Minnesota's Maxx Williams is considered the top tight end available in a relatively thin class.
The NFL draft will be held from April 30 through May 2 in Chicago. The Cardinals addressed several needs in free agency and are now zeroing in on their draft targets. We'll take a look at each position over the next few weeks.
Draft primer: Tight end
Cardinals under contract:Troy Niklas; Darren Fells; John Carlson; Ted Bolser; Ifeanyi Momah
Need: Medium
Images of the tight ends projected to be taken in the 2015 draft
Minnesota TE Maxx Williams: Projected first-rounder
Miami TE Clive Walford: Projected second-rounder
Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman: Projected third-rounder
Notre Dame TE Ben Koyack: Projected fourth-rounder
Penn State TE Jesse James: Projected fourth-rounder
Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft: Projected fourth-rounder
Southern Illinois TE Cole Pruitt: Projected fourth-rounder
Oklahoma TE Blake Bell: Projected fifth-rounder
Florida State TE Nick O'Leary: Projected fifth-rounder
Kent State TE Casey Pierce: Projected sixth-rounder
Delaware TE Nick Boyle: Projected sixth-rounder
South Alabama TE Wes Saxton: Projected sixth-rounder
Auburn TE C.J. Uzomah: Projected seventh-rounder
Illinois State TE James O'Shaughnessy: Projected seventh-rounder
Analysis: The Cardinals didn't get standout play from their tight end group in 2014, but with three players back who have the capacity to improve, it's not a glaring need heading into the draft. Troy Niklas was the team's second-round selection last year but was slowed by several different injuries throughout his rookie campaign, which made his impact
negligible. The missed developmental time is concerning, but he still has the tools to be an effective blocking tight end with receiving ability, and the Cardinals have high hopes for his future.
Darren Fells became the starter late in the season, showing impressive blockings skills. He is still learning the game after playing basketball in college and professionally, but more positive strides could keep him in line for playing time in 2015. John Carlson didn't have the type of season he wanted, but still finished with 33 catches for 350 yards to lead the tight ends, and is the most natural pass-catcher in the group. Rob Housler signed with the Browns in free agency.
Every tight end is expected to be on the board when the Cardinals choose at No. 24, so if they really want one early the opportunity is there. Minnesota's Maxx Williams is the first tight end projected to be picked, followed by Miami's Clive Walford. The Cardinals don't figure to use an early pick on a tight end, though. There will be several available in the later rounds, and picking one up on Day 3 seems most likely, if the Cardinals draft one at all. There is currently no clear-cut option for the team's fourth tight end, but there are several ways to fill that spot. It could come in the draft, from players currently on the roster – Ted Bolser or Ifeanyi Momah – or in free agency.
