PFF ranks college football's top five tight end candidates for the 2023 NFL Draft
It’s been more than a month since the 2022 NFL Draft, but it’s not too early to look ahead to next year. Pro Football Focus did just that, ranking the top five tight end candidates for the 2023 draft.
The first tight end didn’t go until No. 55 overall in the second round this year, but PFF argues the 2023 tight end class could get some first-round attention. One name to watch is Notre Dame star Michael Mayer, who had the fourth-most receiving yards by a tight end in 2021. Some other names could garner some buzz, as well.
Here’s PFF’s top five tight ends that could go in next year’s draft.
PFF’s top five tight ends for the 2023 NFL Draft
Mayer had a monster year for Notre Dame in 2022, ranking second on the Fighting Irish with 848 receiving yards and seven touchdowns — tied with Kevin Austin for the team lead. With Austin in the NFL, Mayer is sure be a top receiver for Notre Dame regardless of who ends up at quarterback with Jack Coan out of the picture.
2. Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Kincaid ranked third on the Utes roster last year with 510 yards while scoring a team-high eight touchdowns for the Utes in 2021. Their tight end room has plenty of talent, too, considering Brant Kuithe was the team’s leading receiver last season en route to the Pac-12 title game.
3. Arik Gilbert, Georgia
Gilbert started his career at LSU before entering the transfer portal and joining Georgia ahead of the national championship 2021 season. He didn’t play for the Bulldogs due to personal reasons, but had 368 yards and two touchdowns with LSU in 2020.
4. Jaheim Bell, South Carolina
Bell was South Carolina’s second-leading receiver last season with 497 yards and tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches. He’s in good position to further develop under Shane Beamer, who worked as the tight ends coach at Oklahoma before taking over as South Carolina head coach last year.
5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa
LaPorta thrived for Iowa last season, leading the Hawkeyes with 697 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He was the top target for Spencer Petras and is likely to take on that role again in Brian Ferentz’s offense. That could help his draft stock for 2023, as well.