Tight End

1. Vernon Davis, Maryland – An absolute freak of nature with size, speed and athletic ability to spare. Davis is one of the most dynamic tight ends to be in the draft in a long time. Should be one of the first seven or eight players taken.

2. Leonard Pope, Georgia – Great size with the hands to match and the desire to block on every play. Pope has rare size for a tight end, but is athletic as well. Could land in the first round, but won’t make it past the early part of the second.

3. Dominique Byrd, USC – Byrd was overlooked because of the giant shadows cast by the likes of Bush and Leinart, but he has soft hands and can stretch the field. Is also a solid blocker and could sneak into the early parts of the second round.

4. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA – Lewis is an outstanding athlete who was recruited to play major Division I basketball. Instead, he brings that athleticism to the tight end position. He can stretch the field with speed and outjump most of those that have to cover him. Struggles at times with questions of desire and willingness to block. Has enough upside that he could land in the latter stages of round one.

5. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame – Most years, Fasano would be more highly touted, but with so much talent at the position, Fasano has to do the little things to get noticed. Fortunately for him, that’s where he excels. Solid in all phases and shouldn’t make it past round two.

Sleeper: Owen Daniels, Wisconsin – Daniels is still relatively new to the position after switching from quarterback. A difficult transition that Daniels made look relatively easy. Has actually worked his way on to many draft boards and might even go on the first day.