The modern NFL tight end can no longer get away with be a plodding, one-dimensional, nice-sized blocker and expect to stay on the field often for his team.
Instead, the position has evolved as one for premier, basketball-style athletes whose teams hope they can change the entire dynamics of their passing offense. It's all about an impressive combination of size and speed that's hard to stop in both close quarters and on intermediate routes:
1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers. Gates is the best receiving tight end in the business. He is a physical specimen who creates mismatches all over the field.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys. Became a certified superstar in 2007 with an awesome 96-reception season. He's a vertical threat and also Tony Romo's favorite target underneath, but Witten also has become a very effective blocker, which aids the Cowboys' running game.
3. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns. With 171 receptions over the past two seasons, Winslow has finally become the star everyone projected him to be. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare, and his ability to align just about anywhere on the field opens up several options for the Browns' offense.
4. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Gonzalez is called upon to do more blocking in the latter stage of his career as the Chiefs' current offensive line is a shell of its former self. So while that curbs his statistics, he remains a consummate pro who can still change a game with his receiving skills when given the chance and is as good as most offensive tackles in taking on run-blocking assignments.
5. Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants. Shockey's greatest weaknesses are his head and his mouth. If he would just stop complaining long enough, he would be recognized for the outstanding receiving threat he is. He is also a better blocker than most think -- he just doesn't like to block.
6. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts. Clark, an athletic pass-catcher, owns the middle of the field because of his ability to outrun linebackers and outmuscle safeties, and his football IQ allows him to excel in the Colts' read option system. Clark can stretch the seam and does enough as a blocker to allow the team to keep him in any game situation.
7. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' change to a more pass-oriented attack in the red zone has created more opportunities for Miller. He is a top-flight end zone target, creates mismatches with his size in short and intermediate zones, and uses his body well to shield defenders. And because he plays for the Steelers, it's a given he excels as a run blocker.
8. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens. Injuries have gotten the better of Heap in two of the past four seasons. While he can't help the team from the sidelines, the fact that the Ravens already meager passing attack falls apart without him speaks volumes of his talents. Hands, speed, route-running, field vision -- he has it all. If Heap can somehow remain more durable, Cam Cameron's offense will be a boon for him.
9. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins. More H-back than traditional tight end, Cooley is great around the ball, showing soft hands and the ability to find open field in zone coverage. He has deceptive speed, gets on defenders quickly and is underestimated as a deep threat. Cooley also blocks best in t he open field, as he lacks the strength and bulk to hold up as a physical inline blocker.
10. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans. Crumpler comes to the Titans with some injury history and hasn't been an impact player with anyone other than Michael Vick under center. However, he has great size and can make plays in the open field. In the confines of the red zone, he also shows strength and power as a blocker. Vince Young relies heavily on his tight end, which could signal a needed rejuvenation for Crumpler.
Winslow has finally become a star.
11. Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams. McMichael is a big target in the middle of the field with great hands and enough speed to get behind linebackers in coverage. He is a strong blocker when aligned next to the tackle, but he is better sealing off linebackers in open field. Look for a bigger role for him in '08 as the Rams' wideout corps isn't what it used to be.
12. Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots. The arrival of wide receiver Wes Welker in the Patriots' spread sets has stolen some of Watson's thunder, but he remains a dangerous receiving threat in the middle of the field.
13. Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears. Clark's strength is his ability to read coverage and either find open field against zones or take routes deep on seams. He has all the tools to be a dangerous red zone threat and moves remarkably well for a 250-pounder. Greg Olsen is the Bears' heir apparent, and Clark needs a better QB, but he's still worthy of this ranking.
14. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans. Daniels is all pass catcher, capable of making plays both on deep balls to the perimeter and intermediate routes over the middle. He has great hands with which to make tough catches, but his blocking struggles and limited after-the-catch prowess keeps him in the middle of the pack.
15. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers. An unbelievable athlete and an absolute physical stud who passes the eyeball test with flying colors. He has top-tier speed as a receiver, capable of stretching the field vertically. He also has an understanding of coverage beyond his years. He wins most one-on-one matchups, and is a strong inline blocker who has enough strength to set the edge in the running game. If Davis can stay healthy, he will break into the elite ranks.
16. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. Smith was a top passing option for Donovan McNabb prior to '07 -- when he was healthy. He makes his home in the middle of the field and uses a soft pair of hands to catch most balls thrown his way. Smith isn't strong in traffic and lacks power as a blocker, but he is adequate in both areas.
17. Chris Baker, New York Jets. Baker has proved himself as both a receiver and a blocker in his time with the Jets, but his battle with team management and the arrivals of rookie Dustin Keller and former Packer Bubba Franks signal an end is near. Baker can still be a solid starter elsewhere.
18. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders. There is little question about Miller's receiving skills, and his speed and quickness allow him to find openings in coverage unavailable to lesser athletes at his position. He's a 'tweener, however -- he can be an effective blocker only in open field.
19. Alex Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith is full of potential and natural physical tools for the position, but despite his blocking abilities, both in close quarters and at linebackers, his athleticism has not been on display in the passing game.
20. Michael Gaines, Detroit Lions. Is equal parts blocker and receiver, though he doesn't excel at either. The former Panther and Bill could flourish in the Lions' more balanced offensive scheme in '08.
Maybe next year?
The top breakout candidate to crack the top 20 for '09:
Ben Utecht, Cincinnati Bengals. Utecht brings his knowledge and experience of working in multiple tight end sets to the Queen City. Critics say a viable receiving threat at the position has been something Carson Palmer has sorely missed. Talking to Palmer recently, he raved about what Utecht can do for the Bengals' offense and the opportunities he will help open up for the their talented perimeter receivers. If Palmer has reason to be excited, so do we.
