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The TE position in the NFL has evolved into a more versatile position. Today's TE's do much more as receivers lining up outside or in the slot instead of the more traditional inline role. The pioneers of today's more athletic TE movement are Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, both of which will become first-ballot Hall Of Famers when that time comes. TE's still block as needed in the run game and pass pro, and one of the best at doing this in today's NFL is 49ers TE George Kittle. Kittle is more of a traditional TE that plays closer to the line of scrimmage and is an excellent blocker and receiver. Kittle is also a unicorn in today's NFL because he provides elite positional versatility.
The 2022 NFL draft provided us with some solid TE talent. Colorado State's Trey McBride and Virginia TE Jelani Woods were the first TE's off the board. Mcbride is more of a traditional TE, he can line up inline and be a blocker as needed, and he is a good receiver and athlete with the ball in his hands. Woods is the unicorn with the high ceiling. Woods is a 6-7 former QB who converted to TE. He is a special athlete who needs some time to develop, and if he does improve as a route runner and can be an adequate blocker in the NFL, he will succeed.
The 2023 TE class is deep. There are several plus athletes in this class, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out during the 2022 season. We have Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer at the top, followed by UTAH's Dalton Kincaid.
So what are we looking for when evaluating the WR position?
The Key Positional Factors:
Positional Versatility
Blocking
Receiver Ability
The Grade Scale
IIP (Instant Impact Potential)
(9.0-7.0) High-End Starter
HUP (High Upside Potential)
(6.9-6.7) Solid Starter Level
DP (Developmental Potential)
(6.6-6.5) Lower Level Starter
(6.4) Starter Level Traits
(6.3) Limited Opportunity/Shows Starter Level Traits When Given the Opportunity
1). Michael Mayer Notre Dame JR 6-5 251
Current Grade: High-End Starter (Instant Impact Potential)
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter (Instant Impact Potential)
2). Dalton Kincaid SR Utah 6-4 242
Current Grade: High-End Starter (High Upside Potential)
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter (Instant Impact Potential)
3). Arik Gilbert Georgia RSO 6-5 248
Current Grade: High-End Starter (High Upside Potential)
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter (Instant Impact Potential)
4). Sam LaPorta Iowa SR 6-4 249
Current Grade: High-End Starter (High Upside Potential)
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter (Instant Impact Potential)