With the Indianapolis Colts likely moving on from Eric Ebron and with Jack Doyle getting up there in age, a positional need at tight end has emerged. This year’s class in the 2020 NFL draft is fairly deep with some versatility to it.
What the Colts need most is more of a move tight end, a la Ebron or Ross Travis. With two solid blockers in Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox, the need for a pass-catching tight end has become pressing.
Let’s take a look at a few tight end prospects that will take the field in late February at this NFL combine, which will be hosted again at Lucas Oil Stadium:
Harrison Bryant | Florida Atlantic | Age: 21
Bryant’s plus athletic traits, high football IQ and toughness as a blocker make him one of the most talented, well-rounded tight ends in this draft. Given the Colts need more of a move tight end and less of a blocker, Bryant would be an intriguing piece for Chris Ballard to target following the first day of the draft. Bryant caught 65 passes for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019.
Bryant is ranked No. 6 in Draft Wire’s tight end rankings for 2020.
Hunter Bryant | Washington | Age: 21
A vertical threat tight end who might lack size as a prototypical tight end but makes up for it in the passing game. While injuries are a concern, the Colts might be able to get Bryant in the middle rounds. With a spot open to work up the seam and over the middle of the field, Bryant brings quickness and run-after-catch ability that could seduce the Colts during draft weekend.
Bryant is ranked No. 2 in Draft Wire’s tight end rankings for 2020.
Cole Kmet | Notre Dame
Kmet is a bit of a project, but most of the tight end prospects in this draft are. He’s a long-bodied tight end that can get downfield and stretch a defense, and can win a lot of 50-50 balls. Kmet has the chance to turn into a valuable starter if he develops enough. He caught 43 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns.
Kmet is ranked No. 1 in Draft Wire’s tight end rankings for 2020.
Thaddeus Moss | LSU | Age: 21
Son of Pro Football Hall-of-fame wide receiver Randy Moss. Contrary to belief Moss is actually a very good run blocker, with really good hands and body control. Moss could be a player the Colts land in the middle rounds of the draft. There are questions about his ability to separate against man coverage, but he has great hands and excellent footwork for the position.
Moss is ranked No. 4 in Draft Wire’s tight end rankings for 2020.
Brycen Hopkins | Purdue | Age: 22
Hopkins might be the ideal target for the Colts even if they may have to pay a second-round pick for him. A big-play machine throughout the last two seasons at Purdue, Hopkins is athletically gifted and would make a huge difference in the passing game. He caught 61 passes for 830 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019.
Hopkins is ranked No. 3 in Draft Wire’s tight end rankings for 2020.
