Tight End Two Pack

The tight end position in the NFL has evolved into one of the most dynamic roles in modern offenses. With teams constantly searching for the perfect blend of size, speed, and versatility, the 2025 draft class features two intriguing prospects who could develop into legitimate weapons at the next level: Terrance Ferguson and Elijah Arroyo.

Ferguson, a polished and well-rounded tight end out of Oregon, offers a strong foundation of route-running precision, reliable hands, and blocking ability. He’s not the flashiest athlete, but his consistency and technical skills make him a potential early contributor. 

On the other hand, Arroyo brings raw athleticism and a high ceiling, with the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches, though he’ll need refinement in his route running and blocking to reach his full potential.

Both players project as Day 2 or early Day 3 selections, with differing skill sets that will appeal to teams looking for either a steady contributor or a high-upside developmental prospect. Let’s dive into their strengths, weaknesses and how they stack up against current NFL talent.

Terrance Ferguson 

University of Oregon

6'5" 255 lbs

Overview

Terrance Ferguson is one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the 2025 class. His ability to contribute in both the passing and running game makes him a valuable asset at the next level. He’s a reliable red zone target and a capable blocker, traits that should earn him a starting role in the NFL. While he may not be a dynamic seam stretcher, Ferguson’s technical skills and consistency make him a solid Day 2 prospect.

Strengths

• Polished Route Running – Ferguson runs crisp, well-timed routes, utilizing his head and upper body to sell his cuts.
• Prototypical Frame – His size and long arms provide a large catch radius, making him a reliable target.
• Natural Hands – Soft, wide-receiver-like hands allow him to pluck the ball away from his frame with ease.
• Red Zone Threat – Excels in tight spaces and can be a go-to option near the goal line.
• Elusiveness in Tight Spaces – Has enough short-area quickness to shake defenders in close quarters.
• Sustained Blocking Ability – Technically sound blocker who maintains engagement and helps in the run game.

Since stepping onto the field in Eugene, Ferguson has been a dependable pass-catcher. His refined route running and natural ball skills make him a quarterback-friendly option. He thrives in the red zone, leveraging his frame and secure hands to make contested catches. As a blocker, Ferguson is disciplined and sustains his assignments well, making him a dual-threat at the position.

Weaknesses

• Lacks Top-End Speed – Won’t consistently create separation against faster defenders.
• Struggles vs. Zone Coverage – Needs to improve his ability to sit in soft spots rather than drifting past them.
• Needs More Upper-Body Strength – Has room to bulk up to improve his effectiveness in blocking.
• Separation Issues – He relies more on technical skill than athleticism to get open.
• Leans Too Much When Blocking – Tends to lower his head on contact, which can cause control issues.

Ferguson isn’t a burner and will need to win with precision rather than raw athleticism. While he’s a strong positional blocker, adding more upper-body strength could help him anchor better against powerful defenders. He also needs to refine his awareness in zone coverage, as he sometimes overruns open areas, making passing lanes more difficult for quarterbacks.

NFL Comparison: Pat Freiermuth

Ferguson’s playstyle closely resembles that of Pat Freiermuth, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-round pick. Neither player is known for elite speed, but both use their size and technical ability to create large passing windows. They possess strong hands, toughness, and a knack for making contested catches, making them reliable security blankets for quarterbacks.

Elijah Arroyo

University of Miami

6'4" 245 lbs

Overview

Elijah Arroyo is a high-upside prospect who should be on teams’ radars in the third or fourth round. While he may require a season or two to refine his skills and grasp the finer points of the position, his raw athleticism and playmaking ability suggest he could develop into a legitimate offensive weapon sooner rather than later.

Strengths

• Strong Hands – Possesses natural pass-catching ability, securing throws away from his body.
• Prototypical Frame – At 6-foot-4, his size and length create mismatches against defenders.
• Straight-Line Speed – Has the acceleration to threaten defenses vertically.
• Yards After Catch – Stays on his feet through contact and turns short gains into big plays.
• Mismatch Potential – Too fast for linebackers, too big for safeties, making him a nightmare to defend.

Arroyo fits the mold of the modern Y-tight end, boasting a large catch radius and the ability to win contested matchups. His strong hands allow him to pluck the ball out of the air before defenders can react, and his long speed makes him a legitimate seam stretcher. He’s dangerous after the catch, maintaining balance through contact and turning upfield efficiently. His versatility allows offenses to move him around as a matchup piece, giving him significant value in the passing game.

Weaknesses

• Unrefined Route Running – Relies on athleticism more than precise cuts and timing.
• Still Developing – Raw prospect who needs time to polish his game.
• Injury Concerns – Missed parts of two seasons due to a serious knee injury.
• Inconsistent Run Blocking – Struggles to sustain blocks and contribute in the ground game.
• Limited College Production – Has yet to put up big numbers compared to other prospects in his class.

While Arroyo’s physical tools are undeniable, he remains a work in progress. He has primarily relied on his athleticism to win battles but must develop a more nuanced understanding of route running to be effective at the next level. His blocking also needs improvement, as he’s better suited to a move-tight-end role rather than an in-line blocker. Additionally, his knee injury history could give teams pause, though his 2024 performance has helped ease some concerns.

NFL Comparison: Isaiah Likely

Arroyo shares many similarities with Isaiah Likely, the former fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens. Like Likely, Arroyo entered the draft with questions about his blocking and route refinement but showcased the athletic traits to become a dynamic pass-catching option. Likely has carved out a role as a valuable secondary tight end behind Mark Andrews, and Arroyo could follow a similar trajectory as he develops at the NFL level.

Final Thoughts

The team that selects Arroyo will need patience, but his ceiling is higher than many of his peers in this draft class. If he can clean up his route running and prove he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be an impact player in an offense that maximizes his skill set.