NFL Draft expert highlights one skill group that is most talented in over a decade

The NFL Draft is fast approaching and all 32 teams are working feverishly to fill their draft boards. While quarterbacks and receivers usually dominate the headlines along with star defensive ends, there is one position that gets overlooked: the tight ends.

Everyone is always looking for the next Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce to no avail. Could this year be any different?

NFL Network Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has stated that this current crop of tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft is the best in 10 years. That is some statement!

The TE position in the 2023 Draft is the best tight end group in 10-years, according to NFL Network Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah. https://t.co/B7N84ciMwm

With a host of tight ends set to be taken off the board this draft, some even have multiple tight ends being taken in the first round. Looking at the players available and the performances they delivered last season, it is easy to see why so many are bullish on this season's draft class.

A tight end can be a serious weapon as we have seen Gronkowski and Kelce become stars of the league and future Hall of Famers.

So what about this current crop? Are they going to be able to make an impact? Let's take a look.

5 best TEs in 2023 NFL Draft class

#5 - Darnell Washington - Georgia

Washington is perhaps the most imposing tight end in the draft class, physically speaking. He is an absolute beast at 6’7″, 280 pounds but don't let that fool you, he's a superb athlete as well.

Darnell Washington is a FREAK 😳

The Georgia TE is listed as 6’7”, 270 lbs and is still able to move like this.

One of the biggest TE prospects the NFL Draft has seen. https://t.co/VFuZH3HXfS

In 15 games for the Bulldogs, he finished with 28 catches for 524 yards and two touchdowns. While that doesn't make for great reading, his blocking should also be mentioned as a key weapon.

# 4 - Tucker Kraft - South Dakota State

Predicted to be an early-round selection in many mock drafts, Kraft has been nominated for the NFL Draft while still being eligible for college ball.

#SouthDakotaState TE Tucker Kraft looking a lot like his pre-injury form. Splits the safeties on a seam and scores a 36-yard TD!

62 yards and 3 catches on the day so far.

https://t.co/rxjMg7syxk

He had a sub-par season stat-wise in 2022, catching 27 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns, but don't let that fool you, the guy has serious talent and will be a weapon for any NFL offense.

# 3 - Luke Musgrave - Oregon State

A knee injury derailed his 2022 season that saw him play just two games for Oregon State, but his performances prior have meant that his draft stock hasn't suffered.

Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave is a super intriguing prospect.

6’6 250lbs - 36.5 vert, 4.51 👀 40 yd dash. Not a ton of college production but the upside is there.

Freak athlete with soft hands- if coached up right could be make an impact

https://t.co/Xo5h2Hf05K

He possesses unique speed and is perhaps the most explosive tight end in the class. He is projected to be the third tight end taken in the draft.

# 2 - Dalton Kincaid - Utah

Easily the second-best tight end in the class, he caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.

Dalton Kincaid has top notch hand-eye coordination and is a fluid mover in space who consistently picks up yards after the catch. Just an overall very good athlete. https://t.co/Zy8sKcKEgg

He is equally adept at pass catching as he is a blocker. Had it not been for the next player on the list, he would have been the number one tight end in the draft class.

# 1 - Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is head and shoulders above every other tight end in the NFL Draft. An absolute stud of a player, Mayer finished his 2022 season with 67 catches for 809 yards and nine touchdowns.

While his combined stats aren't likely to bedazzle you, his tape certainly will and expect Mayer, who has superb hands and route running ability, to go early in the draft.