Tight End
Gunnar Helm – Texas
According to nfl.com analyst Lance Zierlein, Gunnar Helm compares to another tight end in the State of Texas—the Dallas Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson. Helm is a combo tight end with good size (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) and soft hands that rapidly developed in a high-powered Texas offense. His best traits are that he’s a capable route runner who can be used on all three levels and has the size, hands, and feel to make him a quarterback-friendly target in opportune situations in the NFL.
Areas Helm needs to improve include several areas while blocking in the run game. Scouts said he has average body control with a wide base while fitting the block, but his hands tend to fly outside his frame as a run blocker. He could also be more aggressive coming across formations to wham the edge on split zone runs.
Harold Fannin Jr. – Bowling Green
The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs likens Harold Fannin Jr. to Jonnu Smith and views the Bowling Green product as an offensive weapon who can provide a number of layers into an offensive playbook.
What stands out about Fannin Jr. is all the ways he can impact play design outside of traditional means. In college, he was given touches out of the backfield with success and lined up on the perimeter for screen game action, in addition to being given traditional targets and direct snaps.
Negatives of his game are that he will likely be a non-factor in blocking elements of the position, given his size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), and that he would ideally be a bit more explosive for a player of his stature.
Safety
Malaki Starks – Georgia
A three-year starter with a litany of high-leverage games on his resume, Zierlein said Malaki Starks is a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine on passes deep down the field.
Starks’ strengths include having a high football IQ and the athleticism to play multiple spots on the field. When paired with his speed to phase deep routes and locate deep balls and play them with plus body control, Starks has numerous traits that could translate into him being an excellent coverage safety in the NFL.
Zierlein said Starks also rates favorably in the run game, where he excels at flowing downfield and finding ways to get around big bodies and get to the football.
Some of Starks’ weaknesses are his average peripheral vision and ability to shed blocks as a down safety, along with occasionally having suspect pursuit angles that help surrender long touchdowns and losing connection at break points when in man coverage.
Sebastian Castro – Iowa
The Draft Network’s Damian Parson sees Sebastian Castro as a willing and versatile defender with a team-first mentality. Parson said Castro has aligned in both safety positions, nickel, and outside linebacker. He plays with an attitude and level of physicality that will inject energy into any defense.
Positives of Castro’s game include explosive aggressiveness attacking downhill in the run game on a consistent basis. He’s a physical player who looks to inflict havoc as a tackler. Castro is also matchup-versatile in man coverage. He’s capable of effectively defending tight ends, slot receivers, and running backs out of the backfield.
Where Castro lacks a bit is athleticism. It’s good, but not great. He lacks a top-flight gear to recover and catch up to explosive vertical slot receivers, which necessitates having safety help over top of his matchup. Castro’s off-coverage technique can also leave him in vulnerable situations where he side-saddles while reading wide receivers, Parson said.
Kevin Winston Jr. – Penn State
Crabbs sees Kevin Winston Jr. as a long, explosive safety who excels as an underneath defender and compares him favorably to Lewis Cine.
Strengths of his game feature his ability to fit the run, run the alley, and trigger on underneath targets in the passing game, which all should afford him the opportunity to be an impact player in an NFL defense, according to Crabbs.
However, concerns exist in Winston Jr.’s game. He lacks appeal as a high-post player and will struggle if charged with covering significant areas of grass at the next level. Winston Jr.’s high-cut frame and high hips will also pose challenges for transitions between both playing center field and covering in man-to-man coverages.
Medically, Crabbs said he’s coming off of a partially torn ACL in September 2024, and medicals will loom as a notable piece of his valuation in April.
Conclusion:
These tight ends and safeties have the potential to make an impact in the NFL, with their unique skills and abilities. The Chicago Bears, with their emphasis on tight end usage and defensive playmaking, may be interested in adding some of these players to their roster.
FAQs:
Q: Who are the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?
A: Gunnar Helm and Harold Fannin Jr. are two of the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, known for their size, athleticism, and ability to make an impact in the passing game.
Q: Who are the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?
A: Malaki Starks, Sebastian Castro, and Kevin Winston Jr. are three of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, known for their athleticism, football IQ, and ability to play multiple positions.
Q: What are the Chicago Bears’ needs at tight end and safety?
A: The Chicago Bears have been known to use their tight ends in creative ways, so they may be looking for a tight end who can make an impact in the passing game. At safety, they may be looking for a player who can play multiple positions and bring a physical presence to the secondary.
