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TE's
For me compiling these lists one of my favorite positions are the tight ends. The versatility of the position has come full fold with the popularity of the spread offenses. Typically we see a player that is well versed in blocking and receiving, but with the transition of the game we see lineman or larger receivers playing more of a tight end role. That said, this position is what gives defenses the biggest fits when planning when you have guys like the ones on this list of Top 5.
Here are your Top 5 Tight Ends for 2014:
5.Jay Rome, Georgia(JR)
4.Evan Engram, Ole Miss(SO)
3.Malcolm Johnson, Mississippi State(SR)
2.OJ Howard, Alabama(SO)
1.Hunter Henry, Arkansas(SO)
Rome has the potential to be an elite player on the next level but unfortunately for him it hasn't all come together yet. In 2013 Rome had nine catches for 99 yards after catching 11 for 152 yards in 2012. Rome makes this mostly because of his upside that he brings to the table for the Dawgs. We'll be looking for Richt and company to utilize him more in 2014.
Engram, like two others on this list, saw plenty of action as a freshman. He should be a force to reckon with come this season after making 21 catches for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Add to those numbers that he missed five games and he would be the number one guy on this list. That said, he has the biggest upside to him out of anyone on this list.
Johnson has great hands for a tight end and proved it by catching the second most passes
of anyone on the Bulldog roster in 2013. He tallied up 30 catches for 391 yards and two touchdowns. Expect to hear Johnson's name being called quite a bit this fall as Mullen's veteran offense will be leaning on him to reproduce his 2013 stats.
For some Howard is the obvious number one but for me the question is the quarterback position and the effects it will have on his game. That said, whoever is the captain of this offense will have a 6-6 240 pound versatile weapon that plays like a wide-out. It's no secret Howard can stretch the field creating some serious mismatches for defenses and he'll have to prove he can on a consistent basis this season while breaking in a new QB. Saban will look for Howard to match his 2013 stats or better after racking up 14 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman.
Henry is as versatile a tight end as he is a traditional one. He has the ability to spread the field but can still manage to be just as powerful a blocker in the run game. It's a given that Bielema is a run first coach followed by utilization of the tight end so it's a no brainer that Henry will have another highly productive year. In 2013 Henry had a massive freshman season by catching 28 passes for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Look for Henry to solidify himself as offensive threat in 2014.
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