Top 10 Tight Ends in the 2024 NFL Draft Class

The 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon as we head into April. In this article, we’ll rank and review the top 10 tight end prospects in this year’s draft class. SB Nation’s draft analysts have compiled their rankings to create this top 10 list.

The tight end position is experiencing a resurgence with talented prospects emerging every year. Teams like the Falcons, Lions, and Bills have benefited from young talent at the tight end position. With a tight end selected in the first round in two of the last three years, we can expect another first-round pick this year.

This year’s tight end class features a mix of talent, including a generational top prospect, players with high potential, and some interesting projects. Here are SB Nation’s top 10 TE rankings for 2024.


10. Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

McLachlan is a unique prospect with ideal height but lacking some desired athletic traits. Despite this, he shows flashes of exceptional athleticism on the field, especially in his contact balance and hurdle highlights. McLachlan may be a Day 3 pick but has the potential to become a starter with further development.

9. AJ Barner, Michigan

Barner has the ideal size for a tight end but lacks explosiveness in the receiving game. He excels in blocking and has a strong ability to catch balls in traffic. With experience as a team captain and continuous improvement throughout his college career, Barner provides valuable depth to an NFL team’s tight end group.

Big 12 Championship - Kansas State v TCU

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

8. Jared Wiley, TCU

Wiley is a tall tight end utilizing his height to play above the rim. While lacking short-area quickness, he excels at winning 50/50 balls and being a red zone threat. Wiley’s versatility allows him to line up in various positions, and he has the potential to become a rotational player with continued skill development.

7. Dallin Holker, Colorado State

Holker, a 24-year-old late bloomer, transitioned from BYU to Colorado State, showcasing his pass-catching abilities. While not a strong in-line blocker, his understanding of getting open on different levels of the field is impressive. Holker’s role may be limited to a “big slot” but he has the potential to contribute productively in the right situation.

6. Jaheim Bell, Florida State

Bell, an undersized tight end with versatile usage in college, possesses playmaking ability after catching the football. While his blocking is not exceptional, his talent for creating plays post-catch makes him valuable in certain situations. Bell’s NFL success will depend on carving out a niche with his unique skills.