How were 8 tight ends drafted before George Kittle in 2017?

George Kittle was drafted in the fifth round out of Iowa by the 49ers in 2017. He was the ninth tight end selected.

Evan Engram (1, 23)

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

The Giants were looking to get Eli Manning a big tight end to target when they drafted Evan Engram out of Ole Miss. Like Howard and Kittle, he has 12 TD receptions among his 153 catches for 1,766 yards. Due to injury and less games played, Engram’s production catches and yardage has dropped every year after his rookie campaign.