As the weeks churn along in college football, the list of flex weapons to note for the 2025 NFL Draft continues to grow. A position that has continued to evolve, a glance around the country has showcased a long list of names to become familiar with.
With nine weeks of the campaign now in the rearview mirror, let’s get into the nitty gritty of a highly intriguing tight end class next spring, beyond expected TE1 Colston Loveland (Michigan).
Tyler Warren, Penn State
A senior from Mechanicsville, Virginia, Tyler Warren has elevated himself into the potential TE1 conversation this fall. Just a few weeks ago he was nothing short of sensational against the USC Trojans, hauling in 17 passes (most ever in a single game for an FBS TE) for more than 220 yards and a trip to paydirt. He also caught a touchdown pass on the same play he snapped the ball, which is a first even in the college landscape.
Warren’s as versatile as they come in the country, with snaps in-line, flexed out, in the backfield, at quarterback, and, as previously mentioned, at the pivot spot. He’s not as dynamic a route-runner or as explosive an aerial artist as some of the other names here, but none are tougher and he projects as a long-term contributor at the next level. He has 24 catches in the last two weeks.
Harold Fannin Jr, Bowling Green
Everyone loves big-time talents from small schools and Harold Fannin Jr. projects as the premier Group of Five player in the 2025 NFL Draft. A dynamic and powerful flex weapon, the 6-foot-4 Fannin has gone over 100 yards in all but three games this fall, including back-to-back weeks where he accrued 11 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, then followed up with eight more receptions for 145 yards and a score against Texas A&M.
The aforementioned Loveland is expected to be the first flex weapon to hear his name called in April, but as the season progresses and teams get up close with Fannin Jr., don’t be shocked if the Bowling Green product becomes TE1 in the class.
Mason Taylor, LSU
LSU’s all-time leader in receptions at TE, Mason Taylor is a massive riser in the process. The son of legendary pass-rusher Jason Taylor, scouts have flocked to Baton Rouge this fall to get a glimpse of the matchup nightmare that is Taylor. He hasn’t gone over the 100-yard mark yet this fall, but he’s consistently involved through the air (53 targets through eight games) with a physical mentality as a blocker. He’s a fluid mover whose projection remains lofty due to his size and athletic profile.
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
A transfer from New Mexico State via Texas A&M, Eli Stowers has been a joy to study thus far in 2024. After a slow start to the year, he’s got 17 catches over the last month of the season, including a six-catch, 113-yard outing against Alabama. He remains a fringe day-three pick, but flipping on the Stowers’ tape showcases a highly explosive and athletic chess piece who projects as a move piece inside an NFL offense. A former four-star QB in high school, Stowers' football IQ, awareness in space, and creativity in the open field showcase a name to know.
Jake Briningstool, Clemson
As Tigers QB Cade Klubnik takes steps forward, his ability through the air has helped players like Jake Briningstool enter the spotlight. Extremely smooth at 6-foot-6, Briningstool has become one of Klubnik’s favorite targets this fall, totaling 29 catches (327 yards and 4 TDs) through seven appearances.
Primarily aligned in the slot for the Clemson offense, Briningstool’s ability to identify soft spots in zone, only to make a man miss in space and create chunk plays, have him high on scouts’ boards this fall. Expect to see him at a pre-draft showcase should he declare.
Additional names to know:
- Joe Royer (Cincinnati)
- Luke Lachey (Iowa)
- Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina)
- Gunnar Helm (Texas)
- RJ Maryland (SMU - suffered season-ending knee injury)
- Brant Kuithe (Utah)
- Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)
- Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame)
- Corey Dyches (Cal)
- CJ Dippre (Alabama)
