Tight ends took the field on Friday evening for their on-field workout portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Several athletic standouts took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents are now in the early round conversation. We've identified five tight ends that won the NFL Combine.
THEO JOHNSON, PENN STATE
Theo Johnson performed as advertised. The Windsor, Ontario, Canada native had a 39.5-inch vertical. It was the second-best result among all tight ends. Lower-body explosion continued to be on display through a 10-foot-5 broad. Johnson then lit the track up by running a 4.58 40.
It's a wonder why Penn State didn't feature Johnson more in their passing game. Johnson recorded 34 receptions for 341 receiving yards this season, converting his few opportunities into seven touchdowns. Johnson is an athletic specimen with untapped potential heading into the next level.
BEN SINNOTT, KANSAS STATE
Kansas State's Ben Sinnott topped the position group with impressive vertical (40 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-6) results. For reference, only one tight end leaped a 40-inch vertical at the 2023 Combine. Sinnott also ran an acceptable 4.68.
Sinnott is an alignment-versatile weapon that doubles as an effective blocker and pass catcher. As a receiver, Sinnott took sizable steps forward for the Wildcats this past season, totaling career-highs in receptions (49), receiving yards (676) and touchdowns (6). Sinnott's athleticism checked every box in Indianapolis.
DEVIN CULP, WASHINGTON
Devin Culp entered the 2024 Combine as an underrated commodity. That's largely a result of sharing the field with Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan at Washington. Culp put scouts on notice by running a position-best 4.47 40-yard dash.
Culp only recorded 16 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. Projecting him into a bigger role in a pro offense is straightforward given his athleticism. Excellent body control will make Culp a mismatch weapon in a pass-happy aerial attack.
TIP REIMAN, ILLINOIS
Tip Reiman was MOVING. The Illinois standout ran a 4.64 40, the fifth-best result among participating tight ends. The 1.55 10-yard split tied for first place alongside Culp and Johnson. Reiman notably placed fifth in the broad jump (10-foot-1). What makes Reiman's athletic results particularly impressive is that he weighs 271 pounds, 11 pounds heavier than the second-largest tight end (Brevyn Spann-Ford, 260).
Reiman is a pass-catching threat with arms longer than 33 inches and hands bigger than 10 inches. Reiman was borderline uncoverable at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Reiman improved his pre-draft stock at Lucas Oil Stadium.
JAHEIM BELL, FLORIDA STATE
Jaheim Bell was a consistent performer across all drills. The prominent Seminole placed third in the 40 (4.61) and broad jump (10-foot-4), and fifth in the vertical (35 inches). Bell, who stood out at the Senior Bowl, continues to take advantage of his pre-draft opportunities.
Bell is a well-built compact weapon that runs through arm tackles. His versatility to execute assignments from different alignments is obvious on tape. Short-area quickness, explosion, and long speed are at the forefront of Bell’s skill set.
Honorable mentions: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU), Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
