DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Ranking the AFC's Tight Ends

Sporting news

Where does your team's complement of tight ends rank against the rest of the league? And who's the league's No. 1 overall player at the position?

1. CHARGERS Because he draws double-teams, Antonio Gates might be the most important player on an offense that features league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. Brandon Manumaleuna is a good blocker who has helped Gates improve in that area.

2. CHIEFS Tony Gonzalez remains a premier receiver and has improved his ability to gain yards after the catch. Jason Dunn is a powerful run blocker.

3. STEELERS Heath Miller is a budding star who has soft hands, runs excellent routes and is tough to bring down. Rookie Matt Spaeth will be a pass-catching option.

4. COLTS Dallas Clark has sure hands, gets downfield and has outstanding after-the-catch skills. Bryan Fletcher and Ben Utecht offer quality depth.

5. BRONCOS Daniel Graham gives Denver a devastating blocker for its running game. Tony Scheffler can split out wide as a receiver in some formations.

6. RAVENS Todd Heap is a versatile weapon. Dan Wilcox has good hands but isn't a deep threat.

Top 5 AFC Tight Ends

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers. He's the best downfield threat, and he knows how to box out defenders and get to the ball from his days as a basketball player.
2. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. At 31, he hasn't shown signs of decline. His hands are vise grips, and he still has the leaping ability to thrive.
3. Todd Heap, Ravens. He can get downfield and knows how to use his big body to shield defenders from the ball.
4. Kellen Winslow, Browns. After injuries stifled his first two years, Winslow broke out with 89 catches in 2006. But offseason knee surgery brings doubt back into the equation.
5. Heath Miller, Steelers. He has the receiving and blocking ability to move higher on this list.

7. BROWNS If offseason microfracture surgery stabilized Kellen Winslow's knee, he could be more explosive after the catch. Steve Heiden (6-5, 267) has the size and athleticism to serve as a quality No. 2.

8. PATRIOTS Ben Watson creates mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller safeties and will benefit from the team's beefed-up receiving unit. Kyle Brady basically serves as a third tackle in the running game.

9. TEXANS Owen Daniels, Jeb Putzier and Mark Bruener are solid, and all three will be used often. Daniels' biggest negative is a lack of durability.

10. TITANS The team is running out of patience with Ben Troupe, who has been a disappointment. Bo Scaife is a reliable target for Vince Young.

11. JETS Chris Baker is used mostly as a blocker, but his hands and ability to break tackles make him effective on intermediate routes. Sean Ryan is not a factor in the passing game.

12. JAGUARS Jermaine Wiggins is a proven pass catcher with soft hands. George Wrighster does most of his damage after the catch on short routes. Marcedes Lewis is becoming a polished blocker.

13. BILLS Robert Royal is a technically sound run blocker with underrated receiving skills. Kevin Everett has the speed and athleticism to be a downfield threat.

14. DOLPHINS It took guts to release Randy McMichael. Now, the Dolphins will gamble on former Packer David Martin and blocking specialist Justin Peelle.

15. RAIDERS Look for rookie Zach Miller to win the starting job and provide an upgrade over underachieving incumbents Courtney Anderson and Randal Williams.

16. BENGALS Reggie Kelly is a blue-collar blocker who isn't used as a downfield threat because of the team's wide receiver-oriented passing attack. The backup job is up for grabs.


At least Kellen is rated as a top five tight end in the AFC, if he is healthy. I suspect Kellen may surprise them with how good he can be.

OK I can understand lowering Cleveland a little because of Winslow's surgery....I don't have aproblem with that...but the Steelers and Ravens so high you have got to be kidding me....His top teams have one great tight end and then nothing....Heath Miller?????are you kidding me....I think he is a good tight end...but to say he and a ROOKIE make them #3 overall?????

Call me a homer...But I think when healthy....There isn't a team out there as deep in TE's as the Cleveland browns... A healthy Winslow could probably start for any team....Starting for the Texans down on this list...Heiden could start for any of those teams...and Dinkins is as good a blocker as any on this list.....

Cleveland should be #4 at the least. I can understand having San Diego, Kansas City, and Baltimore ahead of us. But no one other than those teams should be. This list is terrible, IMO.