Original Story:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vie....
Instead, the position has evolved as one for premier, basketball-style athletes whose teams hope they can change the entire dynamics of their passing offense. It's all about an impressive combination of size and speed that's hard to stop in both close quarters and on intermediate routes:
1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers. Gates is the best receiving tight end in the business. He is a physical specimen who creates mismatches all over the field.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys. Became a certified superstar in 2007 with an awesome 96-reception season. He's a vertical threat and also Tony Romo's favorite target underneath, but Witten also has become a very effective blocker, which aids the Cowboys' running game.
3. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns. With 171 receptions over the past two seasons, Winslow has finally become the star everyone projected him to be. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare, and his ability to align just about anywhere on the field opens up several options for the Browns' offense.
4. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Gonzalez is called upon to do more blocking in the latter stage of his career as the Chiefs' current offensive line is a shell of its former self. So while that curbs his statistics, he remains a consummate pro who can still change a game with his receiving skills when given the chance and is as good as most offensive tackles in taking on run-blocking assignments.
5. Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants. Shockey's greatest weaknesses are his head and his mouth. If he would just stop complaining long enough, he would be recognized for the outstanding receiving threat he is. He is also a better blocker than most think -- he just doesn't like to block.
6. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts. Clark, an athletic pass-catcher, owns the middle of the field because of his ability to outrun linebackers and outmuscle safeties, and his football IQ allows him to excel in the Colts' read option system. Clark can stretch the seam and does enough as a blocker to allow the team to keep him in any game situation.
7. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' change to a more pass-oriented attack in the red zone has created more opportunities for Miller. He is a top-flight end zone target, creates mismatches with his size in short and intermediate zones, and uses his body well to shield defenders. And because he plays for the Steelers, it's a given he excels as a run blocker.
8. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens. Injuries have gotten the better of Heap in two of the past four seasons. While he can't help the team from the sidelines, the fact that the Ravens already meager passing attack falls apart without him speaks volumes of his talents. Hands, speed, route-running, field vision -- he has it all. If Heap can somehow remain more durable, Cam Cameron's offense will be a boon for him.
9. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins. More H-back than traditional tight end, Cooley is great around the ball, showing soft hands and the ability to find open field in zone coverage. He has deceptive speed, gets on defenders quickly and is underestimated as a deep threat. Cooley also blocks best in t he open field, as he lacks the strength and bulk to hold up as a physical inline blocker.
10. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans. Crumpler comes to the Titans with some injury history and hasn't been an impact player with anyone other than Michael Vick under center. However, he has great size and can make plays in the open field. In the confines of the red zone, he also shows strength and power as a blocker. Vince Young relies heavily on his tight end, which could signal a needed rejuvenation for Crumpler.
Winslow has finally become a star.
11. Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams. McMichael is a big target in the middle of the field with great hands and enough speed to get behind linebackers in coverage. He is a strong blocker when aligned next to the tackle, but he is better sealing off linebackers in open field. Look for a bigger role for him in '08 as the Rams' wideout corps isn't what it used to be.
12. Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots. The arrival of wide receiver Wes Welker in the Patriots' spread sets has stolen some of Watson's thunder, but he remains a dangerous receiving threat in the middle of the field.
13. Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears. Clark's strength is his ability to read coverage and either find open field against zones or take routes deep on seams. He has all the tools to be a dangerous red zone threat and moves remarkably well for a 250-pounder. Greg Olsen is the Bears' heir apparent, and Clark needs a better QB, but he's still worthy of this ranking.
14. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans. Daniels is all pass catcher, capable of making plays both on deep balls to the perimeter and intermediate routes over the middle. He has great hands with which to make tough catches, but his blocking struggles and limited after-the-catch prowess keeps him in the middle of the pack.
15. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers. An unbelievable athlete and an absolute physical stud who passes the eyeball test with flying colors. He has top-tier speed as a receiver, capable of stretching the field vertically. He also has an understanding of coverage beyond his years. He wins most one-on-one matchups, and is a strong inline blocker who has enough strength to set the edge in the running game. If Davis can stay healthy, he will break into the elite ranks.
16. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. Smith was a top passing option for Donovan McNabb prior to '07 -- when he was healthy. He makes his home in the middle of the field and uses a soft pair of hands to catch most balls thrown his way. Smith isn't strong in traffic and lacks power as a blocker, but he is adequate in both areas.
17. Chris Baker, New York Jets. Baker has proved himself as both a receiver and a blocker in his time with the Jets, but his battle with team management and the arrivals of rookie Dustin Keller and former Packer Bubba Franks signal an end is near. Baker can still be a solid starter elsewhere.
18. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders. There is little question about Miller's receiving skills, and his speed and quickness allow him to find openings in coverage unavailable to lesser athletes at his position. He's a 'tweener, however -- he can be an effective blocker only in open field.
19. Alex Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith is full of potential and natural physical tools for the position, but despite his blocking abilities, both in close quarters and at linebackers, his athleticism has not been on display in the passing game.
20. Michael Gaines, Detroit Lions. Is equal parts blocker and receiver, though he doesn't excel at either. The former Panther and Bill could flourish in the Lions' more balanced offensive scheme in '08.
Maybe next year?
The top breakout candidate to crack the top 20 for '09:
Ben Utecht, Cincinnati Bengals. Utecht brings his knowledge and experience of working in multiple tight end sets to the Queen City. Critics say a viable receiving threat at the position has been something Carson Palmer has sorely missed. Talking to Palmer recently, he raved about what Utecht can do for the Bengals' offense and the opportunities he will help open up for the their talented perimeter receivers. If Palmer has reason to be excited, so do we.
Original Story:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vie....
