receiving touchdowns, highlighting potential concerns with the passing offense. Still, the 6’5”, 258-pound tight end shines as a natural receiver, using his size and spatial awareness to create mismatches.
8) Jake Briningstool, Clemson
At 6’5” with a large catch radius, Jake Briningstool is a mismatch for linebackers up the seam. However, his 240-pound frame limits his effectiveness as a blocker, and he’ll need to add bulk and physicality to compete against NFL defenders.
7) Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
Terrance Ferguson is a well-rounded and athletic tight end with the ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker. He possesses strong hands and reliable ball-tracking skills, making him a dependable target in the passing game. Ferguson has the body control to win contested catches, particularly in the red zone.
Ferguson’s physicality and technique as a blocker make him effective in both run and pass protection, adding value as a complete tight end. He needs to work on his route running, as he lacks lateral quickness, bute projects as a TE2 in the NFL and could develop into a red-zone specialist.
6) Elijah Arroyo, Miami (FL)
Elijah Arroyo is a dynamic and athletic tight end with the versatility to impact both the passing and running game. As a receiver, he runs crisp routes and showcases excellent hands, making him a reliable target in key situations. Arroyo’s speed and fluidity allow him to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, while his ability to stretch the field vertically adds a valuable dimension to an offense.
In the run game, he is a willing and effective blocker, using solid technique and effort to create opportunities. Arroyo is very raw, which underscores some concerns about his blocking ability, but that rawness could also allow an NFL coach to mold him into the type of player to best suit their system.
5) Gunnar Helm, Texas
Gunnar Helm emerged as a reliable tight end during his collegiate career, showcasing his ability to find separation, navigate spaces, and make challenging catches over the middle. He runs crisp routes and has reliable hands, excelling in short-to-intermediate areas while also posing a threat in the red zone.
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Helm’s versatility is evident in his contributions as both a pass protector and run blocker, enhancing his value to an offense, especially in critical situations. His well-rounded skill set and consistent performance have solidified his status as an intriguing Day 2 prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
4) Mason Taylor, LSU
Mason Taylor is a well-rounded tight end with a combination of athleticism, size, and a high football IQ, enabling him to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker. As a pass-catcher, he runs clean routes and displays reliable hands, consistently securing catches in traffic and stretching the field down the seams.
Taylor’s physicality and willingness to engage defenders make him an effective blocker in both the run and pass game. His versatility enables him to line up in multiple positions, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Continued refinement of his technique, especially as a route runner, and improving his strength will elevate his impact as a complete tight end.
3) Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Harold Fannin Jr. is a dynamic, explosive tight end who plays with the power and versatility of a Deebo Samuel Sr.-type weapon. Although he may not fit the traditional mold for his position, his strong, muscular frame, sudden burst, and elite contact balance make him a nightmare for defenders. He’s a relentless playmaker who thrives with the ball in his hands, turning routine plays into highlight-worthy moments with sheer force and creativity.
2) Colston Loveland, Michigan
Colston Loveland is a long and lean tight end prospect with excellent overall athleticism. He is a natural receiving tight end who was grossly under-used throughout his collegiate career. He aligned all over the formation for the Wolverines but was at his best operating detached from the line of scrimmage and in the slot.
Loveland is a smooth mover with good speed off the line of scrimmage. He is a long strider who quickly chews up grass and gets down the field. He flashes very good overall straight-line speed and has the ability to stretch the seam vertically.
Even though the NFL is a passing league, tight ends are still required to block, and that is where Loveland leaves you wanting more. He does not have sufficient strength at the point of attack and does not generate movement when attached. Loveland is a position-and-wall-off blocker who does play with effort in this phase, but ultimately, he is best used as a detached weapon rather than your traditional Y tight end.
Overall, Loveland has an exciting receiving profile that is a perfect fit for today’s NFL. His lack of physicality as a blocker may limit him as an every-down player, but his pass-game upside will still have NFL decision-makers giddy.
1) Tyler Warren, Penn State
Tyler Warren is a blue-chip prospect who does everything exceptionally well. He is a fearless competitor, dominant in the run game, and a physical yet savvy receiver with dangerous run-after-the-catch potential. He is a dominant and instinctive playmaker, and his positional versatility makes him a weapon on all three downs, adding to his value at the next level.
As a receiver, Warren offers versatility, capable of lining up in-line or split wide. He’s a natural pass-catcher with strong hands, a wide catch radius, and a knack for making every catch his own. He high-points the football exceptionally well and thrives in contested catch situations. He plays strong and navigates the middle of the field with ease and uses his body to create leverage and separation.
Warren is a physical presence in the run game and a willing blocker. He can maintain leverage and dominate in space on the perimeter and has the size, power, and strength to play in line and be a force at the point of attack.