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The 2024 NFL Draft showcased exceptional talent among tight ends, headlined by the generational standout Brock Bowers, who was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 13th overall pick. Following him, Ben Sinnott from Kansas State was the next tight end selected, going in the second round. Over the subsequent days of the draft, ten additional tight ends were chosen.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, while it may lack a singular generational talent, it features a deep and talented pool ready to bolster the NFL ranks.
Today's analysis will spotlight 15 tight ends to keep an eye on during the 2024 college football season. We've ranked them based on their Expected Points Added (EPA) from the 2023 season.
Understanding Expected Points Added (EPA) for Tight Ends
EPA is a critical statistical measure in football that assesses the impact of each play on a team's scoring potential. This metric is particularly valuable in evaluating tight ends, as it quantifies how their actions on the field contribute to the team's ability to score and ultimately succeed.
The Significance of EPA in Football Analytics
EPA directly correlates with a team's success by linking tight end performance to scoring outcomes. Tight ends with high EPA values are often key players in executing successful plays that enhance the team's chances of scoring and winning. This makes EPA an increasingly popular metric in both NFL and college football analytics, providing deeper insights than traditional statistics such as total yards or touchdowns.
By leveraging EPA, analysts, coaches, and fans can gain a more nuanced understanding of how strategic play-calling and individual player performances influence the overall game beyond mere statistical outputs.
15 2025 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch Ranked By 2023 Total EPA
HAROLD FANNIN JR., BOWLING GREEN
EPA: 33.88 (2nd)
Summary Analysis: Harold Fannin Jr. had an impressive 2023 season, leading all MAC tight ends with 44 receptions and 623 yards, generating an EPA of 33.88, which ranks him 2nd among tight ends. His efficiency is underscored by a 73.3% catch rate and 2.9 yards per route run. Notably, Fannin did not drop a single pass, highlighting his sure-handedness. As a first-team All-Conference and CFN third-team All-America selection, he is poised to be a key player for Bowling Green in 2024.
TERRANCE FERGUSON, OREGON
EPA: 28.51 (4th)
Summary Analysis: Terrance Ferguson showcased his talent in 2023 with 42 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns, generating an EPA of 28.51, ranking 4th among tight ends. His reliability is reflected in an 82.4% catch rate and 1.6 yards per route run. Ferguson's ability to consistently get open and make plays makes him a crucial part of Oregon's offense. With high praise from offensive coordinator Will Stein, Ferguson is expected to have an even more impactful 2024 season.
COLSTON LOVELAND, MICHIGAN
EPA: 26.86 (7th)
Summary Analysis: Colston Loveland emerged as one of the best tight ends in college football during his sophomore year, generating an EPA of 26.86, ranking him 7th among tight ends. He accumulated 649 receiving yards on 65 targets with a 69.2% catch rate. His athleticism makes him nearly unguardable, and his 2.6 yards per route run reflects his effectiveness in the passing game. Loveland’s contributions are essential for Michigan’s offensive success.
TYLER WARREN, PENN STATE
EPA: 25.15 (8th)
Summary Analysis: Tyler Warren was a pivotal player for Penn State in 2023, generating an EPA of 25.15, ranking 8th among tight ends. He led the team with 34 receptions, 422 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches. His 64.2% catch rate and 1.7 yards per route run highlight his role as a reliable target in the passing game. Warren’s ability to convert opportunities, with a 73.5% first-down rate, makes him an essential part of Penn State's offense.
BRYSON NESBIT, NORTH CAROLINA
EPA: 24.19 (10th)
Summary Analysis: Bryson Nesbit has been a reliable target for North Carolina, generating an EPA of 24.19, ranking 10th among tight ends. He caught 66.1% of his targets and averaged 2.1 yards per route run. His 91.7% on-target catch rate and ability to stretch the field with 14.3 yards per reception make him a significant offensive weapon. Nesbit's contributions are essential for North Carolina's passing attack, making him a prospect to watch for the 2025 NFL Draft.
