TE Prospects for the NFL Draft

The TE position is one that usually gets ignored when people talk about the draft. This year the number 1 TE isn't even a pass catching star. He is definitely the top TE, but really isn't the type of player that gets a ton of publicity.
TE POSITION GRADE: C

1. Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State) 6'5 265
Pettigrew is not the TE that has been made a hot commodity in the NFL over the past 5 or so seasons. He is a throw back TE, he can make plays in the passing game, but he really is more of a 6th offensive lineman. His athleticism is average at best anymore in the NFL. The way players are looked at these days in the fantasy football world, whoever ends up picking Pettigrew, their fans will not be satisfied with his production. Should be taken in the second half of the 1st round.
DRAFT GRADE: 80

2. Jared Cook (South Carolina) 6'5 242
Cook has the size and speed combo that most NFL scouts look for to be an elite TE prospect. The problem is that his production was not quite that of the top-notch TEs of years past. Cook only had 73 catches and 7 TD in 3 seasons at South Carolina. Some of that definitely could be from the fact that Spurrier has not had a quality QB in that time span. Cook is the best of the 4 or 5 TE that could be drafted between the middle of round 2 and end of round 3.
DRAFT GRADE: 74

3. Chase Coffman (Missouri) 6'6 244
Coffman's production at Missouri is that of a potential first round TE. Pro scouts are not fond of his 4.8 40 time or his lack of blocking responsibilities in Mizzou's offense. Coffman caught 90 passes for 1,000 yards and 10 TD in his Senior season alone. There is no doubt that Coffman can be a great target over the middle, he has a great frame 6'6 244 for the Red Zone. At the very least he will find himself on the field inside the 30 yard line. He should be taken by the end of the 2nd round.
DRAFT GRADE: 74

4. James Casey (Rice) 6'3 246
Has everything you could ever want pass catching wise. He is a great route runner, has great hands, and makes plays in traffic. Casey came into Rice as a QB, and was moved to TE due to his size and athleticism. The only problem is that 6'3 246 is average to small in the NFL for a Tight End. Casey has been looked at by a few teams, but I think the Lions will snag him at the top of the 3rd Rd.
DRAFT GRADE: 73

5. Travis Beckum (Wisconsin) 6'3 238
Is basically a WR playing TE. Injured for most of the 2008 season but had a combined 136 catches for 1885 yards and 11 TDs in the previous two seasons. Size is a concern and so is his poor blocking. He will be used in passing situations and should find himself off the board in the first 3 rounds.
DRAFT GRADE: 70

In the mix: Cornelius Ingram (Florida), Shawn Nelson (S Miss), Andrew Davie (Arkansas)