Austin Hooper made the Pro Bowl in 2018, so it’s tough to assume that tight end is even a need for the Falcons. However, the team could upgrade on the tight ends after Hooper on the depth chart to give Matt Ryan and new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter a legitimate No. 2 option to work with like Koetter had in Tampa Bay.
As it happens, this year is also a strong class at the position. Here’s one tight end prospect for Atlanta in each round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Round 1: TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Iowa has already provided one of the best tight ends in the league in George Kittle, and there are two more there that would both fit what Atlanta needs. One of them is T.J. Hockenson. The Travis Kelce clone could provide a perfect all-around No. 2 tight end for Koetter’s offense. His ability to line up in the slot is something that Dirk Koetter will value since he has used multiple tight ends in that spot in the past including Tony Gonzalez, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. Hooper and Hockenson would instantly be one of the better tight end pairings in the NFL.
Round 2: TE Noah Fant, Iowa
The other half of the best tight end combination in college football is Noah Fant. While he’s not the in-line type of guy that Hockenson or Hooper are, he could very well be the perfect fit for what the Falcons need from their tight ends. As an H-back style tight end, he could align in the slot, off the edge of Hooper or even in the backfield at times providing more versatility. Fant’s ability to create with the ball in his hands is second-to-none in this class of already amazing tight ends. His blocking isn’t very good right now, and the Falcons would have to work with him on that.
Round 3: TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
Another way for the Falcons to go when it comes to their No. 2 tight end role in 2019 would be to draft Isaac Nauta out of Georgia to be a primarily in-line tight end. Nauta is an excellent run blocker who drives defenders away from the ball consistently and can help re-direct defenders along the edge for his tailbacks to gain maximum yardage. As a receiver, he’s still extremely competent. The Falcons would love his hands and his willingness to fight for contested catches. He boxes out like a power forward in the middle of the field. His blocking and route-running issues are all correctable with professional coaching.
Round 4: TE Alize Mack, Notre Dame
Alize Mack is a perfect fit for a more traditional, in-line tight end. He’s a 6-foot-4, 254-pound player who who can use his body positioning and aggression to win many 50/50 balls that most tight ends and receivers have trouble with. His strong hands are extremely useful and he can take a hit and hang onto the ball. As a blocker, there’s a lot to be desired in terms of technique, but he’s more than willing to get into a defender’s face and position him out of the way. Off the field, there are a lot of questions with Mack. He had issues academically and was also suspended for a violation of team rules, but if he can put it all together, he could be dangerous.
Round 5: TE Foster Moreau, Louisiana State
Under Dan Quinn, the Falcons have loved Louisiana State athletes. One of those players could be Foster Moreau, who played starting tight end for the Tigers the last two seasons. Moreau may not be the best fit as an in-line tight end as anything but a blocker. However, he brings a unique conversion opportunity. Moreau profiles like a giant fullback option at the next level. He’s not overly athletic, doesn’t run great routes and isn’t even good as a ball-catcher. But, he can turn it on as a blocker.
Round 6: TE Tommy Sweeney, Boston College
Tommy Sweeney is a tight end in the mold of Logan Paulsen where he’s not going to be anything more than a standard blocker on 99 percent of his plays. However, he’ll still slip underneath at times for a wide open gain of 10-15 yards just to throw defenses off. Atlanta loves players like him because they have specified roles even if they aren’t the best at everything. The Falcons should honestly look into an option higher in the draft, though.
Round 7: TE Donald Parham, Stetson
One potential steal in the draft could be Donald Parham out of Stetson. The former basketball player isn’t a great blocker by any means, but as a receiver, he might be one of the best former basketball players to make that conversion. His best pro comparison would be Jimmy Graham coming out of Miami. Parham’s route running is pretty refined despite only really committing to football the last four seasons. He’s also excellent at contested catches and can make sure to use his basketball experience to box out guys. The real issue is he’s a bit of a tweener between a big-slot type and a true in-line tight end due to his lack of blocking ability.
