2017 NFL Combine roster: Tight ends
By John Buhler
There will be 19 tight ends making the trek to Indianapolis for the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. Here are the 19 tight ends that will be evaluated as pros.
The 2017 NFL Scouting Combine will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 28 when the special teamers, the offensive lineman, and the running backs make their way to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. It will run through the week, finishing when the secondary players complete their 40-yard dashes on Monday, Mar. 6.
Perhaps the most compelling position group heading into the 2017 NFL Draft is the tight end group. One could argue it is the deepest tight end class ever assembled entering an NFL. There will be 19 strong tight ends making a name for themselves at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
They will arrive on Wednesday, Mar. 1 for medical evaluations and will leave Indianapolis three days later on Saturday, Mar. 4 after completing the cones drills on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf. Here are the 19 tight ends that will be participating in the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.
- Pharoh Brown, Oregon Ducks
- Jake Butt, Michigan Wolverines
- Cethan Carter, Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Darrell Daniels, Washington Huskies
- Evan Engram, Ole Miss Rebels
- Gerald Everett, South Alabama Jaguars
- Cole Hikutini, Louisville Cardinals
- Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech Hokies
- O.J. Howard, Alabama Crimson Tide
- George Kittle, Iowa Hawkeyes
- Jordan Leggett, Clemson Tigers
- David Njoku, Miami Hurricanes
- Scott Orndoff, Pittsburgh Panthers
- Hayden Plinke, UTEP Miners
- Michael Roberts, Toledo Rockets
- Eric Saubert, Drake Bulldogs
- Adam Shaheen, Ashland Eagles
- Jonnu Smith, Florida International Panthers
- Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas Razorbacks
What makes this tight end draft so compelling is the potential star power at the top-end. One could argue possibly three tight ends will go in the first round: Michigan’s Jake Butt, Alabama’s O.J. Howard, and Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges.
If they don’t go in the first 32, all three will be off the board by the end of the second round. After those three, there are three others that look to be sure-fire picks in the second round to early third round: Ole Miss’ Evan Engram, South Alabama’s Gerald Everett, and Clemson’s Jordan Leggett.
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Even after that, guys like Toledo’s Michael Roberts and Arkansas’ Jeremy Sprinkle look to be solid No. 2 tight ends at the NFL level for the foreseeable future. Both players had solid showings at the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl down in Mobile.