NFL Draft 2013 Preview: Tight End Options

Over the past few days, we've broken down the prospects who could be available for the Green Bay Packers at a few different positions. Today we will take a look at the tight end class to give you a heads-up on some names who will likely be on the Packers' draft board.

First-Round Prospect (26 overall)

Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

One tight end has broken away from the rest of the pack and separated himself as the top player at the position this year - that's the 6'6", 250 pound Eifert. He has great hands and has developed into a very capable blocker. He may not last until the 26th pick, but if he is there I would expect Ted Thompson to seriously consider drafting him.

Second- or Third-Round Prospects (55, 88 overall)

Zach Ertz, Stanford

Ertz is sliding back a little bit, partially because he didn't impress as much compared to Eifert in his workouts. He's definitely not as complete a blocker as Eifert, but he's big and physical, and almost identical in size while being just a tiny bit slower. If Eifert is gone in the first and Ertz is still around at 55, he could be a great value.

Vance McDonald, Rice

McDonald seems to be rising up draft boards, thanks to good athleticism and great hands. The knock on McDonald is his blocking, and the Packers already have one dangerous receiving tight end who isn't much of a blocker. Then again, with a year of seasoning under his belt, McDonald could be a solid replacement for Jermichael Finley. He would be good value in the third round, but might be a slight reach in the second.

Gavin Escobar, San Diego State

Like McDonald, Escobar won't be turning heads for his blocking, but he has good hands and projects as a solid receiving threat. He doesn't have the top speed of the other prospects listed here, but he's quick in and out of his breaks and uses his size to his advantage.

Other Positional Prospect Breakdowns: Wide Receivers | Defensive Linemen | Interior Offensive Linemen