JACK VELLING, OREGON STATE
EPA: 23.5 (11th)
Summary Analysis: Jack Velling tied for the national lead with eight receiving touchdowns in 2023, generating an EPA of 23.5, ranking 11th among tight ends. His 1.7 yards per route run and 79.3% first-down rate highlight his efficiency in Oregon State’s offense. Velling’s athleticism and ability to find the end zone make him a top tight end prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
AMARI NIBLACK, TEXAS
EPA: 16.28 (24th)
Summary Analysis: Amari Niblack showcased his athletic prowess during the 2023 season at Alabama, averaging 16.4 yards per reception and achieving an EPA of 16.28, which placed him 24th among tight ends. While Niblack should work on maintaining consistency, his knack for explosive plays makes him a promising prospect. Following his transfer to the Texas Longhorns, he is anticipated to play a significant role in their offense during the 2024 college football season.
MITCHELL EVANS, NOTRE DAME
EPA: 15.91 (26th)
Summary Analysis: Mitchell Evans was playing like one of the best tight ends in the country before his season-ending injury in 2023, generating an EPA of 15.91, ranking 26th among tight ends. His 69% catch rate and 2.7 yards per route run demonstrate his impact on the field. Evans' ability to force missed tackles and find soft spots in coverage make him a valuable asset for Notre Dame.
OSCAR DELP, GEORGIA
EPA: 8.88 (68th)
Summary Analysis: Oscar Delp's athleticism was on display in 2023, generating an EPA of 8.88, ranking 68th among tight ends. He caught 80% of his targets with a 2.3 yards per route run average. His ability to get open and make plays in the passing game is a significant asset for Georgia, and he is expected to take on a larger role in the upcoming season.
GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW, PITTSBURGH
EPA: 9.88 (89th)
Summary Analysis: Gavin Bartholomew had a solid 2023 season with 18 receptions for 326 yards, generating an EPA of 9.88, ranking 61st among tight ends. His 62.1% catch rate and 1.7 yards per route run highlight his ability to make plays despite inconsistent quarterback play. Bartholomew's potential makes him a key player for Pittsburgh’s offense in 2024.
BRANT KUITHE, UTAH
EPA: 6.65 (87th) (2022 EPA)
Summary Analysis: Despite missing the 2023 season, Brant Kuithe remains a top prospect due to his previous performance, generating an EPA of 6.65 in 2022, ranking 87th among the 2023 tight ends. His past achievements, including leading all FBS tight ends with 31 forced missed tackles from 2019-2021, showcase his playmaking ability. Kuithe is expected to make a strong return in 2024.
LUKE LACHEY, IOWA
EPA: 5.59 (101st)
Summary Analysis: Luke Lachey’s 2023 season was cut short due to an ankle injury, generating an EPA of 5.59, ranking 101st among tight ends. Despite limited play, his previous performances, including a 77.7 receiving grade in 2022, highlight his potential. Lachey is expected to bounce back in 2024 and continue the tradition of elite Iowa tight ends.
BENJAMIN YUROSEK, GEORGIA
EPA: 1.75 (125th)
Summary Analysis: Benjamin Yurosek had a challenging 2023 season at Stanford, generating an EPA of 1.75, ranking 125th among tight ends. Despite this, his previous achievements, including leading all returning tight ends with 1,300+ receiving yards since 2021, underscore his potential for a bounce-back year. Yurosek’s ability to create yards after the catch makes him a valuable asset for Georgia’s offense.
JAKE BRININGSTOOL, CLEMSON
EPA: -1.65 (150th)
Summary Analysis: Jake Briningstool struggled in 2023, generating an EPA of -1.65, ranking 150th among tight ends. Despite these challenges, he has shown promise over the last two seasons, racking up 783 yards and nine touchdowns. Briningstool is poised to rebound in 2024 and solidify his role in Clemson’s offense.