Catch-first, block-second tight ends dominated the NFL draft last year.

They are again present in this year's draft as college teams spread the field and use their tight ends as receivers more than blockers.

But the top tight end in this year's draft is Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew, a player who likes to get after opponents at the line of scrimmage.

In college, Pettigrew, a physical presence at 6-6, 263 pounds, was known for coming to the sideline and suggesting plays. But not pass plays for him. Running plays where he felt he could help running backs gain extra yards.

"I'm a throwback tight end," Pettigrew said. "I like to block. That's football. That's just as important as getting out and catching a pass."

This is a deep year for tight ends, and potential value can be found at the position in just about every round. But Pettigrew is the only one projected as a possible first-round pick.

"Blocking's going to be an issue for (a lot of them). ... They're not in-line blocking tight ends," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "The only one that really is is Brandon Pettigrew."

The Cowboys needed Pettigrew to block - they averaged 45 rushing attempts and 245.5 rushing yards a game, and eight of Pettigrew's 43 knockdown blocks resulted in touchdowns, according to Oklahoma State.

But that doesn't mean you can overlook his receiving skills. He is a huge target, has good hands and can create yards after the catch by taking on defenders or using his athleticism to make defenders miss.

"I'm definitely going to make people pay if they try to take me down," Pettigrew said.

Because Oklahoma State ran so much, he didn't generate flashy statistics. Pettigrew, who missed three games with a sprained ankle, finished with 42 receptions for 472 yards, both second best on the team. More than half of those catches resulted in first downs, showcasing his reliability.

"In college, you get particular players who have a lot better numbers, but people don't see blocking," Oklahoma State tight ends coach Doug Meacham said. "You take some guys like that and put him down inside, and he gets blasted. ... Brandon's a tight end. Teams don't have to wonder about giving him first-round money and wonder how he will transition inside. He's pretty nasty as a blocker and can hurt you in the passing game."

Pettigrew had to work hard to regain the trust of Oklahoma State's coaching staff. In January 2008, police arrested Pettigrew at a party and charged him with public intoxication and felony assault and battery on a police officer for allegedly elbowing an officer in the chest.

Pettigrew reached a deal with prosecutors and pled guilty to misdemeanor battery and assault and public intoxication. "It's just really unfortunate that it happened. I wish it hadn't happened," he said. "I made a bad choice. I wasn't using my head."

At the combine, Senior Bowl and visits to the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, Pettigrew had to answer questions about the incident. He thinks it isn't going to be an issue.

"They wanted to hear from me everything that happened. I told them," Pettigrew said.

That incident, combined with an average performance at the NFL scouting combine in February (a 4.8 40-yard time), hasn't soured analysts. He remains the top prospect based on his all-around game, and Atlanta, with the 24th pick, could be in an interesting position on draft day. The Falcons need help on defense, but Pettigrew might be available, and he would give them more help with their strong rushing game and give quarterback Matt Ryan another target.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal," Pettigrew said. "My dream's about to be here."