As the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago quickly approaches, CSNChicago.com is releasing a list of the Top 5 prospects at each position leading up to Day 1 of the draft on Thursday, April 28. Next up is tight end.
1. Hunter Henry, Arkansas
6’5” | 250 lbs.
2015 stats:
51 REC, 739 YDS, 3 TD
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: As of now, a true role player as a receiving tight end. If a target is in his catch radius, Henry will bring it in. Will not be a complete tight end, there are very few in the NFL, but Henry needs to be at least willing and adequate as a blocker in order to stay on the field. Has been used from practically every alignment." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
NFL
2. Austin Hooper, Stanford
6’4” | 254 lbs.
2015 stats:
34 REC, 438 YDS, 6 TD
Scouting Report:
"Will be labeled as a move tight end, but I see him as being more than that for teams looking for a more complete player. Hooper has a frame that should be able to carry another eight to 10 pounds without much trouble, and he shows enough want-to as a blocker to see him playing inline when needed. If Hooper can improve his hands and become craftier with his routes, he could become a solid, 10-year starter in the league." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
3. Nick Vannett, Ohio State
6’6” | 257 lbs.
2015 stats:
19 REC, 162 YDS, 0 TD
Scouting Report:
"Vannett's combination of size and athleticism will be very attractive to teams in search of a combination tight end who can stay on the field and operate from a variety of personnel groupings and formations. Vannett will need to embrace his size and become more aggressive as a blocker, but his athleticism and pass catching ability could turn him into a safety blanket for a quarterback in need of a big, safe target." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
4. Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky
6’6” | 249 lbs.
2015 stats:
38 REC, 563 YDS, 8 TD
Scouting Report:
"Knee injury basically took six games away from him this season which could cause him to fly under the radar a little bit. Higbee has exciting athleticism and speed in the open field with the ability to separate from safeties on intermediate routes and threaten the deep middle. Higbee has soft, reliable hands and plus run-after-catch ability to finish plays. While he needs to beef up his frame and blocking ability, there is no doubting his pass catching talent." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
5. Jerell Adams, South Carolina
6'5" | 247 lbs.
2015 stats:
28 REC, 421 YDS, 3 TD
Scouting Report:
"Tall and lanky for a tight end, Adams actually has better play strength than the eye test might indicate. Adams doesn't have the surest hands in this draft, but he is unique in that he can challenge defenses down the field and shows the potential to be helpful as a run blocker. Adams should come in as a quality backup with an "eventual starter" tag tied to him." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Click here for profiles of more than 150 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player. Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.