The NFL Draft begins tonight in Kansas City. Below, we’ll take a look at NFL Draft odds specifically surrounding the tight end position. A few draft cycles devoid of many options at the positions created a serious need for difference-makers at TE. Teams are in luck as this year’s class brings a boat load of talent like Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, and Georgia’s Darnell Washington.
Don’t underestimate the patience of NFL teams as a generational talent at TE rises next year: Georgia’s Brock Bowers.
NFL draft odds: First TE drafted
Click on odds in the table below to place a bet on the first TE picked in the NFL Draft.
How to bet on first TE drafted
Sportsbooks usually only offer odds on how many tight ends will be drafted in the first round. The number this year may set at 2.5, with heavy juice on the under. Teams that may pull the trigger on a first-round tight end include:
- Packers (No. 15)
- Cowboys (No. 27)
- Bengals (No. 29)
NFL Draft: 2023 TE profiles
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Mayer is a multi-year All American and provided Notre Dame with a go-to target. He stands 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, making him an ideal NFL tight end. The best quality for NFL teams (and his draft stock): Mayer is an excellent blocker in both the run and pass game. QBs from Jack Coan to Drew Pyne found Mayer an easy target thanks to his tremendous contested-catch ability. While a lofty pro comp, Mayer’s game very much models that of Travis Kelce– uncanny ability to get open, strong hands, and a great possession receiver.
Tied teams: Packers, Buccaneers
Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Kincaid is one of the fastest risers this draft cycle, making his way up into Day 1 conversation. He was one of two dynamic TEs at Utah, pulling in over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns in the last two seasons. He’s a tough kid with great point-of-catch skills, although his blocking leaves a bit to be desired. However, strong showings at the NFL Combine vaulted Kincaid up to being a serious contender to be the first TE off the board.
Tied teams: Packers, Bengals, Cowboys, Chiefs
Darnell Washington, Georgia
Washington is a freak. There’s no two ways about it– he stands a staggering 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds while still possessing excellent hands, route running, and lightning speed. His size made Washington a great blocker at Georgia, though he was overshadowed by Brock Bowers. No one will stand out more at the NFL Combine than Darnell Washington. Expect an early Round 2 selection used on him and he has the potential to be the most productive rookie TE this coming season.
Don’t discount a flier on Washington to be taken in the first round, who had a top 30 visit with the Packers. He also had formal interviews with the Commanders, Saints, and Vikings.
Tied teams: Packers
Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Musgrave missed the majority of the 2022 season with an injury. Despite minimal production at Oregon State, he dominated the Senior Bowl and skyrocketed his draft stock. While Mayer is likely the runaway first tight end selected, don’t be surprised to hear Musgrave’s name not long after Mayer’s. Defenders haplessly attempted to defend Musgrave in the red zone. A 6-foot-6, his athleticism makes a fair pro comp to Mark Andrews.
The only formal interview Musgrave’s done so far is reportedly with the Buccaneers.
Tied teams: Buccaneers
NFL Draft TE history
Here is a list of the first tight ends taken in each NFL Draft going back to 2010.
| Year | Team | Player | College | Pick (No. overall) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Arizona | Trey McBride | Colorado State | 55 |
| 2021 | Atlanta | Kile Pitts | Florida | 4 |
| 2020 | Chicago | Cole Kmet | Notre Dame | 43 |
| 2019 | Detroit | TJ Hockenson | Iowa | 8 |
| 2018 | Baltimore | Hayden Hurst | South Carolina | 25 |
| 2017 | Tampa Bay | OJ Howard | Alabama | 19 |
| 2016 | San Diego | Hunter Henry | Arkansas | 35 |
| 2015 | Carolina | Devin Funchess | Michigan | 41 |
| 2014 | Detroit | Eric Ebron | North Carolina | 10 |
| 2013 | Cincinnati | Tyler Eifert | Notre Dame | 21 |
| 2012 | Indianapolis | Coby Fleener | Stanford | 34 |
| 2011 | Minnesota | Kyle Rudolph | Notre Dame | 43 |
| 2010 | Cincinnati | Jermaine Gresham | Oklahoma | 22 |
NFL Draft odds, strategy and trends
In four of the last six drafts, a TE has gone in the first round. 2023 will provide one of the best TE classes in recent memory, almost assuring that at least one goes in the last round. Expect the over/under to be set at 1.5 with heavy juice on the over or 2.5 with heavy juice to the under. How Washington and Musgrave grade out at the NFL Combine surely will affect the number.
But for the first time in awhile, the TE market is an exciting one to watch.