I am starting to think that Jordan Leggett may be my TE1. Right now, he's anywhere from 3rd-6th in the Tight End rankings, but he seems to have the most true physical profile of any of the tight ends in this class. There are certainly other TEs with singular physical tools that are superior, but Leggett seems like the guy who has the best physical base, with the necessary athleticsm to go with it.
I love OJ Howard and think he probably moves in to the top 16 range after combine season, but I have serious doubts about his body being able to increase much in size. He seems to have pretty slender hips, which could limit how he anchors the edge. He's a great physical blocker and receiver, I just wonder if he will leave teams wanting more from them. On top of that, while I don't think it's his fault that he wasn't focused more in the Alabama game plan, it does present significant questions about any route running ability. Almost every catch is a dump off or within 10yrds of the line of scrimmage. He can definitely run after the catch, but a TE that can't get down the seam with confidence will hinder his worth to this team.
Butt gets compared to Witten a lot, but I think that severely underrates Wittens athleticsm. Butt looks like he runs more like CJ Fiedorowicz than some of the more athletic comparisons that are being bandied about. He does have good hands and route running to go with the blocking, but I don't think he's ever going to be a seam runner like we have grown accustomed to here. That doesn't make him a bad player, but for the expected 1st round that it would take to draft him, I just don't see enough physical skills to warrant it.
Engram and Hodges are both really interesting in their own way, both with very specific skills, and limitations. I don't think either will have the base to anchor as blockers, but could be interesting as Hback options. I am leery about investing in an Hback with Gronks back, and the probability of him being spread out more often in the future. I think the team will need someone they can count on to at least hang on the edge and compete as a blocker.
This brings me back to Leggett. He seems to me to have the best combination of receiving and athleticsm, route running and blocking potential. I say potential because Clemson just don't use TEs in a traditional way at all, and it severely hinders the opportunity to view Leggett as a true TE. With that said, his blocking in the backfield as a H/FB role is effective enough, and he definitely has the base to hopefully hold his blocking assignments outside. What probably sets Leggett apart from the other options is his route running. I would say his route running in the seam is remarkable, as he has a great feel for where the defenses are dropping to, and finding his hole in the coverage. He really seems to be able to run Gronk-type routes, which is not something you see much at the college level. Now, he's not Gronk, who has probably an extra 10lbs and an 1nch or so on him, but Leggett would be another matchup nightmare for Brady to use. I think the best comparison is probably Travis Kelce, with the mix of route running, athleticsm, physical profile and avg. receiving.
