2010 NFL Draft: Top Tight End Prospects

Chris J. NelsonApr 19, 2010

With the 2010 NFL Draft just days away, I will be highlighting the top players at each position in this year's class.

These are my tight end prospects available in the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma

An All-Big 12 selection and All-American in 2008, Gresham missed his entire senior season with torn ligaments in his knee.

The top receiving tight end prospect in this year's class, Gresham has a chance of going in the first round to teams like Cincinnati (No. 21), New England (No. 22) or Arizona (No. 26).

2. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona

A first-team All-Pac-10 selection in 2008, Gronkowski missed his entire junior season in 2009 with a back injury. He is the brother of Detroit Lions tight end Dan Gronkowski.

Like Gresham, Gronkowski is one of the top tight end prospects in this year's draft despite not playing college football due to injury in 2009. He should interest tight end-needy teams like Cincinnati (No. 54) in the second round.

3. Jimmy Graham, Miami (Fla.)

A four-year player with the Hurricanes' basketball team, Graham played just one season of college football in 2009 and caught 17 passes for 213 yards and five touchdowns.

The 6'6", 260-pound Graham is extremely raw, but has a ton of upside and physical ability. Teams looking for the next Antonio Gates will look for Graham in the second round.

4. Anthony McCoy, Southern California

While not the focal point of a talented Trojans offense, McCoy earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors during his final two seasons and posted an impressive 20.8 yards-per-reception average as a senior.

A positive marijuana test at February's scouting combine shouldn't affect McCoy's stock too much, and he should be one of the first five tight ends off the board somewhere between the second and third rounds.

5. Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh

Dickerson bounced from position to position with the Panthers, arriving as a wide receiver and playing linebacker in 2007 before finding a home at tight end for his final two seasons. He broke out his senior season in 2009 with 49 catches for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns.

While he doesn't have the size you look for in a tight end at just 6'1" and 226 pounds, Dickeron's extreme athleticism and receiving ability present quite a few matchup problems for defenders. The versatile H-back should find a home in the second or third round.

Who are your top tight end prospects in the 2010 NFL Draft? Share your thoughts on the forum here !

Chris J. Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins Web site, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and can be followed on Twitter here.