The tight end position has been weak in the last three drafts but that could change in 2017 when as many as three tight ends could potentially go in the first round depending on team needs. Here are my top ten tight ends for 2017.

1. O.J Howard, 6-6 237, Alabama: Howard is a big target who runs good routes and has a wide catch radius. He can separate in man coverage and he generates match ups versus linebackers and safeties. Howard needs to get stronger and improve as a blocker.

2. Jake Butt, 6-6 248, Michigan: Butt is the most complete tight end in this class. He’s an above average blocker who is technically sound and strong at the point of attack. Butt runs terrific routes and has a feel for getting open against zone. He has plus hands and can separate after the catch. There is no doubt in my mind Butt is a first round talent. 

3. Bucky Hodges, 6-6 249, Virginia Tech: Hodges has tremendous upside but the former quarterback has underachieved thus far. He reminds me a little of Jordan Reed but he’s not as athletic. Hodges runs good routes and can separate after the catch. He is a solid route runner who knows how toget open, especially against man coverage. Hodges is an average blocker who needs a lot of work. 

4. Evan Ingram 6-3 227, Ole Miss: Ingram is a move tight end who can align in a variety of places and create match up problems for the offense. He is solid route runner who can create match up problems against safeties and linebackers. Ingram competes as a blocker but he can be overmatched at times, especially on the edge. I think he’s more of a second tight end who can move around in personnel groupings. 

5. Jordan Leggett, 6-5 250, Clemson: Leggett will see an increased role in the Clemson offense this season. He is long, athletic and he can stretch the field vertically. Leggett is an average blocker right now and needs to improve in that area.

6. Jeremy Sprinkle, 6-6 255, Arkansas: Sprinkle is massive. He has long arms and he’s strong at the point of attack as a blocker. Sprinkle needs to develop more as a receiver. He’s run a limited route tree. An expanded role this season should help Sprinkle. 

7. Jeb Blazevich, 6-5 248, Georgia: Blazevich is poised for a big season as a featured part of the Bulldogs passing game. Georgia will move him around in an effort to generate match ups, particularly in the red zone. 

8. Evan Baylis, 6-6 250, Oregon: Baylis is raw but there no question the upside is there. He is long, athletic and he can separate versus man to man coverage. Baylis leaves something to be desired as a blocker. 

9. Blake Jarwin, 6-5 242, Oklahoma State: Jarwin is a good route runner who has a feel for finding the dead spots in zone coverage and settling into them. He has plus hands and the ability to separate after the catch. Jarwin needs to learn to bend more as a blocker but he has the potential to be a quality player in the NFL.

10. Eric Cotton, 6-6 253, Stanford: Cotton is raw. He’s a terrific blocker and flashed upside as a receiver last season but he has a ways to go.