This is the fourth article in a series previewing the top NFL prospects by position for the 2010 draft.

This draft's TE class is heavily marred by injury, with neither ­Oklahoma's ­Jermaine Gresham nor Arizona's Rob Gronkowski having taken a snap this season because of injury, yet both still stack at the top of the heap. Gresham could have better benefited by departing a year ago, when he would have projected as the top tight end in the class. For much the same reason, Gronkowski is expected to depart in lieu of risking further injury. Overall, it's a solid crop of pass catchers with few standout blockers. Oklahoma's injured TE Brody Eldridge stands out most highly among blockers.

Note: "e" indicates that the height, weight or 40-time is estimated.

SENIOR PROSPECTS

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
6-6e, 260e, 4.8e

A high school hoops standout who gave up basketball after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in high school, Gresham did not take a snap this season after surprisingly returning to school for his senior year. He sat out after having season-ending knee surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. Gresham has been otherwise healthy for the Sooners, but having suffered ligament damage to both knees in a program that has done a fine job of concealing college injuries, Gresham could be affected by medical concerns. He possesses outstanding athletic ability, adjusts to the ball with ease and has proven he can be a factor in the receiving game since the time he arrived. Also functional as a blocker, Gresham still has a chance to be the first tight end drafted, but spring workouts and interviews will play into the equation.

2. Anthony McCoy, USC
6-4 5/8, 245, 4.75e

Having been hampered by an ankle sprain suffered against Oregon State in late October, McCoy sat out the previous two weeks before dressing against Stanford last week, and he has not been overly productive as a senior. However, he has good speed and body control and really stood out against Notre Dame, making some spectacular catches in traffic. Weighing in at less than 250 pounds, McCoy needs to bulk up to make more of an impact as a blocker but is strong enough and does get into good position to wall off defenders and contribute in the ground game.

3. Dennis Pitta, BYU
6-4½, 252, 4.75e

As a junior, Pitta did not look as physically impressive as he did when he showed up as a senior after resculpting his body. He still is not expected to test very well or blaze a 40-yard dash, but as a football player he shows some unique traits with special ball skills and natural instincts for the position. He shows a sixth sense for finding soft spots in coverage, can separate with route savvy and plays the game fast. Pitta turns his shoulders upfield instantaneously after the catch, runs hard through contact and consistently turns five-yard outs into 10-yard gains. He is inconsistent as a blocker but can make a strong impact immediately as a short-to-intermediate receiver.

4. Ed Dickson, Oregon
6-3 3/4, 245, 4.75e

After being underutilized in a spread-option offense through the first three games, Dickson exploded out of the gates against California, when he grabbed 11-148-3 and sparked the Ducks to a blowout win. The senior since has become a more regular target in the offense and leads the team in receiving. He is very quick into his routes with natural receiving skills — he moves fluidly, adjusts easily to the ball and has shown he can pluck it out of the air. However, it could take some extra reps for Dickson to grasp a complicated offense, and he is a near-liability as a blocker, both of which could drop down his draft value.

5. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
6-2 7/8, 246, 4.75e

Undersized to be a true hand-in-the-dirt base blocker on the line, Graham projects best to H-back in the pros, doing some of his best work on the move. He lacks great speed but is a sharp route runner who shows the ability to create separation in the short passing game. Possessing good workout numbers and overall athletic ability, he projects as a mid-round selection who still will require some development. Graham runs very hard after the catch, shows desirable toughness and will stick his nose into the scrap as a blocker. A productive three-year starter in a pro-style offense, he should be able to contribute readily.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona (Jr.)
6-5½e, 265e, 4.75e

Has played only two seasons, not stepping onto the field as a junior after suffering a back injury that kept him out of contact drills in training camp and forced surgery in late September. But Gronkowski still holds many of the Wildcats' receiving records for a tight end, having instantly made an impact as a true freshman. He is a very good receiver in a similar mold as Raiders 2007 second-round pick Zach Miller, not having great up-the-seam speed but still showing the ability to uncover. Gronkowski has good size and is a developing blocker. If he receives a first-round grade from the NFL's advisory panel based upon his sophomore tape, he has said he will declare for the draft.

2. Aaron Hernandez, Florida (Jr.)
6-2e, 250e, 4.75e

Despite being on the short side and lacking elite size or speed, Hernandez knows how to play the game and still makes strong contributions to the passing game and factors as a blocker, both in-line and on the move. He saw action in every game as a true freshman, developing a great rapport with Gators QB Tim Tebow, and has become a fine all-around talent. Nonetheless, Hernandez's best trait is his ability to catch the ball. He possesses very, very good hands and most ideally will fit as an H-back in the pros. He is expected to declare for the draft.

3. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina (Jr.)
6-4e, 275e, 4.8e

A more complete overall talent than Titans 2009 third-round pick Jared Cook, who paired with Saunders last season. The strong-handed, mushy-bodied Saunders has shown he can make some acrobatic grabs, as he did in the corner of the endzone extending over Florida standout CB Joe Haden for a touchdown. Saunders is a load to tackle with good run strength to bounce off tacklers after the catch. He is a bit heavy-legged, takes time to get started and is slow into his routes, but he has soft hands to contribute as a receiver and the mass to impose his will as a blocker. With limited experience and time missed to injury this season, he would benefit from more time in school.

4. Luke Stocker, Tennessee (Jr.)
6-6, 240, 4.8e

The thinly built, linear pass catcher lacks ideal bulk and too easily is controlled as a blocker to be much of a factor in the run game. Stocker's thin frame might never support much growth. However, he does have long arms, a good catching radius and enough quickness to uncover with his overall length. The fourth-year junior would benefit from another year in school and more time in the weight room, but the former hoops ­standout likely will explore the option of entering the draft early.

5. Mike McNeill, Nebraska (Jr.)
6-3½e, 240e, 4.7e

A fourth-year junior with solid production, McNeill is underdeveloped physically and lacks the base strength to be effective blocking in-line. He needs to have an angle and be on the move to contribute in the blocking game and always could be at risk of injury given his undersized frame. However, as a receiver, he adjusts very well to poorly thrown balls behind him and shows good concentration entering traffic. His highly productive redshirt sophomore season made him begin thinking about the draft, but another season in Lincoln could help his cause.

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