Pac-12 Pre-Season Positional Rankings: Tight End

1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jr. Washington

Seferian-Jenkins is likely a sure fire first round draft pick after next season if he decides to declare as he is a massive 6'6 265 target with soft hands and great balance. Seferian-Jenkins had arguably the best statistical season of any tight end in the country last season and will be a frontrunner for the Mackey Aaward.

2. Chris Coyle Sr. Arizona State

Coyle is a bit of a hybrid as he is a little small for a tight end at 6'3 220, but he is a great pass catcher and the Sun Devils' best returning receiver. Coyle kind of got overshadowed by Seferian-Jenkins, Zach Ertz and Joseph Fauria last season but should get more attention in 2013.

3. Colt Lyerla Jr. Oregon

Lyerla is probably the most explosive of any of the tight ends in the conference and is a scary athlete that also gets some carries at fullback. Lyerla caught six touchdowns in 2012 and is a guy that I could see have a serious breakout season in 2013.

4. Xavier Grimble Jr. USC

Grimble is an athletic pass catcher who should get some serious looks due to how focused on Marqise Lee opposing defenses will be in 2013. Grimble had more than 300 yards and five touchdowns in 2012.

5. Connor Hamlett Jr. Oregon State

An underrated player, Hamlett had more than 400 yards receiving and three touchdowns in 2013. Hamlett got better as the season went on and is quickly becoming one of the best tight ends in the conference.

6. Jake Murphy Jr. Utah

Another tight end that quietly had a big season in 2012 as he had more than 350 yards and four touchdowns while being one of the Utes' most reliable receivers. Will be counted on even more in 2013 with the graduation of DeVonte Christopher.

Others considered

Randall Telfer Jr. USC