Gonzo is by far the best tight end. His hands are just as good as Winslow and Gates and he is a better blocker than both put together. Their list is just idiotic which seems to be the norm for the sporting news these days.

Heath Miller is so overrated it hurts. To rank him above K2 is pure lunacy

It's so hard ranking units or even players.

For example, let look at Dallas Clark. He is a fine TE, who does have the ability to split the seam down field. He has decent, but not great, hands. Overall, he is a pretty good TE, but he also benefits by all the talent that is around him and who is throwing him the ball.

Then you have K2, who doesn't have a top QB throwing it to him and is on a team whose # 1 WR is a joke. Then, you gotta look at the offensive lines and how much time each team has to throw. You also have to look at scheme. And even the running game of each team.

Man, it's nearly impossible to rank units and players. I prefer to make general comments, such as..........Winslow is a fine TE and is perhaps on the verge of greatness and he is backed up by a solid TE in Steve Heiden.

Rankings are dumb, but I guess they do stir up conversation because people either get pissed that their guy was so low or people are giddy that their guy was so high.

Long winded and wordy. My apologies.

I think your value placed on blocking is a little inflated. Blocking is very important. Don't get me wrong I realize the run game is dependant upon blocking. Let's say you have the #6 pick in the draft and you need a TE badly. You have two prospects. One is a guy who can block well and is a good receiver but isn't very valuable past 15 yards out. The other is a guy who can't block well and is a good receiver but can stretch the field and be a playmaker. Who are you going to take? I guarantee 100% of teams are going to take the offensive playmaker. It's not that blocking isn't important it's that you can sacrifice the blocking when you're gaining the ability to spread the defense and make big plays.

Some will argue that Winslow hasn't shown he can stretch the field. Last year we had one guy we could count on in the passing game. That was Winslow. Teams eventually realized this and started scheming for him. And he still got his. Heaven forbid Braylon steps up and lives up to his potential. Kellen will have more room because you can't put double coverage on him and leave a stud like Braylon with one on one coverage. Even though he has proven he can, Kellen shouldn't have to be a #1 target. He should be a #2 at best. And when he is he'll get more room. And if you don't think he has the speed to stretch the field I don't really have anything to say. I mean it's obvious to me when he's on the field.

General reply:

If he was 90% last year, I have to wonder how much closer to 100% this microfracture surgery will do for him.

If it's even 95%, that's HUGE. If he's slower than he was in college but can break tackles like he could in college, I'll GLADLY take that.

Quote:

---

Man, it's nearly impossible to rank units and players.

---

I'm not sure truer words could be spoken.. So many variables exist that it's almost impossible to determine which TE unit ranks where.

See Vers, I can, at times, agree with you

Word is the Steelers will be lining Miller up out wide this year as well.

Coming out in a single back...two TE set with 3 WR's....then putting Miller in motion and moving him out....While Spaeth has potential...to early to say anything about him yet...but Jerame Tuman has been around a long time....ok hands......but it was ability to block in the power running game that has kept him around.

As was said above....what system you are running has a lot to do with how your players look..

HACK

LOL... So our TE in his first year goes for 89 receptions 875 yards and our backup in Heiden has always done well, yet a team with a decent tight end and a rookie gets put in third place, Broncos aren't even close, and Ravens I can see being around us, but why are the Steelers and Broncos ahead of Browns/Ravens? You could also argue that the Colts should be lower because their TE's have Harrison/Wayne/Gonzalez (now) with a stellar O-line and a top 2 QB in Peyton Manning.

Heath Miller??? WTF?

This kid hasn't done squat.

I have to agree with you on Denver, Indy and Pitt tight ends are ranked too high. Hopefully Winslow will torch the league again this year.

Winslow was not a downfield threat last year, most likely due to the knee. Most of his catches were made parallel to the line, and I can't recall him challenging or splitting safeties that often.

Hopefully, his knee will be better and he will become a greater downfield player.

Why is it nothing of consequence? Because it doesn't agree with you?

And why are you so defensive? I wasn't attacking you or calling your opinion worthless. I just said you put a little too much stock in blocking at the TE position.

And I'm qualified to make this statement:

"Let's say you have the #6 pick in the draft and you need a TE badly. You have two prospects. One is a guy who can block well and is a good receiver but isn't very valuable past 15 yards out. The other is a guy who can't block well and is a good receiver but can stretch the field and be a playmaker. Who are you going to take? I guarantee 100% of teams are going to take the offensive playmaker."

