The tight end class for the 2016 NFL Draft lacked star power, with no standout prospects that appear to be game-changers at the next level. Fortunately for NFL teams, the upcoming class looks to be much stronger, with a number of players who project to have strong traits for the NFL game. The July 19 Quick Kicks Podcast delves into the 2017 tight end class, with host Chuck Zodda joined by fellow ITP writer Jon Ledyard to break down some of the key names to watch in the upcoming season from his 30-player watchlist. Topics this show include:
- The relative weakness of recent draft classes as far as tight end prospects, and the reasons for the lack of top-end talent at the position in the past several years (3:11)
- The types of tight ends present in this year’s class, and whether this is a class that is heavier in pass-catching prospects, traditional in-line blockers, or hybrid H-back players (5:49)
- The varied roles for tight ends in the modern NFL passing game, and which prospects are best suited for the different types of passing attacks (8:48)
- Players outside of Power 5 conferences that Jon is keeping an eye on during the fall season and have the potential to rise up draft boards (11:47)
- Clemson TE Jordan Leggett and what he has to do to make his case as the top tight end in this year’s class (14:28)
- Other key prospects to watch in the fall who may be under the radar, but capable of making a move due to their natural abilities (16:58)
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Music Credits
Filligar, “Guilty Good Intentions“
Ronald Jenkees, “Disorganized Fun“