The 2022 NFL Draft is seemingly lacking the high-end talent of prior classes. However, it is one of the deeper drafts in recent memory. That goes for the tight end position, as there is no Kyle Pitts, T.J. Hockenson, or even a Noah Fant or David Njoku. Nevertheless, will there be a tight end selected on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft based on current odds?
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2022 NFL Draft Odds: How many tight ends will be drafted in Round 1?
Since 2000, NFL franchises have drafted 24 tight ends in the first round. Most recently, the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. There was no Round 1 TE in 2020, but two went in 2019 in Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant.
Yet, prior to them, the NFL was on a lengthy run of whiffing on the position. Hayden Hurst (2018), David Njoku (2017), O.J. Howard (2017), Evan Engram (2017), Eric Ebron (2014), Tyler Eifert (2013), and Jermaine Gresham (2010) all failed to live up to their Day 1 billing.
That said, there was a historic run on exceptional tight ends during the early-to-mid 2000s that included Todd Heap (2001), Jeremy Shockey (2002), Dallas Clark (2003), Ben Watson (2004), Heath Miller (2005), Vernon Davis (2006), and Greg Olsen (2007).
Will the 2022 NFL Draft see another tight end selected in the first round, or will franchises elect to use their valuable draft capital elsewhere?
Tight ends going in the first round over/under odds in the 2022 NFL Draft
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the current over/under line for TEs drafted on Day 1 is 0.5 (+475 over, -700 under). Where should you place your bets if you’re looking to make some money on the draft? Let’s look at the potential first-round prospects at tight end.
Trey McBride, Colorado State
In truth, there are really only two tight ends who have a slim chance of going on Day 1. First up is Colorado State’s Trey McBride. If a TE goes off the board in Round 1, my bet would be on McBride. He was the focal point of the Rams’ offense, amassing 1,121 yards on 90 receptions in 2021.
At 6’3″, 249 pounds, with the speed and route running to test linebackers vertically, McBride owns a valuable skill set. He is a solid blocker and reliable receiver, but he simply lacks the elite athleticism that the NFL covets from a first-round-caliber TE. Additionally, PFN Chief NFL Draft Analyst Tony Pauline stated McBride is expected to be a Day 2 selection.
Greg Dulcich, UCLA
Outside of McBride, the only other name to know is Greg Dulcich. The UCLA TE has gone from walk-on to one of the best at the position in the class. At 6’4″ and 250 pounds with 33″ arms, he recorded a 4.69 40-yard dash and 10’2″ broad jump. He is arguably the best receiving tight end in the class. His body control, speed, and hands/feet allow him to be a threat all over the field. Dulcich isn’t a liability as a blocker, but he best projects as an “F” tight end.
The case for no tight ends going in Round 1
Jalen Wydermyer and Isaiah Likely were two other tight ends vying for the TE1 mantle but have fallen off for their own reasons. Wydermyer has produced near-undraftable measurables (5.01 40-yard dash at pro day). Meanwhile, Likely simply doesn’t possess the size to play inline in the NFL. Jelani Woods tested as the most athletic TE in history, but he is raw as a prospect and is more of a mid-round project.
Outside of there not being a TE worthy of a first-round selection, the NFL also doesn’t view the position as valuable as others. And with so much depth at high-priority positions such as edge rusher, receiver, and cornerback, tight ends might fall down the board.
Plus, who would select a tight end at the back end of the first round? The Titans, Buccaneers, Packers, and Bengals could all use one, but they have much more pressing needs to spend their picks on. In the end, if you had to place a bet on a TE going in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft, take the under.
