As the NFL has started to become more pass happy, the tight end position has grown even mpreimportant. Traditionally a blocking position, the role of tight end has now shifted to be more of a pass catching one. The taller tight ends often have a huge advantage over corners that are no longer tall enough to cover the massive receivers. So who are the best tight ends in the NFL right now?
#1: Rob Gronkowski.
There’s no better tight end in the game right now than Rob Gronkowski, which makes him worthy of another spot in a top 10 list. The Patriots star is currently on pace to break just about every NFL record out there.
Gronk had more than 1000 yards receiving and double digit touchdowns for the third time in his career in 2015. He might have Tom Brady throwing him the ball, but he would still be the best tight end in the league even without him.
#2: Jordan Reed.
Reed had a breakout year for the Redskins in 2015, when he had 952 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He served as the most targeted receiver of Kirk Cousins and was often the safety blanket for the quarterback. A major reason why the Redskins won the NFC East in 2015, the Redskins just hope he doesn’t get a concussion next season.
#3: Delanie Walker.
The leading receiver for the Titans last season is also one of the best tight ends in the entire NFL.
Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota looked to the tight end early and often as his safety blanket. As a result, Walker ended up with a ridiculous 94 catches for 1,088 yards and six touchdowns.
#4: Greg Olsen.
With Kelvin Benjamin out, someone had to step up for the Panthers. Greg Olsen delivered for Cam Newton by catching 77 of the passes thrown his way in 2015 for 1,104 yards and 7 touchdowns.
His spectacular season gave him his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance as a tight end.
#5: Tyler Eifert
Eifert scored an absurd 13 touchdowns in 2015, good for first in the NFL. In the red zone, Andy Dalton only had eyes for the tall tight end who is always a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Eifert made it to his first Pro Bowl after his more than stellar regular season performance.
#6: Travis Kelce.
This Chiefs tight end shouldn’t just be known for his legendary touchdown celebrations. The star tight end had 875 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns last season, and was a major part of the reason why the Chiefs managed to make it to the NFL playoffs last season. His solid season earned him his first ever Pro Bowl appearance.
#7: Jimmy Graham.
The former Saints star tight end struggled to be involved in the Seahawks offense last season, but his talent is still there. He had only 605 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 2015, both marks that were well off his averages with the Saints. If he doesn’t improve in his second year, people will wonder whether or not Graham’s talent was just a product of Drew Brees.
#8: Zach Ertz.
The young Eagles tight end started to prove he is one of the better tight ends in the NFL with performances in week 16 and 17 that saw him have more than 270 combined receiving yards. If the new Eagles quarterback is smart, he will focus on getting the ball to an open Ertz as much as possible.
#9: Antonio Gates.
Gates played in only 12 games in 2015 as a result of a suspension pertaining to performance enhancing drugs. He made the most of those weeks by catching 58 passes for 630 yards and 5 touchdowns. The legendary tight end is getting older, but he’s still finding ways to get open and contribute.
#10: Jason Witten.
The Cowboys tight end still managed to have a productive year despite an injury to Tony Romo that saw him catching passes from the likes of Kellen Moore, Brandon Weeden, and Matt Cassel. Witten still caught 77 balls for 713 yards, but scored just 1 touchdown all year after the Romo injury. Now that Romo is back, expect Witten tohave a much better season in 2016.
