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April 4, 2008 
Frank Coyle's analysis of the class: This year's tight end group is strengthened by the addition of blue chip junior Martellus Bennett.
This TE class lacks a first-round prospect, but it is a solid group of playmakers and one of the deepest in recent memory.
2008 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings
1. John Carlson, 6-5, 255, Notre Dame
Carlson struggled as a senior, and an offseason illness led to an NFL Combine workout that was only average. But he recovered nicely at his pro day and dispelled concerns with a 4.67 40-yard dash. He has a huge upside to become a top-flight pro with wide receiver skills.
2. Fred Davis, 6-4, 250, USC
A mobile athletic tight end, Davis displays fine receiving skills and improving blocking ability. Could be an early NFL starter.
3. Dustin Keller, 6-3, 245, Purdue
Keller is a mobile receiving tight end who was very productive over his career and gives an offense an added dimension in the passing game. He had a great workout at the Combine and moved up among the elite tight end prospects.
4. Brad Cottam, 6-7, 270, Tennessee
This huge senior tight end had a good week at the Senior Bowl after an injury marred final season. He followed that with a good effort at the Combine, moving into the upper echelon of the position.
5. * Martellus Bennett, 6-6, 235, Texas A&M
Bennett is junior tight end who has the physical package to become a top NFL playmaker. He had a very good effort at the NFL Combine.
6. * Jermichael Finley, 6-5, 235, Texas
This fluid junior tight end displays the well-developed receiving skills to be a real factor in a pro passing game early in his career. Must develop more physically to become a factor as a blocker.
7. Kellen Davis, 6-6, 260, Michigan State
Another big prospect, Davis combines fine size, speed, agility and movement skills. He can get deep and catch the ball, and he's improving as a blocker.
8. Martin Rucker, 6-5, 250, Missouri
An athletic senior tight end, Rucker lacks elite deep speed but runs his routes well and can find openings in the defense. Probable starter in time after further work on strength and technique as a blocker.
9. Craig Stevens, 6-4, 255, California
This mobile prospect can be a fine NFL performer with further development as a receiver. He was used more as a blocker in the Cal scheme, and was instrumental in the successful ground game. He is an underrated prospect with soft hands who has the talent to surprise.
10. Joe Jon Finley, 6-6, 260, Oklahoma
Finley has been a steady contributor in the OU offense. He is a tall, angular prospect with good movement skills and the hands to be a factor in the passing game. However, he needs to show additional skills on special teams to be more than just a role player.
11. Joey Haynos, 6-7, 265, Maryland
12. Darrell Strong, 6-5, 262, Pittsburgh
13. Jacob Tamme, 6-4, 230, Kentucky
14. Gary Barnidge, 6-5, 235, Louisville
15. Tom Santi, 6-4, 250, Virginia
16. Christian Hopkins, 6-6, 260, Toledo
17. Kolo Kapanui, 6-5, 255, West Texas A&M
18. Adam Bishop, 6-4, 240, Nevada
19. Drew Atchison, 6-7, 250, William & Mary
20. Matt Sherry, 6-4, 230, Villanova
Frank Coyle is a nationally known NFL scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. In it's 16th season, Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to year-round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. He covers the NFL Draft and free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful and unique information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders' Digest is an extensive publication that produces 15 issues throughout the year and a Draft Yearbook with over 450 in-depth scouting reports.
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News FEATURED PRODUCT |
FRANK COYLE'S NFL DRAFT POSITION RANKINGS:
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