NFL Draft: Early Round Tight Ends

The Seahawks are going to have a big need at TE this next offseason. McCoy and Moore’s roster spots need an upgrade, and Zach Miller status will be a huge concern. Miller is going to have a huge $11 million cap number next season, so it is extremely unlikely he plays under his current contract. He’ll either have to restructure, or he’ll be released, leaving the Seahawks with a huge void to fill at the position.

While free agency remains a viable option to find help at TE, the best way to upgrade the position will always be through the draft. I figured it was time to post some of my notes on players at the position for the upcoming draft.

Oct 13, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown against Stanford Cardinal cornerbacks Devon Carrington (5) and Terrence Brown (6) at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Stanford in overtime 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

1) Tyler Eifert – 6-5, 252 – Notre Dame

Eifert is the top TE in the draft, and is of the Zach Miller type. He’s a good blocker, and can be a force in front of the running game. Still learning to pass protect when called on to do so, but isn’t bad at that. In the passing game, he’s a good route runner, has great hands, and a large catch radius. He’s also adept at find the soft spots in zone coverage. He isn’t the dynamic mismatch that an Aaron Hernandez/Kellen Winslow type are, but still should be a 1st round pick.

2) Joseph Fauria – 6-7, 255 – UCLA

Fauria is a slot receiver who runs great routes and catches everything thrown in his direction. He’s not much of a blocker though, which is why he draws so man Kellen Winslow comparisons. The problem is that he doesn’t have great speed, and will never be confused for a vertical threat.

3) Dion Simms – 6-5, 285 – Michigan State

Simms is another basketball player who making the transition to football. Luckily, he was smart enough do it warly in college, instead of waiting. He’s battle injuries the past couple years, but has been healthy for the most part this season and has been very productive. He’s goot good speed for his size, and is a good blocker. I have him with a late 2nd round grade at this point.

That’s it at this point. There’s a few players, like Florida’s Jordan Reed, who can make a case for themselves to get into the early round discussion, but none that are there right now.