2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the 5 Best Tight Ends Available on Draft Day

The 2012 NFL draft is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the continued evolution of the most versatile position in the NFL—tight end.

With the NFL becoming a more passing-oriented league, the tight end position has become one of the most important positions on the field on every down. Not only can elite tight ends beat teams down the field in the passing game, they can break open huge holes in the running game as essentially an extra offensive lineman.

The 2012 NFL draft has a plethora of talent at the position. Teams willing to risk a high draft pick on the tight end position will be rewarded with athletes that can change a game on any play. Tight end used to be criticized as a reach in the first or second round—but not anymore.

Here are the five best tight ends in the 2012 NFL draft that teams should take a risk on:

5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana -Lafayette

Ladarius Green was skipped by most major schools when recruited out of high school because of his height and weight. Green landed at Louisiana-Lafayette, and schools across the nation regretted it.

Green is similar to a wide receiver standing at 6’6” and 235 lbs. He continues to add weight without losing speed or agility, and is now a force in the NFL draft.

In his final collegiate season, Green caught 51 passes  for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. The transition the NFL may not be as fluid as some would like, but scouts would be silly to overlook Green yet again.

4. Michael Egnew, Missouri

Michael Egnew was a consistent performer throughout his career at Missouri, which culminated in a 2011 season that saw him rack up 50 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns.

Egnew is another extremely athletic tight end standing at 6’5” and weighing 245 lbs. The biggest knock on Egnew is he mostly played out of the slot at Missouri, similar to a wide receiver. Fortunately for Egnew, that is becoming a norm in the NFL.

While teams can’t expect Egnew to be a great blocker, his upside as a red zone threat makes him worth a pick in the second to third round of the year’s draft.

3. Orson Charles, Georgia

Orson Charles is an extremely athletic tight end out of Georgia. Charles elected to leave school for the draft after recording 45 catches for 574 yards and five touchdowns in his junior season.

Charles comes in at 6’3” 240 lbs. and will be one to watch closely as the draft approaches. His measurables are impressive, and can be even better once he begins conditioning for the NFL Scouting Combine.

Charles is a threat in the passing game at all times, but could use some work in terms of run-blocking. During his first year in the NFL, Charles could be an effective threat in passing situations while he develops the other areas of his game.

2. Coby Fleener, Stanford

Coby Fleener was the beneficiary of eerily-accurate passes from quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford last season. Fleener caught 34 passes for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Fleener is 6’6” and 245 lbs and is simply unstoppable in the passing game. While he is efficient at run-blocking, he could be much better if he added more bulk.

Fleener was well coached at Stanford, and would be the best on available in most drafts. He played basketball in high school, which is something NFL teams love to hear these days. His best trait is his route-running, and will be a huge asset to any team that lands him.

1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson

Dwayne Allen is far and away the best player at his position this year’s draft. Allen won the John Mackey Award last season for being the nation’s best tight end with 50 catches for 598 yards and eight touchdowns.

Allen is a monster standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 255 lbs. Allen is a mismatch for most linebackers trying to cover him, and is effective when run-blocking.

His experience with a pro-style offense while playing at Clemson only helps his simple transition to the NFL. Allen is known for his work ethic and how seriously he takes the game of football. Allen is a sure-fire great pick for any team needed help in the passing and running game.