INDIANAPOLIS — There were a lot of eyes on the combine today, as it featured its first offensive position’s field tests, with the nation’s tight ends taking the field. While there were some superstars who elected not to partake, due to injury, or not feeling the need, lots of others did. After today’s drills, Talk of Troy’s scouting team made note of a few tight ends who performed in the bright lights of Lucas Oil stadium to raise their draft stock, and those who did not.
Stock Up:
Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh. 6-foot-5, 246 lbs.
Bartholomew had one of the strongest performances of the group today, proving that he can be versatile in just about any role he’s thrust into. He ran a respectable 4.71 40-yard dash and was by far and away one of the best blockers who tested. He has exceptional leverage ability and even better body control, which not many other tight ends showed today. While he may not be the quickest, he uses his very fast hands and eyes to secure every pass headed his way. His gauntlet and catching drills demonstrated very solid catching ability and route running that would impress even the harshest critics, coming down with some balls that were well overthrown. He can do it all — expect to hear about him on Sundays.
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon. 6-foot-5, 247 lbs.
Ferguson was well regarded prior to today’s drills, but following his elite performance today, it’s safe to say he’s one of the most athletic tight ends in the class. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the position with a 4.63 and demonstrated elite pass catching and route running throughout every drill he participated in. While a little more weight could be desired, his blocking ability was solid as he was one of the few tight ends today, other than Bartholomew, who seemed to get leverage with ease and finesse. He has all the power, poise, and speed to be a more physical and well rounded Jonnu Smith. Any NFL team would benefit from having Ferguson on the roster.
Stock Down:
Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas. 6-foot-5, 241 lbs.
Helm was supposed to be one of the most versatile and complete tight ends who participated today. During press availability yesterday he named his biggest asset as his presence as an incredibly tall and reliable target, who can do just about anything to support his team. While this may be true, and only time will tell, his combine performance today did little to support that he should be a first or second round pick. His 4.84 second 40-yard dash appeared visibly sluggish, and his other exercises left a lot to be desired.
Helm’s route running looked competent, but nothing screamed that he’d be one of the best pass catchers out of his peers. His blocking drills lacked the leverage that we would expect for his frame. A lackluster overall performance certainly thrust his versatility into question, leading one to wonder if much of his production was simply due to his starting role in an efficient Texas offense.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green. 6-foot-3, 241 lbs.
While one would assume that such a dominating receiver such as Fannin (who led FBS in receiving yards) to show elite speed at the combine, he ran a 4.71 during his 40-yard dash — not a horrible time, but scouts likely expected to see him in more of the mid to high 4.6 range. What was more disappointing, however, was his blocking ability. He was the only prospect today who turned around the blocking sled, showing a lack of the control and positioning that elite tight ends need to have. Truth be told, Fannin did not have the worst combine, we were just expecting a lot more from him today, and it’s safe to say that his stock took a big hit as other prospects simply looked better.
This piece was published in collaboration with The Talk of Troy, a student-led, multi-platform sports and culture program based in Los Angeles that prides itself on leading difficult conversations at the intersection of sports and culture. InfanityTV is the exclusive publisher of TOT’s on-site coverage of the 2025 NFL Combine. Find more of TOT’s content @TheTalkOfTroy on Instagram.
