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Ranking the NFL's most complete tight ends -- NFL
By Steve Palazzolio
Everyone loves a versatile threat on the football field, and no position exemplifies versatility quite like tight end. Traditionally the position was one part receiver, one part offensive lineman. Of course, as the NFL has moved to more of a pass-happy approach, the old-school, in-line blocking tight end has become something closer to a novelty, with many tight ends around the league acting essentially as oversized receivers.
Because of the evolution, the tight ends who can be a threat in the passing game while holding their own in the run game have become a rare breed. That leads us to Darren Woodson's recent comments about Cowboys TE Jason Witten, when he said "You cannot tell me there's a better tight end to ever play the game." High praise for Woodson's former teammate, but is it just hyperbole?
Given that Witten is still producing, let's take a deeper look at the most "complete" tight ends in the game today, as well as the best pure pass-catchers and blockers.
The most complete tight ends
1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Woodson's claim is not far-fetched: Witten is one of the best, most complete tight ends in the league. The problem, however, is that a bigger, better version of Witten entered the league in 2010. Upon his arrival, Gronk immediately established himself as one of the most difficult covers in the league while dominating as an in-line and move blocker. So while it's no knock on Witten's game, Gronkowski just does everything a little bit better. As a receiver, he's posted the top grade in each of his past two healthy seasons (2014, 2011), and the Patriots' offense has taken a clear step back when he's been off the field with injuries.
There's one caveat to this and that's Gronkowski's apparent regression as a run-blocker. Since injuring his arm in 2012, he just hasn't been the same at the point of attack, often looking a little tentative in engaging defensive ends and linebackers. If this trend continues, it could diminish Gronkowski's "complete" label just a bit, but his contributions as a multifaceted receiver more than make up for a small decline as a blocker.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Being outshined by Gronkowski is nothing to be ashamed of, and Woodson's claim isn't unthinkable. Witten is the second-most-complete tight end in the league. He also has longevity on his side as he enters his 13th season. Witten, however, has never been the top receiving threat at the position, often taking a back seat to players like Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and now Gronkowski. His blocking has always been strong, but we once again run into the issue of value there, as the league turns more toward the pass.
Regardless, Witten has ranked as a top-three receiving tight end five times since 2007 while ranking as the top blocker in both 2009 and 2010. Even as he declines a tad late in his career, Witten remains one of the league's best all-around threats at the position.
3. Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears
Often overlooked when ranking the best tight ends in the league, Bennett combines strong receiving skills with some of the best in-line blocking in the NFL. He heads into the 2015 season as the fourth-best receiving tight end while ranking 14th as a run-blocker, one of only a handful to show well in both categories. Last season, Bennett led all tight ends with 90 receptions to go with 916 yards and six touchdowns. Perhaps most impressive was his ability to make guys miss, forcing 25 missed tackles, also leading all tight ends. His 470 yards after the catch ranked second in the league, all while providing a stellar run-blocking presence for the Bears.
4. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
It might be early to crown Kelce, but the results were impressive in what essentially amounted to his redshirt freshman season in 2014. He picked up 862 receiving yards, good for sixth in the league among tight ends, but it was his league-high 503 yards after the catch that turned heads. It was the third-highest total at the position since 2007, as Kelce proved to be Gronk-like in the open field.
As a blocker, Kelce drew easier assignments than his teammate, Anthony Fasano, but he showed well with a grade that ranks 13th heading into 2015. Another step forward could put Kelce even higher on this list in a year's time.
Best receivers
Rob Gronkowski: Creates matchups all over the field, whether lined up in-line, in the slot or out wide. One-of-a-kind catch radius and after-the-catch ability.
Greg Olsen: An underrated player for years, Olsen was Cam Newton's favorite and most efficient target a year ago. Things work well when the Panthers are able to isolate him on safeties and linebackers.
Zach Ertz: Ready for a breakout in Chip Kelly's offense, Ertz has the size to be a dominant red zone presence while showing the ability to stretch the middle of the defense.
Julius Thomas: How much did Peyton Manning help Thomas' production? We'll get a good answer this season as Thomas catches passes from Blake Bortles. Regardless of who's throwing, it's hard to overlook his 24 touchdown passes over the past two seasons.
Best blockers
Lee Smith: Essentially an extra offensive lineman, the Oakland tight end was used as a blocker on 256 of his 342 snaps, and rightfully so.
Delanie Walker: Always a solid No. 2 tight end in San Francisco, Walker has taken to an expanded role in Tennessee, catching a few more passes and continuing to establish himself as one of the league's best blockers.
Vance McDonald: The man who replaced Walker for the 49ers has stepped in nicely, primarily as a blocker in two-tight-end sets. McDonald has only 11 catches in his first two years in the league, but his blocking has made him a valuable part of the 49ers' offense.
On the decline?
Jimmy Graham: It's hard to rank Graham among the best receiving tight ends in the game after his subpar 2014, but he's certainly shown more than capable over the years. He's only a year removed from a 1,215-yard, 16-touchdown season, so he's dropped off a tad but is still a big name who will help the passing game in Seattle and can bounce back given he's still just 28.
Antonio Gates: Time and injuries have started to catch up to Gates, entering his 13th NFL season.
