The last of the pass catchers for this 2025 draft, stocked with plenty of top tier talent and some highly intriguing mid-round prospects. Below is our top six, but don't sleep on the honorable mentions either! A team or two is going to uncover a true diamond in the rough from this group.
Tyler Warren:
Penn State 6' 6" 256 lbs. 4.68 40-Time
An absolute menace down the seam, finding space to operate against zone defenses with ease. Quick feet, cuts faster than you would expect. Physical runner who willingly engages would-be tacklers. Capable of securing catches in traffic and through contact. Able to line up all over the offense, giving defenses numerous different looks. Top tier hands, catching every pass that touches them regardless of incoming hits.
Needs to improve in pass and run blocking. Would benefit from adding little more muscle or refining his technique in order to stay steady on routes and releases.
Summary: As you can see, Tyler Warren's positive traits far outweigh the negatives. He's a Swiss-army knife type tight end, with the ability to line up and effectively produce all over the offense-- including in the Wildcat. All the makings of a future superstar at the position, who'll quickly develop into his quarterback's go-to chain mover. With the ceiling of a taller/heavier Brock Bowers, Warren will not escape round one-- likely going in the early to mid teens.
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Colston Loveland:
Michigan 6' 6" 248 lbs. 4.70 40-Time
Versed with lining up at traditional tight end spot as well as on the perimeter, uses big frame to box out defenders at point of attack. Soft hands and strong concentration making catches through traffic. Uses his height well, shows good football IQ to find openings during extended plays. Accelerates well once securing the catch.
A little lanky for his height, could struggle to fight through press coverage and chips by larger defensive players. Runs good routes but could improve their sharpness. Not a great blocker against the run or pass, allowing incoming power rushers to get under his pads.
Summary: While not as finished of a product as Tyler Warren, Loveland brings numerous enticing traits to the table. He's tall, a smooth runner and has steel trap hands. He needs to bulk up a little and work on his blocking to truly maximize his playing time, but if he can shore up those areas, he's a guy who won't ever have to come off the field. Has a Mike Gesicki-type floor.
Gunnar Helm:
Texas 6' 5" 241 lbs. 4.84 40-Time
Great hands, with only two drops in his who collegiate career. Makes a habit of high pointing hard-to-reach passes. Subtle upper body movements to shake man to man defenders-- doesn't just rely on size or speed to get open. Also adept at finding soft spots in zone coverage. Good balance, absorbing hits to pick up extra yardage. Above average blocker, especially for his size.
Functional speed leaves something to be desired. Most sophisticated routes come in the short game-- needs to refine his intermediate and deep capability. Lighter than most tight ends; would really benefit from a year or two in a professional weight program.
Summary: The former Longhorn is one of the purest pass catchers you'll come across. His lackluster combine didn't do him any favors, but he was always going to be a bit of a project early on due to his lighter frame and route tree's lack of development. If he finds himself in the right system and isn't just thrown to the wolves in year one, Helm could end up being a great value pick and productive member of any offense.
Harold Fannin Jr.:
Bowling Green 6' 3" 241 lbs. 4.71 40-Time
Big bodied target. A sneaky explosive athlete, able to bowl over unsuspecting defenders-- when he's not hurdling them. Supremely productive, racking up 1,555 yards in just 13 games last season. Solid acceleration, quickly locking himself into open space off the line of scrimmage. Uses his body well to create separation at the point of attack. Highly developed route tree, with versatility to line up wherever.
Lateral agility tests better then the film shows. Light for the position, will need to hit the weight room hard after the draft to improve against press coverage and on line blocking. Straight-line speed is respectable but not game breaking. Questions about how a MAC player will translate to the league.
Summary: Pundits may be skeptical of his insane production due to the lack of competition in the Mid-American Conference, but Fannin Jr. combined for 19 catches, 282 yards and 2 scores in consecutive upset bids at Penn State and Texas A&M. Won't be a three-down player until he can add a little to his frame but plenty capable of doing damage when his is on the field. Quietly one of the more versatile and impressive tight ends in this class.
Mason Taylor:
LSU 6' 5" 251 lbs. 4.64 40-Time
Good field vision and acceleration, regularly maximizing his YAC opportunities. Finds soft spots in zones to give his quarterback room to operate. Ideal size and speed for the position, though he needs to add some functional muscle. Soft hands, regularly snagging off target passes.
Not the best run or pass blocker, areas he'll need to quickly improve in against stronger NFL defenders. Clean releases off the line of scrimmage came from the slot or with the help of pre-snap motion, limiting his positional effectiveness.
Summary: LSU's TE1 was a real weapon in the passing game, excelling at picking up additional yards after the catch while providing a plethora of clutch moments. Early on, Taylor projects more as a backup then a starter, due to his noticeable need to improve in the blocking department. However, if he can add some muscle and refine his technique, he could be an interesting, H-back-type tight end.
Elijah Arroyo:
Miami 6' 5" 250 lbs. 4.69 40-Time
Pure hands catcher with a big, strong frame. Scheme versatile, with success lining up on the line and split out. Nose for the end zone, with 20% of his receptions going for scores. Fluid runner, before and after the catch, appearing faster then his 40-time indicates. Solid blocker in the run and pass, often transforming blocking looks into quick hitting flat routes.
Route tree could use refinement, needing to focus on sharper breaks and intermediate level route development. A history of knee injuries will be in focus. Only one true season of production at Miami, which was a bit limited in and of itself due to injuries.
Summary: One of the better true talents of this tight end class, Elijah Arroyo's medicals will be heavily scrutinized by curious teams. He's a pro ready player with the size and skillset to make his mark in any offense-- he just needs to be on the field to do so. Big time sleeper here.
Honorable Mention:
Mitchell Evans, Terrance Ferguson, Oronde Gadsden, Brant Kuithe
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@Choppinglines
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