The 10 Best Tight Ends In The 2023 NFL Draft

Ranking the Top 10 Tight Ends in the 2023 #nfldraft
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TE Scheme Fits
Possession / Y: A typical "Possession" Tight End who can handle his duties in-line as a blocker and be, at worst, a serviceable target as a chain mover and red zone threat.
Receiving: A Tight End with receiving chops who can also threaten vertically, and serve as a matchup problem for defenses. This player is often lined up as an actual Receiver, but shouldn't be expected to block well when used as an in-line blocker.
F (Wing)*: Part receiver, part tight end, part full-back. These Tight Ends are likely too light to hold up well as an in-line blocker but can be used on the wing or as a slot receiver in bunch formations where their blocking is best utilized and mismatches can be schemed up.
Blocking*: Tight end who is mostly a blocker, often slower and/or lacks skill as a receiver. Used to designate inferior Y Tight Ends who are good blockers but will struggle as receiving threats in the NFL.
Smash & Cash*: Specific classification of Tight End with a limited skillset who is the perfect fit as a 2nd string Tight End for heavier Packages who can contribute as a blocker but has rare size or red zone ball skills to convert touchdowns at the Goal-Line
*Not included in a players designation as "Any" Scheme Fit
TE Traits
Agility (AGI): Footspeed in release package, at the top of routes, and as a ball carrier
Play Strength (STR): Overall play strength of the player; how much of a physical advantage the player has to muscle up defenders as a blocker or down the field in the receiving game
RBK (RBK): Overall snapshot of the player's overall ability to run block including but not limited to technique and effort
Route Running (RR): Overall route running prowess
Catching (CTH): Player's to avoid drops; players who are hands-catchers (not body-catchers) will receive higher grades
Catch In Traffic (CIT): Ability to catch the ball through tight coverage and physical contact or to hold onto the ball in traffic after getting hit
Catch Radius (CRD): Receiver's range to catch inaccurate passes, come down with low percentage catches, make spectacular catches along the sideline and/or high point the ball through leaping ability, reach, body control, and instincts.
Run After Catch (RAC): Ability to quickly transition into a runner after the catch & to create difficult yardage after the catch
Pass Blocking (PBK): Self Explanatory
Grading Scale
8.0 Perfect Prospect
7.5 Day 1 Perennial All-Pro
7.3 Day 1 High-End Starter And Likely All-Pro
7.0 Day 1 Quality Starter And Potential All-Pro
6.9 Day 1 Starter With All Pro Upside
6.7-6.8 Day 1 Starter With High-End Starter Upside
6.6 Day 1 Starter
6.5 Boom Or Bust
6.3-6.4 Likely Starter Within First Two Seasons
6.1-6.2 Day 1 Backup With Starter Upside
6.0 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Developmental Traits Based Prospect
5.9 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - High Floor, Limited Physical Upside
5.8 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Low Floor, High Ceiling
5.7 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Limited Physical Upside
5.5-5.6 Day 1 Roster Bubble or Practice Squader
5.4 Priority Free Agent
5.0 Chance To Be In An NFL Camp
Under 5.0 Needs Time In A Developmental League