By Steve Palazzolio
Everyone loves a versatile threat on the football field, and no position exemplifies versatility quite like tight end. Traditionally the position was one part receiver, one part offensive lineman. Of course, as the NFL has moved to more of a pass-happy approach, the old-school, in-line blocking tight end has become something closer to a novelty, with many tight ends around the league acting essentially as oversized receivers.
Because of the evolution, the tight ends who can be a threat in the passing game while holding their own in the run game have become a rare breed. That leads us to Darren Woodson's recent comments about Cowboys TE Jason Witten, when he said "You cannot tell me there's a better tight end to ever play the game." High praise for Woodson's former teammate, but is it just hyperbole?
Given that Witten is still producing, let's take a deeper look at the most "complete" tight ends in the game today, as well as the best pure pass-catchers and blockers.
The most complete tight ends
1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Woodson's claim is not far-fetched: Witten is one of the best, most complete tight ends in the league. The problem, however, is that a bigger, better version of Witten entered the league in 2010. Upon his arrival, Gronk immediately established himself as one of the most difficult covers in the league while dominating as an in-line and move blocker. So while it's no knock on Witten's game, Gronkowski just does everything a little bit better. As a receiver, he's posted the top grade in each of his past two healthy seasons (2014, 2011), and the Patriots' offense has taken a clear step back when he's been off the field with injuries.
There's one caveat to this and that's Gronkowski's apparent regression as a run-blocker. Since injuring his arm in 2012, he just hasn't been the same at the point of attack, often looking a little tentative in engaging defensive ends and linebackers. If this trend continues, it could diminish Gronkowski's "complete" label just a bit, but his contributions as a multifaceted receiver more than make up for a small decline as a blocker.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Being outshined by Gronkowski is nothing to be ashamed of, and Woodson's claim isn't unthinkable. Witten is the second-most-complete tight end in the league. He also has longevity on his side as he enters his 13th season. Witten, however, has never been the top receiving threat at the position, often taking a back seat to players like Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and now Gronkowski. His blocking has always been strong, but we once again run into the issue of value there, as the league turns more toward the pass.
Regardless, Witten has ranked as a top-three receiving tight end five times since 2007 while ranking as the top blocker in both 2009 and 2010. Even as he declines a tad late in his career, Witten remains one of the league's best all-around threats at the position.
3. Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears
Often overlooked when ranking the best tight ends in the league, Bennett combines strong receiving skills with some of the best in-line blocking in the NFL. He heads into the 2015 season as the fourth-best receiving tight end while ranking 14th as a run-blocker, one of only a handful to show well in both categories. Last season, Bennett led all tight ends with 90 receptions to go with 916 yards and six touchdowns. Perhaps most impressive was his ability to make guys miss, forcing 25 missed tackles, also leading all tight ends. His 470 yards after the catch ranked second in the league, all while providing a stellar run-blocking presence for the Bears.
4. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
It might be early to crown Kelce, but the results were impressive in what essentially amounted to his redshirt freshman season in 2014. He picked up 862 receiving yards, good for sixth in the league among tight ends, but it was his league-high 503 yards after the catch that turned heads. It was the third-highest total at the position since 2007, as Kelce proved to be Gronk-like in the open field.
As a blocker, Kelce drew easier assignments than his teammate, Anthony Fasano, but he showed well with a grade that ranks 13th heading into 2015. Another step forward could put Kelce even higher on this list in a year's time.
Best receivers
Rob Gronkowski: Creates matchups all over the field, whether lined up in-line, in the slot or out wide. One-of-a-kind catch radius and after-the-catch ability.
Greg Olsen: An underrated player for years, Olsen was Cam Newton's favorite and most efficient target a year ago. Things work well when the Panthers are able to isolate him on safeties and linebackers.
Zach Ertz: Ready for a breakout in Chip Kelly's offense, Ertz has the size to be a dominant red zone presence while showing the ability to stretch the middle of the defense.
Julius Thomas: How much did Peyton Manning help Thomas' production? We'll get a good answer this season as Thomas catches passes from Blake Bortles. Regardless of who's throwing, it's hard to overlook his 24 touchdown passes over the past two seasons.
Best blockers
Lee Smith: Essentially an extra offensive lineman, the Oakland tight end was used as a blocker on 256 of his 342 snaps, and rightfully so.
Delanie Walker: Always a solid No. 2 tight end in San Francisco, Walker has taken to an expanded role in Tennessee, catching a few more passes and continuing to establish himself as one of the league's best blockers.
Vance McDonald: The man who replaced Walker for the 49ers has stepped in nicely, primarily as a blocker in two-tight-end sets. McDonald has only 11 catches in his first two years in the league, but his blocking has made him a valuable part of the 49ers' offense.
On the decline?
Jimmy Graham: It's hard to rank Graham among the best receiving tight ends in the game after his subpar 2014, but he's certainly shown more than capable over the years. He's only a year removed from a 1,215-yard, 16-touchdown season, so he's dropped off a tad but is still a big name who will help the passing game in Seattle and can bounce back given he's still just 28.
Antonio Gates: Time and injuries have started to catch up to Gates, entering his 13th NFL season.
This should get interesting Patriot haters and Seattle apologists in 5,4,3,2...
