With tight end widely regarded as a significant need for the New York Jets less than three weeks before the 2025 NFL draft, fans have turned their attention entirely to the position’s top prospects (a la Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland).
Instead, let’s shift the focus to the top three tight ends the Jets should target in rounds two through seven, as this year’s draft class is very deep at the position.
3. Orande Gadsden II, Syracuse
Hailing from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida, Gadsden II was a three-star recruit. He committed to play college football at Syracuse, where he spent all four of his college seasons.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Gadsden II played wide receiver in high school. When he arrived at Syracuse, he spent his first season as an outside wide receiver before transferring into a hybrid-type role during his sophomore season as a slot receiver and tight end. He then became a full-time tight end starting in 2023.
As a true freshman during the 2021 season, Gadsden II played in eight games, primarily on special teams, while logging only two receptions for 24 yards on offense.
During his sophomore campaign, his new role began to pay off. He earned first-team All-ACC honors after posting 969 yards and six touchdowns on 61 receptions.
The Florida native appeared in only two games during the 2023 season due to a Lisfranc injury before breaking out during his senior season in 2024, totaling 934 yards and seven touchdowns on 73 receptions.
Gadsden II also posted a 66.0 run-blocking grade during the 2024 season, per Pro Football Focus. This ranked fifth-best among ACC tight ends (min. 100 blocking snaps).
The Syracuse product is known for his large catch radius and ability to make impressive contested catches. His 81⅝-inch wingspan ranks at the 85th percentile among tight end prospects all-time (per Mockdraftable).
Using this wingspan, Gadsden II ranked second among FBS tight ends with 17 contested catches in 2024, hauling them in at a 60.7% rate.
Ranking 194th overall on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, Gadsden II could be an intriguing target for the Jets in rounds five through seven, offering a big frame as a pass catcher and upside as a blocker.
2. Gunnar Helm, Texas
Coming out of Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Helm was a three-star recruit. He later committed to Texas, where he spent all four of his college seasons.
During his first three years as a Longhorn, the Colorado native totaled only 19 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns in 39 games.
However, his 2024 season told a different story.
Helm appeared in 16 games for Texas, recording 786 yards, seven touchdowns, and 60 receptions on just 73 targets. He showcased reliable hands, as his 82.2% catch rate was second-best among FBS tight ends with 50+ targets.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Helm displayed an impressive ability to shed defenders, ranking third among FBS tight ends with 420 yards after catch. He also placed sixth with 12 missed tackles forced.
The key for Helm at the next level is to develop his blocking. Helm earned a 43.5 run-blocking grade from PFF in 2024, which ranked third-worst among SEC tight ends (min. 100 blocking snaps).
Ranked No. 101 overall on the consensus big board, Helm could be a fourth-round target for the Jets, offering value as a reliable pass catcher who can create yards after the catch.
1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Fannin Jr. made his mark over three stellar seasons with the Falcons despite being a zero-star recruit coming out of high school. He appeared in 36 games and finished his collegiate career with 180 catches for 2,396 yards and 17 touchdowns in 36 games.
The Ohio native exploded onto the national scene in 2024, emerging as one of the top tight ends in the country. Fannin Jr. led all FBS tight ends in receiving yards (1,555) and touchdowns (10), earning consensus All-American honors and being named MAC Most Valuable Player.
At just 20 years old, Fannin Jr. rewrote both school and national record books. He set FBS single-season marks for tight ends in receiving yards (1,555), receptions (117), yards per game (119.6), and missed tackles forced (34), cementing his status as one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in recent memory.
Despite being undersized at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Fannin Jr. was competitive as a run-blocker, earning a 75.2 run-blocking grade during the 2024 season, per Pro Football Focus. He must prove he can translate this to the next level at his small frame, but it is promising to see.
Ranked No. 86 overall on the consensus big board, Fannin Jr. is among the top tight ends New York could target after the first round. Despite his smaller frame, he offers value as a highly productive receiver while also bringing a feisty edge in the run game.
