It has been more than a month since the release of my "too early" Big Board for the 2016 NFL draft, a ranking that includes 2015 underclassmen. I'll go a little deeper for each position group, so you'll get an idea of more than 100 of the top NFL prospects for 2016. It goes without saying that these rankings are preliminary, as I have countless hours of evaluation still ahead for the 2016 class.
A couple of important notes about the rankings below:
• I've split them into seniors and underclassmen; it's important to have a baseline number of seniors because they are certain to be a part of the 2016 NFL draft process (if they so choose).
• I won't go too heavy into actual scouting reports, as those are still works in progress.
With those parameters in mind, here's an early look at the top tight end prospects in the 2016 draft class.
Top 5 senior tight ends
1. Nick Vannett, Ohio State Buckeyes: Jeff Heuerman is the name many were more familiar with last season, and while he ended up with the Denver Broncos in the draft, Vannett actually had more catches in 2014, including a key TD in the championship game against Oregon. The Buckeyes don't need a lot out of this position given how well they run the ball, but Vannett will get his share of targets.
2. Kyle Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions: His catch totals (just 70 in three seasons) don't quite do justice to his talent level, and you hope Christian Hackenberg will find Carter more often in 2015. He has a very good size-and-speed combination.
3. Dan Vitale, Northwestern Wildcats: A "superback" for Northwestern -- which means he's part tight end, part fullback, part extra blocker, part wide receiver -- Vitale was the second-leading receiver for the Cats last year (40 catches and 402 yards) and is a versatile talent.
4. Jake Duzey, Iowa Hawkeyes: The 6-foot-4, 248-pounder was the leading pass-catcher among Big Ten tight ends last season, and he has decent speed, too. He'll run in the 4.5s.
5. Joel Ruiz, Georgia State Panthers: A former high school quarterback who transferred to Georgia State, Ruiz had a breakout 2014 season, with 39 catches and 478 yards. His good hands and athletic frame will be an asset at the next level.
Top 5 underclassmen tight ends
1. Evan Engram, Mississippi Rebels: Yet another draft prospect in the Rebels' loaded junior class, Engram already has 59 receptions in his first two seasons. At just shy of 230 pounds, he won't be confused with a classic tight end, but he's a matchup threat and can pluck the ball.
2. Hunter Henry, Arkansas Razorbacks: A great combination of size and instincts for the position, Henry was arguably the top tight end in the nation as a high school senior and has carried that to Arkansas, where he started his first two years and has 65 catches. He's also become a decent blocker, something you have to be in this offense.
3. O.J. Howard, Alabama Crimson Tide: The potential is significant for the 6-6, 240-pound Howard, but he didn't take that big step forward in 2014 that I expected. Yet another player with a decorated high school career who needs to raise his game.
4. Austin Hooper, Stanford Cardinal: He came to Stanford as a big-time defensive end prospect but has transitioned well to tight end; he caught 49 passes last season after not playing as a freshman.
5. David Grinnage, North Carolina State Wolfpack: At 6-5 and nearly 270 pounds, you could flip Grinnage around and have a defensive end prospect. He really broke though as a weapon in ACC play last year (5 TDs in his final five conference games) and should be a focal point in 2015.