...because it's true. If you're using a top 10 pick on a tight end and weighing blocking vs. playmaking ability as to which is more important I guarantee blocking comes second every time. It's not even an argument. Teams carry around extra TE's specifically for that reason. To block. Teams don't carry around extra TE's that possess playmaking ability because there's only a handful of them in the first place. Any thought to the contrary, while respected, is flat wrong.

And I would love to expand on "Some".....

People around the league. Writers. Fans. I don't have specific individuals, but those are some of the questions and concerns people have about Winslow. I've heard it here and there. Sportscenter said it once before I know for a fact. It's just some people's opinion of him.

Personally I don't see why. Compare his stats to other top TE's.

Tony Gonzalez
Avg. Yds/catch - 12.3 yds
Longest catch - 57 yds
20+ - 9 catches
40+ - 1 catch

Antonio Gates
Avg. Yds/catch - 13 yds
Longest catch - 57 yds
20+ - 14 catches
40+ - 1 catch

Kellen Winslow Jr.
Avg. Yds/catch - 9.8 yds
Longest catch - 40 yds
20+ - 11 catches
40+ - 1 catch

Stats aren't the whole picture AND Gonzalez and Gates have had better statistical years in these categories, but it's not like Winslow is far behind them. I don't think that argument is valid about Winslow, but some people do.

Here is a list of Priscos top 5 NFL TEs. Click on the link and he has the top 5 at every position. This is why I was a huge Winslow pimp during the draft 3 years ago. I knew he would be the top player at his position.

July 2, 2007
By Pete Prisco
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!



Pete Prisco ranks the NFL's top offensive players at each position.

A. Gates
(US Presswire)
1. Antonio Gates, San Diego: He gets the slight edge over the Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez because he's in his prime.

2. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City: The most-prolific pass-catching tight end in the league can still scare teams down the middle of the field.

3. Jeremy Shockey, N.Y. Giants: Love him or hate him -- and that's the way it is with him -- he's a good player. He loves to play the game, too.

4. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland: After missing 2005 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, he bounced back with an 89-catch season. If he stays on the field, he can be even better.

5. Alge Crumpler, Atlanta -- He's the best blocker of the elite group. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open.

Next best: Ben Watson, New England -- This former first-round pick should have more success now that the receivers are talented. He is a problem for linebackers in the middle of the field.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/positional-rankings/OFF/TE

LINK

1. San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league over the past four seasons. Gates is an excellent combination of size, athleticism and hand dexterity. He has been one of the most impressive college free-agent acquisitions in recent memory. Gates is an excellent route runner who shows natural receiving skills and versatility to pressure defensive coordinators to game plan the tight end position. He's also an above-average blocker. The depth at the position comes with great size and effective blocking with Brandon Manumaleuna and a huge rookie in Scott Chandler.


2. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony Gonzalez is an excellent combination of size and athleticism. He has been the most productive tight end over the past 10 seasons. His red-zone numbers have been down the past two seasons, but his ability to stretch deep zones and align in several different positions within an offensive scheme make defenses have to game plan for him. He is a solid blocker and uses his length and athleticism to tie up defenders at the point of attack. His size and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for the shorter safeties and linebackers in the league. Behind Gonzalez, the Chiefs have Jason Dunn, primarily a blocker who can set the edge, and Kris Wilson, an H-back who brings versatility to the offense.


3. Atlanta Falcons
Alge Crumpler is a short, thick player with long arms and big hands. He is light on his feet and an excellent route runner, using his foot quickness, agility and wide body to gain leverage on defenders. Alge makes tough receptions away from his body and shows speed and power after the catch. He generates great hip explosion as a run-blocker and is a physical player when setting the edge. Alge puts up impressive numbers despite inconsistent quarterback play and had his most productive season in 2006, with 56 receptions, a 13.9-yard average and eight touchdowns. The Falcons' depth will come from fourth-round choice Martrez Milner and journeyman Dwayne Blakley. Crumpler has led the Falcons in receptions in each of the past three seasons, but may not get as many opportunities in the new Bobby Petrino offensive scheme.


