2019 NFL Draft: Names to keep an eye on at NFL Combine
By Cory Kinnan
Tight Ends
Everybody knows about the Iowa tandem of Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson, but beneath these two potential first rounders lies a heavy tight end class. If your team is in need of an in-line playmakers, this would be the year to get one.
Irv Smith Jr., Alabama
The Crimson Tide tight end finished is only season as the team’s starter with 44 catches, 710 yards and seven scores. Listed as the third tight end on most big boards behind Fant and Hockenson, Smith Jr. could come off of the board in the first round if we see a run on tight ends early. Most likely, he will be a day-two pick.
Listed at 6-4 and 241 pounds, Smith Jr. has the stature to play the tight end position at the next level. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the 40-yard dash as well as the bench press to get a good idea if he has the combination of strength and speed it takes for the NFL.
Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M
The Kansas transfer Sternberger finished his one and only season with the Aggies after sitting out for a year with 832 yards receiving and 10 scores on 48 catches. Texas A&M got quality production from the 6-4, 250-pound tight end as he was named an All-American in 2018. In a deep class, Sternberger could hear his name called anywhere midway through Day 2 to early Day 3.
Heading to Indianapolis the monster target can impact his future significantly. As mentioned before, the range he could be drafted is rather large. If he tests well, he could become the fourth tight end off of the board behind Fant, Hockenson, and Smith Jr. If he tests poorly, he could see his stock dip into the fifth round or later.
Caleb Wilson, UCLA
The 6-5, 235-pound transfer from USC found himself as the full time starter for the first time in 2018 and excelled for Chip Kelly’s Bruins. Catching 60 passes for nearly 1,000 yards and four scores during his Junior campaign, he sits in the middle of this deep tight end class.
Although a good receiver, concerns over his size follow him to Indianapolis. He will either need to test off the charts athletically, or weigh in a bit heavier than he is listed at. While he is expected to excel at the receiver drills, it will be interesting to see how he does with the athletic tests.