Saturday was a big day at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. The quarterbacks took the field, which is always the top story of the weekend.
The quarterbacks weren’t the only ones on the field Saturday. The wide receivers and tight end also took the field. While the receivers are often one of the more exciting groups to watch, this year’s class isn’t nearly as deep as previous classes. Last season, six wide receivers went in the first round, including Jahan Dotson, to the Washington Commanders.
This year, only one wideout is possible in the first round.
The same can’t be said for the tight ends. Multiple tight ends could land in the first round in the 2023 NFL draft. Michael Mayer [Notre Dame], Luke Musgrave [Oregon State], Dalton Kincaid [Utah] and Darnell Washington [Georgia] all have an opportunity to land in the first round.
Of course, the tight end position doesn’t often go in the first round. So, NFL teams will likely find good value in the second round and later.
As for the combine, which tight ends stood out? We pick five who stood out in a big way Saturday, potentially improving their draft stock.
Georgia TE Darnell Washington
Darnell Washington has it all. He’s big [6-foot-7, 264], fast, can block and catch. On Saturday, he put on a show. Let’s look at some of Washington’s testing numbers:
- 40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.57 seconds
- Vertical jump: 31″
- Broad jump: 10’2″
These are phenomenal numbers for Washington. And his tape is good, too. Washington has shown that in Georgia’s offense, he can be an effective blocker, making him an exciting prospect. The Commanders met with Washington at the combine.
Darnell Washington: Out of this world 👽@_Dwfootball11 | @GeorgiaFootball
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/AiX4331nDG— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023
Iowa TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta shined in drills Saturday. LaPorta, measuring in at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.53 seconds. LaPorta is viewed as a player who’ll be a better pro than college player. Iowa tight ends are sometimes underused in the passing game. Look in the NFL at George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson. Next up is LaPorta, who could be a steal in April.
Alright @gkittle46, how does this comparison work for you? 😅 @Samlaporta | @HawkeyeFootball
📺: #NFLCombine on NFL Network
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/lBikul9Dgl— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 4, 2023
Old Dominion TE Zack Kuntz
What a day it was for Old Dominion tight end Zack Kuntz. The transfer from Penn State measured 6-foot-7. 255 pounds and posted the following numbers:
- 40-yard dash: 4.55 seconds
- 10-yard shuttle: 1.57 seconds
- Vertical jump: 40″
- Broad jump: 10’8″
- 3-cone drill: 6.87 seconds
What a showing from Kuntz. Kuntz has everything you want in a tight end. His size and athleticism jump out at you, meaning he could be an asset in the red zone as a rookie. Kuntz is more of a receiver than blocking tight end. Despite his massive size, he has work to do as a blocker, but there is great upside here.
2023 TE Athleticism Score Leaderboard 📋@ODUFootball's Zack Kuntz led the position with a 94 athleticism score, setting combine records for tight ends of his height (6'7"+, since 2003):
🔹 40-Yard Dash: 4.55 (1st)
🔹 Broad Jump: 10'8" (1st)
🔹 Vertical Jump: 40" (1st) pic.twitter.com/dCYhT0kjWQ— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 5, 2023
South Dakota State TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft also met with the Commanders at the combine. Much like Washington, Kraft is also a capable blocker, which is something Washington prefers from its tight ends. Kraft’s athleticism stood out Saturday, perhaps solidifying himself as a second-round pick.
SDSU TE Tucker Kraft at the NFL Combine today:
Height: 6-5
Weight: 254
Arm Length: 32 3/4’’
Hand: 10’’
40: 4.69 seconds
Vertical: 34’’
Broad Jump: 10’2’’ pic.twitter.com/mvjuEGul8y— Ryan Deal (@RyanDeal_605) March 5, 2023
Miami TE Will Mallory
This tight end class is so deep it’s easy to forget about Will Mallory. Mallory did his best to remind everyone Saturday. While Mallory’s blocking may be a concern, he’s the perfect offensive weapon at the NFL level. Mallory opened some eyes Saturday.
Fastest 40 Times (TEs):
🥇 Will Mallory, Miami: 4.54s
🥈 Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion: 4.55s
🥉 Sam LaPorta, Iowa: 4.59s pic.twitter.com/xWsg2iyO8S— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 5, 2023
