The 2025 NFL Draft tight end class is exceptional. It is strong at the top and will offer value well into Day 3. The class contains two headline acts who are both top 15-type players in April’s draft, with over a dozen prospects carrying starter grades moving into the NFL.
10) Joshua Simon, South Carolina
Joshua Simon is a projection, but he brings elite, freaky athleticism to a position where it historically translates. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ pass catcher was ranked second in the 40-yard dash (4.65 seconds), vertical jump (38”), and broad jump (10’4”) among tight ends at the 2025 NFL Combine.
A sixth-year senior, Simon led the Gamecocks in receptions (40), receiving yards (519), and receiving touchdowns (7), becoming the first tight end in school history to do so. The 6’4”, 239-pound pass-catching tight end has instant speed.
He bursts off the line of scrimmage and has exceptional long speed to win vertically. However, he is only a trying blocker, and Simon doesn’t have the mass to hold up against physicality in-line or at the catch point.
9) Oronde Gadsen II, Syracuse
At 6’5” and 243 pounds, Orande Gadsden is a long wide receiver convert who possesses the large catch radius and physicality to be a mismatch from the slot at the next level. His massive frame allows him to be alignment versatile as a receiver, where his balance, body control, and clean hands will enable him to compete in contested catch situations.
While he doesn’t have the blocking technique to line up in-line, meaning he will be limited to only playing passing downs at the next level, for a team that likes vertical, seams treats to stretch the field, Gadsden would be a good late round pick up.
8) Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
Mitchell Evans isn’t flashy, but he is reliable and does a lot of things right. A physical blocker and dependable pass catcher, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish product projects as an inline tight end at the next level where his sudden hand usage, initial burst, and sturdy base hold up as a blocker.
Meanwhile, Mitchell has the physicality to get off blockers and the nuance to get open on passing downs, where his clean hands and 6’5”, 258-pound frame allow him to be a safety blanket.
7) Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
Terrance Ferguson’s best work will come in the passing game at the next level, where his physical presence and overarching athleticism will allow him to win from the slot. The Oregon Ducks’ tight end has the most receptions (134) and receiving touchdowns (16) at his position in school history and has showcased exceptional pass-catching characteristics.
At 6’5” and 247 pounds, Ferguson is a smooth route runner over the middle, where his fluid body control, core strength, and ball skills allow him to compete at the catch point and generate yards after the catch.
6) Gunnar Helm, Texas
Gunnar Helm is a well-rounded tight end whose functional athleticism and stout frame allow him to succeed as a pass catcher and a blocker. The Texas Longhorns prospect is a nuanced route runner in short areas, using his quick footwork and build-up speed to compete through the catch. His large catch radius and ball skills also allow him to win in contested catch situations.
At 6’5” and 241 pounds, Helm is also a functional blocker, and his reliable technique, low stance, and toughness can prevent defenders from impacting the pocket.
5) Elijah Arroyo, Miami (FL)
Elijag Arroyo was criminally underused by the Miami Hurricanes in 2024. With only 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, the proactive pass-catching tight end has the potential to feature more heavily at the next level.
The 6’5”, 250-pound tight end is a fluid route runner who can sell fakes to create separation. The keen athlete breezes up the seam and has the length to claw in passes at the catch point. However, his strength is only questionable at this moment, and Arroyo will likely be used in receiving situations as he continues his development.
4) Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Harold Fannin Jr. was a revelation in 2024. His 117 receptions, 1,555 yards, and 10 touchdowns made him the focal point of the Bowling Green Eagles’ offense, breaking 21 school records.
Fannin is a fluid athlete with long strides. He possesses the functional strength and leg drive to power through contact while also maintaining some of the stickiest hands in this tight-end class.
At 6’3” and 241 pounds, he lacks size. However, Fannin is a mismatch as a receiver with elite playmaking tendencies.
3) Mason Taylor, LSU
Mason Taylor lacks college production, but his projection to the next level is clear. At 6’5” and 251 pounds, the LSU Tiger is a traditional tight end. He is both a mean blocker and a reliable pass catcher.
As a pass catcher, Taylor is refined in his route running and shows innate intelligence to exploit zone coverage. He is able to create separation with fluid athleticism, and his clean hands allow him to be a reliable chain mover. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, the Tigers’ weapon has untapped potential at the next level.
2) Colston Loveland, Michigan
Colsont Loveland is an exceptional athlete and an elite pass-catching option from the slot. He is a pure mismatch as a receiver and ranks among the top players in the entire 2025 NFL Draft. The Michigan Wolverines tight end runs crafty, savvy routes where he can go through the gears and maintain speed through the catch.
The 6’6”, 248-pound receiving option has an expansive catch radius at the catch point where his basketball background appears. He is physical in the air and possesses adequate body control to adjust.
1) Tyler Warren, Penn State
Tyler Warren is best categorized as an offensive weapon rather than purely a tight end. The spearhead of the Penn State offense, Warren is a dynamic playmaker and wins in several different ways.
The 6’6”, 256-pound prospect is highly versatile. He has an expansive route tree as a receiver and can also work out of the backfield. Plus, he can throw the ball, too. As a receiver, Warren has exceptional athleticism to create instant separation. His large catch radius and instinctual ball tracking allow him to anticipate on deep routes, while he can step and shed blockers in short areas to move the chains.
Meanwhile, Warren is a willing blocker with the hot motor, intensity, and physicality to overpower defenders.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
