Official website of the New England Patriots
Photo Blog: Breaking down the top TEs
Cruising toward the 2012 NFL Draft get a quick glimpse at prospect breakdowns for the tight end position from Andy Hart from Patriots Football Weekly.
Harkey has a big, thick body and could be used as a blocker at the next level. Though he lumbers when he runs – with a 5.11 40 time that's like an offensive lineman's – Harkey does have soft hands.
Linthicum has a good frame (6-4, 249) with good strength. He had decent production and OK hands as a later round guy.
I like Koger as a true, all-around tight end prospect. He was a captain and leading receiver at Michigan (w/ just 23 catches). He has a big frame and versatile skills as a possible No. 2 or No. 3 TE.
Peterson is a converted wide receiver. He's essentially a pass catcher who didn't have a lot of catches for the Tigers. But he does have potential thanks to good speed and decent hands.
Egnew had 90 catches two years ago working with now-Jaguar Blaine Gabbert. Not as quick or smooth an athlete as is desirable, but does have strong hands and fights for the ball.
Green is a tall, lean, productive force at a little bit of a lower level of competition. He could have a future as a mid-round prospect.
Some have compared Allen to former Patriots soft-handed, big-bodied tight end Alge Crumpler. I don't think Allen is that good. He's a decent athlete who shows good effort and solid hands.
Charles is a productive, fluid athlete with good hands who adjusts well to the ball in the air. He has some off-field issues, but can make plays in the passing game.
Fleener is the top prospect at the position and the type of athlete who'll make a lot of plays in the NFL. He should be a second-round pick, but will likely be overdrafted and end up in the first-round.
