Who Are the Shortest Tight Ends in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the Tight Ends I coached the sizes of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research this season that I do every year. I poured through the 53-man active rosters for the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together this guide focusing on the NFL’s shortest Tight Ends. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Shortest Tight Ends in the NFL
For NFL Tight Ends, where the average height is approximately 6’4½”, a select group of players stands apart due to their somewhat shorter stature. These tight ends, all measuring 6’2″ or under, demonstrate that height isn’t the sole determinant of success in this position.
Despite being shorter, they exhibit remarkable agility, quick reflexes, and a lower center of gravity, which can be pivotal during gameplay. This combination allows them to execute quick turns, maintain balance in tight situations, and often surprise defenders who are more accustomed to taller, bulkier opponents.
There’s also another group of tight ends who stand at 6’3″, slightly above the shortest at the position but still below the average.
Both of these groups will be highlighted in the two tables below.
Connor Heyward
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Michigan State
- Draft: 6th round, 2022 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Reggie Gilliam
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 244 lbs
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- College: Toledo
- Draft: Undrafted in 2020
- Years in NFL: 4 years
Taysom Hill
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 221 lbs
- Team: New Orleans Saints
- College: BYU
- Draft: Undrafted in 2017
- Years in NFL: 7 years
Josiah Deguara
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 238 lbs
- Team: Green Bay Packers
- College: Cincinnati
- Draft: 3rd round, 2020 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 4 years
Irv Smith
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 242 lbs
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
- College: Alabama
- Draft: 2nd round, 2019 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 5 years
MyCole Pruitt
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 258 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Southern Illinois
- Draft: 5th round, 2015 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 9 years
Quintin Morris
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 252 lbs
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- College: Bowling Green
- Draft: Undrafted in 2021
- Years in NFL: 3 years
6’3″ Tight Ends
Here is that next group of Tight Ends, who are all slightly taller at 6’3″.
| Name | Team (Mascot) |
|---|---|
| Jesper Horsted | Raiders |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | Titans |
| Giovanni Ricci | Panthers |
| Evan Engram | Jaguars |
| Noah Gray | Chiefs |
| Gerald Everett | Chargers |
| Kylen Granson | Colts |
| Sam LaPorta | Lions |
| Brevin Jordan | Texans |
| Dalton Kincaid | Bills |
| Jonnu Smith | Falcons |
| Tyler Conklin | Jets |
| Nate Adkins | Broncos |
| Trevon Wesco | Titans |
Final Thoughts
This article has showcased the standout talents of some of the shortest tight ends in the NFL. These players, with heights of 6’2″ or shorter, break the mold of the conventional tight end prototype, typically around 6’4½”. Their presence in the league proves that success at tight end isn’t exclusively reserved for the tallest athletes.
From the reliability of Evan Engram with the Jaguars to the potential of up-and-comers like Sam LaPorta with the Lions, these athletes are redefining the tight end role. They serve as inspirations, showing that with skill, determination, and the right opportunities, players of various builds can make a significant impact in the NFL.
