It once seemed far-fetched for the Tennessee Titans to select a tight end in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
But with general manager Jon Robinson’s success in the free agency period, the Titans have more freedom in regard to which position they choose to select at with their first-round pick.
Here’s a look at the top three tight end prospects the Titans should be interested in:
1. Noah Fant, Iowa
Iowa is known for its development of tight ends, and Noah Fant showcases that trend perfectly.
Fant’s athleticism and playmaking ability make him one of the top talents overall in the draft. He’s also proven effective in the short passing game and solid as a blocker.
In regards to blocking, Fant shows a bit more consistency than his teammate T.J. Hockenson, though it’s true that Hockenson’s blocks are more dominant and impressive.
Defenses will also want to avoid allowing Fant to catch a pass while he has momentum, as Fant has made opponents pay after the reception with his high level of speed.
Fant’s only truly notable weakness is his route-running, a category in which he appears lazy and simply not detailed enough at times. But given his versatility and ability to be used practically anywhere on the field, it’s something he can work through.
The ceiling for an all-around talent like Fant is sky high, and he’ll instantly present a more than serviceable weapon for the quarterback of any team who picks him up.
2. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Fellow Hawkeye T.J. Hockenson is neck-and-neck with Fant, and has received more media attention than his teammate in recent times.
One of Hockenson’s most notable qualities is just how physical of a blocker he is, as he quite possibly could instantly become one of the best blocking tight ends if the league if he’s able to stay consistent.
He did struggle with consistency in college, though, and was overly aggressive at times as well.
Undoubtedly a top prospect, Hockenson possesses a strong Football IQ, and is already smooth and promising as a route runner. As he develops in the NFL, his athleticism will only make him that much better in the latter area.
Like Fant, Hockenson has also been known to punish defenses with his yards after catch and trucks defenders with ease.
3. Irv Smith Jr., Alabama
Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. hasn’t been linked to the Titans nearly as much as Fant and Hockenson have, but was mocked to Tennessee by NFL analyst Bucky Brooks in a recent mock draft.
The reasoning behind Brooks’ projection was the possibility that Smith could fit the mold for the second coming of Delanie Walker, the Titans’ current veteran tight end.
Smith is a good overall pass catcher, looking consistent over his career and showing ability to adjust to passes outside of his frame as well. Like the other two top prospects, Smith’s athleticism and speed also set him apart, though his hand usage could stand to improve.
He holds his blocks well most of the time, but sometimes lets his arms go wide and struggles to maintain control.
While Fant and Hockenson should have no issue being drafted in the first round, barring a surprise, Smith is a guy that could stick around as long as the bottom of the second round.
