2016 NFL draft: Top 5 tight end prospects

1. Hunter Henry, Arkansas. Height: 6-4⅞. Weight: 250. Class: Junior. Stats: 51 catches, 739 yards, three touchdowns. 40-yard dash: 4.68. Projection: Round 1-2.

Henry is the consensus top tight end in his class, a mostly polished prospect who has drawn comparisons to Dallas’ Jason Witten and figures to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

2. Jerell Adams, South Carolina. Height: 6-5⅛. Weight: 247. Class: Senior. Stats: 28 catches, 421 yards, three touchdowns. 40-yard dash: 4.64. Projection: Round 2-3.

Though raw, Jerell Adams offers considerable upside to a team that’s willing to be patient with his development.

Related: Complete Packers draft coverage

Thin TE draft class has early-round options

3. Austin Hooper, Stanford. Height: 6-3¾. Weight: 254. Class: Sophomore. Stats: 34 catches, 438 yards, six touchdowns. 40-yard dash: 4.72. Projection: 2-3.

Hooper is a third-year sophomore whose transition to the NFL should be benefited from playing in Stanford’s tight end-friendly pro-style offense.

4. Nick Vannett, Ohio State. Height: 6-6. Weight: 257. Class: Senior. Stats: 19 catches, 162 yards, no touchdowns. 40-yard dash: 4.89. Projection: Round 3.

Though a lack of speed limits Vannett to short and intermediate routes, he’s a classic in-line tight end and best blocker in his class.

5. Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky. Height: 6-5¾. Weight: 249. Class: Senior. Stats: 38 catches, 563 yards, eight touchdowns. 40-yard dash: 4.77. Projection: Round 4.

Higbee is a former high school receiver who offers adequate speed and pass-catching ability but faces a steep transition to the NFL.