Many others have tried to claim the title, yet few have the evidence and data backing it that the Iowa Hawkeyes do. That title is the one and only “Tight End U,” and it belongs to the Hawkeyes with their pipeline of tight ends making the jump to the NFL.
The flow of tight ends to wear black and gold only to find success at the next level is as good as it has ever been right now, and the proof comes from a recent NFL survey, which saw Iowa dominate tight end rankings.
In a survey from ESPN that polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, three former Iowa tight ends appear on the list for the top 10 tight ends in the league. Coming in at No. 2 on the list is one of Iowa’s favorite sons, George Kittle.
The San Francisco 49ers star tight end has proven that he has both the ability to block and catch, plus the longevity factor of continuing his high level of play for so long.
Kittle is aging well. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with a combined 14 touchdowns during that two-year span. Fifty of his 78 catches last season went for a first down. His premier blocking remains unmatched, and he’s still tough to bring down, leading all tight ends with 14.2 yards per catch.
Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy signed massive contract extensions in tandem this offseason, so they have several years to build upon their chemistry. Kittle caught 83% of Purdy’s targets last year.
“He’s shown that when he’s healthy he’s the most complete player at the position,” an AFC scout said. “Durability is the only thing that’s really affected that. He embodies San Francisco’s culture and that’s why they keep paying him.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Right on Kittle’s heels is a younger tight end talent who has taken over the league and continues to take defenses by storm. At No. 3 of the best tight ends in the NFL is the Detroit Lions’ budding star, Sam LaPorta. After bursting onto the scene in his rookie year, his sophomore NFL season saw some bumps that slowed him down but showed no signs of having a lasting effect on his output and production.
LaPorta’s production dipped in Year 2, when he finished with 60 catches for 726 yards and seven scores. He fought through a knee issue — a hyperextension and bone bruise — that slowed momentum.
But he’s every bit as valuable as he was in 2023, and Detroit had several additional playmakers for whom to find targets. LaPorta is considered a complete tight end with elite feet, niftiness in the red zone and strength to compete every play.
“[Lack of production is] not really a factor because Detroit has so many players they need to get the ball to,” an NFC executive said. “He’s a stud. Will be a cornerstone player for a long time.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Rounding out the trio of Hawkeye tight ends dominating in the NFL is the Minnesota Vikings’ star tight end T.J. Hockenson. After recovering from injuries, Hockenson has responded without missing a beat. He gained more confidence last year, and it showed with his production down the stretch.
Hockenson’s status within the Vikings’ offense was growing before a torn ACL and MCL suffered on a late hit in Week 16 of 2023 stalled that progress. Up to that point, Hockenson’s 95 receptions were the 18th most in NFL history among tight ends.
Returning close to midseason last year, Hockenson still produced three games of at least 68 yards from November to December. But, overall, he wasn’t quite at full tilt.
“He was OK — didn’t appear to trust the knee, especially in blocking, which is common for that injury,” an NFL coordinator said. “But I expect him to have a strong year. He will trust it more a year removed and that offense is set up nicely for him. And he’s got such a good feel for the game that he’ll find ways to get catches.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
With Iowa owning the tight end position in the NFL, they are the standalone owners of “TEU” with their proven successes. Up next, Addison Ostrenga gets his chance to be the main tight end for the Hawkeyes in an offense that should see some more wrinkles and targets with new QB Mark Gronowski and second-year offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: ESPN NFL survey is latest illustration that Iowa football is TEU
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
