Cade Otton returns to Washington as one of the top Tight Ends in the country.
Photo: Tim Rogers
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Cade Otton (Washington)
Cade Otton had a very successful 2020 season that resulted in being named 1st Team All-Pac-12 and finishing as the highest graded Tight End in the conference according to PFF. One of the most impressive aspects of Otton's game is that he's not just a receiving or blocking TE but dominant at both which is rare. Otton was Washington's leading receiver last year and that should be expected again. If Otton can put up gaudy receiving stats, the star Tight End could likely be taken in the 2nd Round.
2. Brant Kuithe (Utah)
Kuithe burst on the scene for the Utes in 2019 when he proved to be an explosive playmaker while racking up 702 yards on just 40 touches (17.6 yards per touch) and earned 2nd Team All-Pac-12 honors. The dynamic Tight End followed his dominant 2019 with 2nd Team honors once again in 2020. Kuithe doesn't possess ideal size at just 6-2 230 but he has made up for it with quickness and great route running ability while still being a solid blocker in the pass and run games.
3. Greg Dulcich (UCLA)
Having Dulcich as the 3rd best Tight End in the Pac-12 after what he did last year feels unfair but that's a testament to just how good Kuithe and Otton are. The Pac-12 likely possesses 3 of Top 10 Tight Ends in the country. Dulcich had the best receiving grade in the Pac-12 last season according to PFF and was a matchup nightmare while averaging 19.9 yards per catch on his way to 517 yards on the season. The UCLA star is potentially a better pro prospect than Kuithe with his traditional size at 6-4 242.
4. DJ Johnson (Oregon)
DJ Johnson came to Oregon as a transfer from Miami and was a former 4 star recruit as a Defensive End. The Ducks decided to move Johnson to the Tight End position and he has begun to blossom. Last season, Johnson record 10 catches for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns and was the 5th highest graded Tight End in the Pac-12 among qualified players.
5. Brady Russell (Colorado)
When healthy, Russell is one of the best Tight Ends in the conference and he proved that last season as PFF's 4th highest graded player at the position in the Pac-12. The Colorado Tight End has 34 catches for 339 yards in his career.
6. Teagan Quitoriano (Oregon State)
Quitoriano emerged last season as a talented pass catcher and reeled in 14 catches for 185 yards. Expect big things for the budding Beaver star in 2021.
7. Spencer Webb (Oregon)
Spencer Webb came to Oregon as a highly touted 4 star recruit from Sacramento and excelled as a Freshman in 2019 with 18 catches for 209 yards. The talented TE was then injured in 2020 and missed all but one game. Now healthy, Webb will look to compete for the starting job for the Ducks.
8. Luke Musgrave (Oregon State)
Musgrave was a big part of the Beaver pass attack in 2020 with 12 catches for 142 yards. The 6-6 TE forms a formidable duo with Quitoriano and received more snaps on passing downs than his counterpart.
9. Tucker Fisk (Stanford)
Tucker Fisk is a big body at 6-4 278 and is essentially used as an extra offensive lineman on run downs. PFF graded Fisk as the best run blocking Tight End in the conference last season and now with Scooter Harrington off to the NFL, Fisk will likely receive an increased role on pass downs.
10. Quentin Moore (Washington)
Quentin Moore came to the Huskies as the #1 JUCO Tight End in the country and held offers from some of the biggest programs in the nation. Moore is 6-5 and extremely athletic while also being an outstanding pass catcher. UW has a loaded TE room with Devin Culp and Mark Redman also waiting in the wings but Moore has a great chance to become a weapon in the pass game.
Honorable Mention
Mike Martinez (UCLA)
Jake Tonges (Cal)
Cole Fotheringham (Utah)
Dalton Kincaid (Utah)
Curtis Hodges (ASU)
Erik Krommenhoek (USC)
Bryce Wolma (Arizona)