Editor's note: The Union-Tribune's Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 25-27). Here are his top 10 tight ends, plus "bonus" players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

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— 1. Brock Bowers (Jr., Georgia, 6-foot-3, 243 pounds)

Bowers is one of the most well-rounded and prolific tight end prospects to ever enter the draft, and could develop into a premier chess piece with All-Pro potential. He became the first two-time Mackey Award winner last season, producing 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 TD receptions in three seasons for the two-time champion Bulldogs. He's a diverse route runner who is dangerous after the catch and has the speed to execute jet sweeps. He finished with 183 rushing yards and five rushing TDs in his collegiate career. Bowers joined Herschel Walker and David Pollack as the only three-time first-team All-Americans in school history. He falls short of George Kittle as a blocker — Who doesn't? — but Bowers is in the same vein as a playmaker and offensive weapon. Projected: Top 15

— 2. Ja'Tavion Sanders (Jr., Texas, 6-3, 245)

Sanders was the No. 1 athlete in the 2021 recruiting class, and was ranked No. 13 overall nationally. He was originally planning on playing defensive end, but settled on tight end after Steve Sarkisian took over at Texas. Sanders features an above-the-rim skill-set, soft hands and ability after the catch. The two-time first-team All-Big 12 honoree was highly productive for the Longhorns the last two seasons, making 99 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven TD receptions on 139 targets. Only Georgia's Bowers had more receptions and targets among FBS tight ends over that span. Sanders is more scheme-dependent than Bowers, and shouldn't be utilized in an in-line role at the next level, but he could thrive as a big slot in a wide open attack. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 3. Ben Sinnott (Jr., Kansas State, 6-3, 250)

Sinnott was a former no-star recruit who was a standout hockey player as a high schooler in Iowa, an All-State first baseman and power-hitting lefty in baseball and lettered in golf, tennis and track. Surprisingly, he only received one FCS offer out of high school, so he decided to walk on for the Wildcats, where he earned two first-team All-Big 12 selections. Sinnott led the team in receiving yards (676) and TD receptions (six) last season, plus he won the Lowman Trophy, given to the nation's top fullback. He may not be a fit for every scheme, but he offers the combination of size, big-play ability and athleticism others in a thin class for the position do not. He produced four receptions of 40-plus yards last season. Sinnott led all tight ends in the three-cone (6.82 seconds), vertical (40 inches) and broad jump (10-feet, 6 inches) at the combine. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 4. Theo Johnson (Jr., Penn State, 6-6, 259)

The Canadian was the No. 3 tight end in the 2020 recruiting class. Johnson oozes athletic traits, and led the Nittany Lions in TD receptions (seven) last season, but he only topped 50 yards receiving five times in 45 games. I would've liked to see more production, but those are the expectations when you're this talented. His run blocking is below average for his size, but he's coachable enough to get better. Johnson produced one of the most impressive athletic showcases ever for a tight end at the combine, earning a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, the second-highest value for the position in the past 37 years. Projected: Round 3

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