2013 NFL Draft Big Board: Tight ends

NFL Draft analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. seem to be stuck on the idea that the New York Giants have a need at tight end. I'm not so sure about that, but I guess we will find out for sure in a few weeks when we see how aggressive the Giants are in trying to bring back unrestricted free agent Martellus Bennett.

With that in mind, let's continue our position-by-position look at 2013 NFL Draft prospects by looking at the top 5 tight ends on Kiper's board. Here they are:

Kiper's summary of the class:

Neck and neck at the top. Ertz could push Eifert to be the first tight end taken. Both have the pass-catching skills of wide receivers and, given their size, can also overwhelm corners. Sims lacks burst but he's the size of some tackles. Reed's decision to declare early was a slight surprise.

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Scouting Reports

Tyler Eifert

CBS Sports says: "While perhaps lacking the elite breakaway speed that has helped Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski emerge as instant NFL stars, Eifert's 6-5, 252-pound frame and excellent ball skills make him a legitimate mismatch. In today's pass-happy NFL, that could be enough to earn a late first-round selection."

NFL.com says: "Eifert is a fluid pass-catcher with vacuum hands and the hand/eye coordination to make tough catches and although he doesn’t create a lot of space, he secures grabs in traffic, showing outstanding tracking and high-pointing ability. He is a soft spoken guy, but an animal on the field and a much better blocker than given credit, improving in leaps and bounds the past three years with excellent effort – projects as a starting NFL TE with excellent potential as both a receiver and blocker."

Zach Ertz

CBS Sports says: "He moves well for his size (6-6, 252) and does a great job using his body to shield defenders and his arms to extend and snatch the ball out of the air. Where Ertz really impresses NFL scouts is his willingness to help his teammates, whether it?s his persistence to get open or his effort-blocking at all levels of the field."

NFL.com says: "While he’s No. 2 in the TE rankings for most, it wouldn’t be surprising if some teams grade him higher than Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert as he is a better TE prospect than [Coby] Fleener a year ago."

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Travis Kelce

CBS Sports says: "Though Adrien Robinson, who was selected in the fourth round this past April by the Super Bowl defending New York Giants, started ahead of Kelce in 2011, Kelce saw significant playing time and actually finished with one more catch (13) than Robinson. He more than doubled his career total in 2012, and led the Bearcats in receiving with 35 receptions for 530 yards and five touchdowns entering December."

Jordan Reed

CBS Sports says: "COMPARES TO: Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots - Yes, both grew up and prepped in Connecticut before arriving in Gainesville, but the similarities don't end there. Reed shows the unique ability to create receiving mismatches as a "joker" TE against linebackers and defensive backs, similar to what Hernandez has done in New England."

NFL.com says: "... he projects as a move or Joker tight end in the NFL due to his smoothness in space and natural catch and run abilities. Aaron Hernandez is a special player in the NFL, but the similarities between the two far exceed the college both attended."

Dion Sims

CBS Sports says: "At 6-5 and 285 pounds, Sims looks almost more like an offensive lineman, but he moves like a tight end with the foot quickness and body control to be an effective pass-catcher. He finished 2012 with just 36 catches, but he was left home at the line of scrimmage to block a lot in the Spartans' offense."