Emblematic of draft week, the last wave of mock drafts and predictions for all 32 teams hit the sports' stratosphere. The three-day spectacle has finally arrived and on Thursday night, first round picks will be selected. Draft boards are finalized and franchises will seek to build their respective futures with cornerstone players. The Buccaneers own the 19th overall pick in the first and the 53rd overall pick in the second round. While Tampa Bay does not have an obvious need at the tight end position with a room featuring Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp and Ko Kieft, it is always intriguing to look at the budding talent of top prospects in the current class. Every year, certain position groups garner acclaim, while others may experience an off year. The depth may not mirror previous tight end classes, but the consensus frontrunners are projected to make an immediate impact. The 2025 class is brimming with talent and several are expected to be picked early. Here is a rundown of some of the best tight ends of the 2025 class:
Tyler Warren, Penn State
Tyler Warren made history at Penn State, setting the single-game, single-season and career receiving record for a tight end. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting, which was the highest for the position since 1977, and he has the schematic versatility to immediately enhance an NFL offense. For the Nittany Lions, Warren was utilized in the slot, inline, wide and out of the backfield. The multi-faceted weapon is only the fourth tight end in FBS history to hit 104 catches in a season and 56.2 percent of his receiving yards in 2024 came after the catch. Warren catches the football in-stride and is quick in-and-out of breaks with fluid movement. He has the coordination to execute challenging grabs mid-air and the Mackey Award Winner (nation's top tight end) can stress defenses in a variety of ways. Warren has the recognition to find soft spots in zone and has the athleticism to beat man coverage in the short-to-intermediate area of the field. With superb acceleration into routes and natural hands, Warren has the tools to become a future All-Pro.
Colston Loveland, Michigan
Colston Loveland set the single-season record for catches by a tight end despite missing three games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. Loveland primarily lined up in the slot and inline while at Michigan and quickly established himself as the Wolverines' prized possession with elite speed and ball skills. Loveland works down the seam with ease and explodes off the line. Whether a slant over the middle or a vertical route downfield, Loveland can win versus corners with effective breaks and crisp angles. With a large catch radius and the ability to run a full route tree at every level of the field, Loveland has focal-point potential in a pro offense.
Mason Taylor, LSU
Mason Taylor set records for career catches (129) and receiving yards (1,308) en route to becoming the most productive tight end in LSU annals. He effectively makes adjustments to haul in contested catches and his toughness at the point of attack on blocking assignments rounds out his game for three-down potential in the NFL. Taylor remains focused in traffic and boasts run-after-catch ability. He extends rush lanes as a stalk blocker on the perimeter and projects as an "F" tight end. Taylor's focus never seems to waver at the catch point and he has great extension to secure grabs away from his body.
Elijah Arroyo, Miami
Elijah Arroyo battled a knee injury for the better part of his collegiate tenure but had a breakout year in 2024, leading the FBS in yards per catch among tight ends (16.9). He lined up mostly in the slot as an F tight end in Miami's RPO-based system. Arroyo effortlessly moves in-and-out of breaks to create separation and 34.3 percent of his catches went for 20 or more yards in 2024. He paces routes with fluidity and became a YAC-weapon for the Hurricanes, leading the FBS in 2024 with 9.1 yards after catch per reception. With long-strided speed for posts and fades, Arroyo presents an impressive resumé to offensive coordinators.
