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As NFL teams continue to move toward using more spread formations on early downs -- thankfully -- the tight end position has seen a drop in prominence.

Teams continually fret that the complete tight end is hard to find. They insist they can't find the type of player who can move the defensive end off the line, yet get deep in the middle of the field to become a weapon in the passing game.

Miami's Jeremy Shockey became a favorite target of Ken Dorsey. (AP)

But instead of simply moving away from using tight ends on early downs, NFL teams continue to trot out wannabes and can't-do-it players at the position simply because it says somewhere in that offensive manual that teams have to play with one.

Why not play without them? After all, tight ends usually are not close to being as good at catching the football as wide receivers and certainly don't block as well as the other five guys on the line.

They are the best at nothing, and usually average at doing both. So why not use an extra receiver instead?

Because the NFL is a league built on running the football, and the mere thought of running out of spread formation is new-wave technology in a league that is far more typewriter than hand-held computer.

That's why the NFL scouting brass is salivating at the 2002 tight end class. It's loaded.

"If you need to get one, this is the year to do it," said one NFC personnel director. "It seems every year we're looking for those guys, but I can't remember a tight end group like this one."

In the past four years, just three tight ends have been taken in the first round of the draft. This year, there will almost certainly be two.

Miami's Jeremy Shockey tops the list, and he will be off the board by the middle of the first round. Colorado's Daniel Graham is next on most teams' boards, although he isn't far behind.

In addition to those two, Washington's Jerramy Stevens, Alabama's Terry Jones, Michigan State's Chris Baker, Ohio State's Darnell Sanders, Georgia's Randy McMichael, BYU's Doug Jolley and Nebraska's Tracey Wistrom all are solid prospects.

Shockey is the most complete. At 6-feet-4, 255 pounds, Shockey has the size teams like, and he also has the ability to be a major factor in the passing game. Playing in Miami's pro-style offense, he developed into an outstanding receiver.

That shouldn't be surprising. He came out of high school in Ada, Okla., as a receiver. He also returned four punts for touchdowns during his senior year, which says something about his feet and speed.

"I was 215 back then," Shockey said.

The added weight has helped him become a better blocker, but that's the one knock on him as he moves to the next level. Is he physical enough to move the defensive end in the run game?

"I know that's something teams want to know about me," said Shockey. "But I will work to improve that part of my game. I think I'm good enough at it and I will get better."

The New York Giants, picking 15th, will strongly consider Shockey. They brought him in for a visit last week. The Giants have not had a complete tight end since Mark Bavaro during their Super Bowl years.

Graham, son of former NFL linebacker Tom Graham, is a little better blocker than Shockey, but he doesn't have his receiving skills -- yet. Some scouts think Graham might end up being just as good as Shockey.

Colorado tight end Daniel Graham is rated as a first-round pick. (AP)

At 6-3, 248, Graham was named the top tight end in the country last season, winning the John Mackey Award. He caught 106 passes in his Colorado career.

On paper and in the film room, Washington's Stevens might be the most impressive of the group. At 6-6, 265 pounds, he has the size and the speed to be that effective all-round tight end.

He can dominate at the point of attack and be the go-to guy in the passing game. But he has a tendency to loaf and also is a bit of a character risk. Stevens had several run-ins with the law while at Washington, which has turned off some teams.

"He's so dominant on tape, but there are so many issues surrounding that kid," said one NFC personnel director. "He's either going to kill you or make you look like a genius."

The team that does take a chance on him will be getting a player some scouts have compared to Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez in terms of the passing game. That's high praise; Gonzalez is the best receiving tight end in the league. But whether a team drafts Stevens high will likely be decided by background checks and interviews, not his talent.

The rest of the tight end group has talent but also has holes. For example, Baker is inconsistent, Jolley is a former quarterback who might not have the power to handle the blocking duties, and Jones has a history of knee troubles.

Even so, look for several tight ends to go in the first three rounds. Why? The search for the next do-everything tight end is endless. Until he's found, and maybe one of these players will be that guy, those players who have been playing tight end the past couple of seasons will have to do. We know the coaches in the NFL aren't about to take the tight ends off the field.

How can they? The manual insists.

Rating the tight ends

1. Jeremy Shockey, Miami: Has the size and the skills to be a Pro Bowl player. Has good enough speed to be a deep threat. Also runs good routes. Has to improve his blocking some but can be a 70-catch player.
2. Daniel Graham, Colorado: Has the speed to get deep, but also is a capable blocker. Is the son of ex-NFL linebacker Tom Graham.
3. Jerramy Stevens, Washington: There is no more gifted player in this group. Has the tools to be the best of any of them. The one concern is off-field problems, which have turned off a lot of teams.
4. Terry Jones Jr., Alabama: Could be the most complete of this group. Is a willing blocker but also can be a factor in the passing game. Did have knee surgery two years ago.
5. Chris Baker, Michigan State: Will put up better numbers in the NFL than he did in college. Lacks consistency, but he has what it takes to be a productive NFL tight end.

Breakdown

• Rising: Jones Jr. The son of the Alabama strength coach, you know he's going to work hard to be a good player.
• Falling: Robert Royal, LSU. A year ago, some thought he'd be among the top five. But he's not nearly as fast as first thought, getting timed at over 5.0 in the 40.
• Sleeper: Justin Peelle, Oregon. A very productive college player who is more receiver than blocker. Will get a look, having played in a pro-style offense.
• Best athlete: Stevens. If he gets his head screwed on right, he can be a star.
• Safest bet: Shockey. He will help open things up outside for the receivers for whichever team takes him.
• Best blocker: Darnell Sanders, Ohio State. A big player (nearly 270 pounds) who can move people off the line.
• Best receiver: Shockey. He's a natural at catching passes.