2019 NFL Draft: 10 players trending up after NFL Combine

The top two tight ends in the 2019 draft class are both from Iowa, and while T.J. Hockenson still maintains his place as the top prospect at the position, his teammate Noah Fant is nipping at his heels after an impressive showing at the combine.

Fant needs some work with his strength at the point-of-attack to become a plus-player in terms of run-blocking, but he’s the top receiving talent at the tight end position, something he proved with a ridiculous workout at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Fant led his position group with a 4.51 40-yard dash and a 39.5 inch vertical leap. He has receiver speed and unreal leaping ability, which makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone who covers him. He’s quicker than linebackers and safeties, and his size and leaping ability make him an impossible cover for corners who are left on an island with him.

Fant could slide near the end of the first round due to team’s drafting for needs, but he’s unquestionably one of the Top 20 or so prospects in this class. He’d be an absolute steal for a team at the end of the first round.

One of several interested teams, the Patriots would be thrilled to see Fant slip to them with the final pick of the first round. If he’s there, and with the likelihood that Rob Gronkowski will retire this offseason, Fant would fill a big need for New England and provide that intermediate target that Tom Brady covets.