4. Cleveland Browns
Kellen Winslow was plagued by injuries in his first two seasons, but had a breakout year in 2006, leading all tight ends with 89 receptions. Winslow has great athleticism and can be used in a variety of positions in different formations. He can flex or split out to create mismatches versus safeties and corners using his size to separate in short and intermediate routes. He has excellent hands to adjust and make the tough catch away from his body. He has courage and concentration in traffic with speed and quickness to run well after the catch. Winslow is a feisty blocker who wins more with effort and foot agility than power. Steve Heiden is a reliable backup who brings eight years of experience, strength and solid hands to the Browns.


5. Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap, who is entering his seventh year, has had two outstanding seasons in a row. He has a great combination of size and athleticism and is used to stretching zones deep down the middle of the field. Heap is an excellent route runner with soft hands and speed to move the chains after the catch. He has been a solid red-zone receiver and can go up for the ball well in the end zone. He has above-average strength and solid run-blocking techniques. The Ravens also have a big blocker to set the edge in Quinn Sypniewski and an H-back-type of player in Daniel Wilcox, who has soft hands and can be used flexed out or on the line of scrimmage as a receiving threat.


6. New England Patriots
The Patriots had arguably the best tight end tandem in the league before the departure of Daniel Graham to Denver. Ben Watson, the talented starter for New England, may have the best pure speed for the tight end position in the league. Watson has average size but can be an explosive receiver who can stretch deep zones. He has good hands, but has been too inconsistent with his focus to be a reliable big-play target under pressure. Watson is tough to cover with a linebacker and draws nickel and dime backs in passing situations. He is a steady-effort blocker who works his feet well to gain leverage. The addition of 13-year veteran Kyle Brady gives New England a solid edge blocker, but the Pats' multiple-tight-end formations won't be as effective without Graham.


7. N.Y. Giants
Jeremy Shockey has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league since his rookie season in 2002. He has averaged 64 receptions, over 11 yards per catch and seven touchdowns over the past three seasons. Shockey has been a main target for Giants quarterback Eli Manning and makes the big catch in pressure situations. He draws many double teams in coverage and can outmaneuver most linebackers. He has been a solid blocker, setting the edge with toughness and athleticism. Shockey has been one of the emotional leaders for the Giants and his leadership on the field is hard to measure. New York drafted Kevin Boss this year to give depth to what has been a one-man show for the Giants' tight end position over the past five seasons.


8. Chicago Bears
The first-round selection of the talented Greg Olsen, along with nine-year veteran Desmond Clark, gives the Bears a formidable tandem at tight end. Clark has natural receiving skills and is an excellent route runner. He uses his foot quickness and agility to get separation in short and intermediate zones. He has very soft hands and can make tough receptions in traffic. Clark is not a physical blocker, but can wall off well enough to make room to run on the edge. Olsen is an unproven NFL commodity who has the potential to be an impact player as a rookie. If he can gain strength and learn the Bears' system quickly, he will give Chicago the flexibility of having two excellent receiving tight ends on the field simultaneously. John Gilmore is Chicago's third tight end. He is primarily used in goal-line and short-yardage situations.


9. Philadelphia Eagles
The combination of veterans L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel, along with midround draft choice Brent Celek, gives the Eagles a very formidable tight end corps. Smith has good size and athleticism to be an effective run-blocker and receiver. Smith generates effective power as a run-blocker with quickness, hand use and leg strength. He has soft hands and has developed into an excellent route runner since entering the league in 2003. Smith displays power and agility after the catch and had his best season moving the chains in 2006. Schobel was a solid acquisition for the Eagles in the offseason, giving the offense another good receiver who can be used as an H-back or on the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia's air attack spreads the ball well to several positions and this group of athletic tight ends should add to the already-versatile Eagles offense.


10. Dallas Cowboys
Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has averaged 73 receptions at 11.5 yards per catch over the past three seasons. Witten is not an explosive receiver off the line of scrimmage, but he has excellent foot agility, quickness and balance to find voids in short and intermediate zones. Witten is an effective blocker, locking on defenders and gaining leverage with agility and hand use. Second-year player Anthony Fasano provides effective depth to the position but needs to become more involved in the Cowboys' offensive scheme to be a factor. Look for new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to use more multiple-tight-end formations in 2007.