Minnesota Vikings Draft 2017: Final rankings and grades – Offense

• Evan Engram – Ole Miss

After the top two tight ends (O.J. Howard and David Njoku) in the draft, Engram is arguably the most impressive. He was phenomenal during the three days of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Despite being only 233 pounds, which is relatively light for a tight end, Engram showed that he can be a capable blocker and an outstanding pass catcher. His routes were just as crisp as some of the receivers and he consistently snatched the ball out the air.

Some value him as a big receiver and that is valid considering Engram’s elite athleticism and experience in the slot in Ole Miss’ offense. What makes Engram an intriguing prospect is that he’s able to flex out and play on the perimeter, while also being capable of being an in-line blocker. His production was off the charts as he broke schools records for a tight end in touchdowns (15), catches (162) and receiving yards (2,230).

Age: 22  (9/2/1994)

NFL Comparison: Aaron Hernandez

• Jake Butt – Michigan

One of the better route-running tight ends out of this deep tight end class, Butt proved to be a reliable option for the Wolverines. Jim Harbaugh’s offense is known to be very tight end friendly and that was evident as Butt’s numbers increased during his junior and senior seasons in catches, yards, and touchdowns.

Suffering a torn ACL in their bowl game against Florida State, his draft stock has taken a bit of a hit. Still expected to be a mid-round selection, if Butt can return to his pre-injury form, he can be a solid option for teams as a blocker and as a pass catcher. He is one of the more well-rounded tight ends of this entire class.

Age: 21  (7/11/1995)

NFL Comparison: Kyle Rudolph

• Jonnu Smith – Florida International

After a roller-coaster career at FIU, Smith has had one of the more different draft paths of many prospects throughout this draft. After a November incident where his fiance poured boiling water on him, Smith managed to recover.

During the one-on-one portion of Senior Bowl practices, he showed the ability to comfortably run routes from anywhere on the field and he has reliable hands. As an in-line blocker, he has average technique, but he gives all out effort, which is a plus.

Where he struggles is consistency, as he suffered 10 drops alone since 2015. He has the tendency to be a bit of a body catcher from time to time, as he doesn’t always trust his hands in traffic. Smith is a prospect that will highly interest teams and he is sure to be a mid-round selection.

Age: 21  (8/22/1995)

NFL Comparison: Delanie Walker

• Gerald Everett – South Alabama

One of the country’s best kept secrets is this small-school FBS tight end. Due to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) cutting their program at the time, Everett was forced to transfer. He went on to excel at South Alabama.

Putting together back-to-back impressive seasons, recording 1,292 yards and 12 touchdowns. Labeled as a “move tight end”, Everett creates mismatches against linebackers and nickel corners in the slot.

Blocking is not where he will make his money, as he just doesn’t have the frame to consistently move defensive lineman and linebackers in the run game. He will be a nice weapon for a teams passing game due to his great catch radius and ability to snag passes that are way outside of his body frame.

Age: 22  (6/25/1994)

NFL Comparison: Dustin Keller

• Adam Shaheen – Ashland

You rarely see Division-II standouts have a late rise during draft  season, but that has been the case with Shaheen. At 6-foot-6, 278 pounds, he is gifted with enormous size for a tight end, but he understands how to utilize it. As expected, there are questions about the lack of talent that Shaheen matched up against weekly, but despite that, he dominated the competition.

Finishing with at least 800 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his last two seasons. As a route-runner, Shaheen has a long way to go, but provides value as an in-line blocker. While not possessing great burst or acceleration, he is an average athlete that understands how to win on routes even though he doesn’t have overly great athleticism.

Age: 22  (10/24/1994)

NFL Comparison: Scott Chandler

• Jordan Leggett – Clemson

Holding multiple records by a Clemson tight end, Leggett is an intriguing prospect. He was surrounded by an offense that included future NFL draft picks across the board. Despite that, he still managed to put up 112 catches, 1,598 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career.

Catching isn’t the part of his game that many question though. His urgency and eagerness to block is the biggest question mark. At time he gets lazy and takes plays off. If a team can find a way to make him more consistent, they will be getting a solid tight end.

Age: 22  (1/31/1995)

NFL Comparison: Dwayne Allen