Tight End Rankings: Strong Competition at the Top

The tight end position has many permutations in today's NFL. There is the traditional in-line player, the tight end who splits out wide, the shifting tight end and the tight end/fullback hybrid better known as an H-back. The best are those who can impact the passing game and do enough as a blocker to be an every-down player.

Here's our top 20 tight ends:

1. Jason Witten, Cowboys. Though his 81 receptions for 952 yards and four touchdowns in '08 were considered a bit of a down year, he still has 177 catches the past two seasons. He has missed just one game in six seasons and has a career 11.5 yards per catch average. The departure of Terrell Owens means Witten will be targeted even more in '09, and his blocking ability also will help the running game balance the offense.

2. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons. The Falcons already had an exciting young QB in Matt Ryan, the NFL's second-ranked running game and a Pro Bowl receiver in Roddy White. Gonzalez, coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 96 catches, can be the threat down the seam the team has been missing since Alge Crumpler's prime. Gonzalez also is an effective blocker, and he'll be a valuable asset in the red zone. Look for Gonzalez to eclipse that 100-catch mark in '09.  

3. Dallas Clark, Colts. Some say Clark's success is a function of the Colts' offense, and there's little doubt that Peyton Manning has had a positive effect on his career. Clark, however, makes this offense go at times because of his ability to beat any coverage in the middle of the field. He's smart enough to find open space in zones, fast enough to beat linebackers man-to-man and strong enough to overpower safeties. Clark's ability to adjust within the Colts' option-route system is critical, and he does enough as a blocker to stay on the field in any situation.

4. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers. After back-to-back 16-game, 80-catch seasons, Winslow was on the sideline again in '08, missing six games. His life will get better in Tampa. His unique combination of size, speed and athletic ability makes him a threat anywhere on the field, and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski plans to take full advantage. Don't be surprised to see Winslow lead the Bucs in receptions, yardage and touchdowns this year.

5. Antonio Gates, Chargers. He played through toe, ankle and hip injuries last season, hindering his production. He still is the man who transformed the tight end position. Big, physical and fast, he cuts and runs like a wide receiver but his size and strength make him tough to tackle in the open field.

6. Heath Miller, Steelers. He is more of a traditional in-line tight end who does everything well. In additional to being an outstanding run blocker, he has the size and sure hands to be an effective short-to-intermediate route-runner and a dangerous red-zone threat. The Steelers' switch to a more pass-oriented attack has only helped him, and the fact he never has to leave the field is invaluable.

7. Owen Daniels, Texans. He is a smart, savvy receiver who has a knack for beating zone coverage. He's not physically imposing, but he can run, has reliable hands and is now a proven playmaker. With improved play from the offensive line and running game, QB Matt Schaub should be more effective in '09 and that means more balls for Daniels.

8. Chris Cooley, Redskins. He is a smaller, athletic tight end who works well in space, as a receiver and a blocker. He's deceptively fast and has burned plenty of linebackers on deep seam routes. Though his touchdowns and yards per catch were down in '08, Jim Zorn's offense has meant more touches for Cooley (career-high 83 catches in '08).

9. Todd Heap, Ravens. Heap, 29, has slowed considerably because of a litany of recent injuries. He also is not an ideal fit in coordinator Cam Cameron's scheme, and there's reason to believe Heap will slide further down this list. He's still a solid in-line blocker, but the arrival of L.J. Smith means team officials believe Heap's best days are behind him.

10. Bo Scaife, Titans. The Titans upgraded their wide receiver corps, adding free agent Nate Washington and drafting Kenny Britt. The team also drafted a tight end, Jared Cook, in the third round. Scaife might not get as many looks as he is accustomed to, but he's still the key cog in the two-minute offense and in the red zone.

11. Ben Watson, Patriots. For those who look strictly at receiving statistics, his decline is severe. He doesn't get a lot of looks in the passing game, and he has been inconsistent with the opportunities he does get. However, he never leaves the field. When the Patriots go with a two-tight end look, Watson is in there. When they go with a big goal-line personnel group, Watson is in there. When they go with an empty set, Watson is in there as an extra pass blocker. The additions of Chris Baker and Alex Smith will alter his role, but Watson remains a critical piece of the offense.

12. Zach Miller, Raiders. He has not missed a game in two seasons and has emerged as an every-down tight end who can run block effectively -- which will be a bigger part of the offense in '09 -- and make plays as a receiver. Miller, heading into his third season, will improve as QB JaMarcus Russell becomes more seasoned.

13. Greg Olsen, Bears. There was no sophomore slump in '08. He showed great improvement and became a playmaker, particularly in the red zone, posting five touchdowns. After failing in several attempts to upgrade the wide receiver corps, Olsen remains the Bears' best and most reliable option in the passing game. His statistics are sure to improve with QB Jay Cutler.

14. Jeremy Shockey, Saints. He is a disappointment since arriving from New York, but Saints coaches say Shockey is healthy and has been spending a lot of time working with QB Drew Brees. Shockey is athletic and a capable big-play threat when at full strength. If Billy Miller can catch 45 balls in this offense (he did last year), a healthy Shockey can give this team 75-plus catches.

15. John Carlson, Seahawks. Carlson's 55 receptions were the most by any rookie tight end in '08, and QB Matt Hasselbeck missed nine games. With Hasselbeck back and a re-tooled game plan, Carlson's natural receiving skills could be on display. He has great hands and is not afraid to make tough catches over the middle.

16. Kevin Boss, Giants. Boss did a nice job last year, his first full season as a starter. He's a big target, and his sure hands and ability to run after the catch give Eli Manning confidence. Boss is a tough, competitive guy who should continue to improve and get more touches, particularly in the red zone.

17. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings. He had a breakout season in '08, showing strong hands and the ability to make tough catches over the middle and displaying the athleticism to gain yardage after the catch. His limitations as a blocker take him off the field at important times, though.

18. Dustin Keller, Jets. He emerged as a Brett Favre favorite last year. Keller basically is a bulked-up wide receiver who often aligns in the slot in spread formations. He has dangerous vertical speed and big-play ability. With the Jets' QB situation in flux and his limitations as a blocker, it's hard to imagine him moving up this list much in the short term.

19. Brent Celek, Eagles. After spending time in Smith's shadow, Celek takes over as the starter. Celek has soft hands and is athletic and fast enough to be a threat down the seam. This offense still runs through RB Brian Westbrook. An improved line, a healthy Westbrook and dangerous perimeter threats should allow Celek opportunities to make an impact in '09.

20. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions. We generally don't rank rookies, but Pettigrew deserves mention. He lacks breakaway speed but plays faster than his 40 time would suggest, and he will take some pressure off WR Calvin Johnson. Pettigrew also can be a devastating blocker who can set the edge and really bolster the running game.

RealScouts analyze NFL and college players, coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News.

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