2028 Tight Ends Due for Breakout Seasons

Tight Ends are unique as they play crucial roles for offenses in both the run game and pass game, and both roles are of equal importance. That being said, these 2028 TEs are due for a breakout junior season after an impressive 2025.    Teal's sheer size and length give him an advantage as both a blocker and pass catcher. He can play both on the ball and off the ball at the tight end position. His 75+ inch wingspan makes him extremely effective in reaching edge defenders or basing them out. Teal consistently hits his landmark or "fit" when kicking or wrapping off of split zone or counter, de-cleating box defenders to clear run lanes. He understands how his use as a blocker sets up his routes in play action concepts, leaking into the flat or getting behind second-level defenders. Once again, his size makes him a mismatch against the vast majority of defenders in the secondary. Not only does Teal have reliable hands, but he can create explosive plays after the catch. He is a physical runner who rarely goes down off of first contact.     Andrews has the versatility to play as an off-the-ball tight end and flexed out in the slot. He is a physical blocker at the line of scrimmage who is an asset at the point of attack, kicking out edge defenders or down blocking. When flexed into the slot, he is especially effective blocking on the perimeter. As a pass catcher, he is sure-handed and excels in the short and intermediate game, typically getting targets on play action and RPOs. Andrews also understands soft spots of coverage and where to settle vs zone coverage.     Weidinger is an offensive weapon for the Vikings who can create explosive plays no matter where he lines up on offense. He is versatile, lining up attached to the line of scrimmage as a tight end or H-back, flexed out at receiver, or even in the backfield in the single wing. Weidinger maintains low pad level and shocks defenders on contact when blocking, making him effective on kick outs, down blocks, wrapping up to backers on counter, and he has the athleticism to block defenders in space on the perimeter. Defenses must account for him in the pass game, as he has reliable hands and can exploit overaggressive box players in coverage on play-action concepts. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically as well.     Tyson displays the duality needed to be an effective tight end, a physical blocker in the run game who can exploit overaggressive linebackers and DBs. He is exactly what you want at the point of attack, physical, and understands the run scheme. His pad level remains low through his blocks. When gapping down, you can see him strike defensive linemen in the hip and running his feet to drive them into the ground. He also does a great job of working up to block linebackers when he has no immediate threat in his gap. Even on kick-outs, when flowing across the formation on split zone, his pad level remains low, allowing him to gain leverage on edge defenders. He flashed in the pass game in 2025, with his effectiveness in the run game as a blocker, it will be interesting to see how he can impact his offense as a receiver.

Tight Ends are unique as they play crucial roles for offenses in both the run game and pass game, and both roles are of equal importance. That being said, these 2028 TEs are due for a breakout junior season after an impressive 2025.