Top 5 NFL Tight ends
Rob Gronkowski #87
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Strengths
+ strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air and win 50/50 balls in traffic + a threat in the open field after the catch + wins with strength and power at the line of scrimmage + physicality is best at his position + strong run blocker that wins at the point and seals defenders + plays faster than he looks |
Final Verdict
Rob Gronkowski is clearly the best tight end in the league. He is a man among boys on the field and creates a mismatch wherever he lines up on the field. Fast enough to create separation from linebackers and big enough to out muscle defensive backs for the ball. The prototype at his position with desirable athletic and competitive traits. Wins with physicality in his routes and never gets pushed around. A strong blocker who wins at the point of attack and does a great job sealing defensive linemen. Gronk is a physical freak that is a focal point of the New England Patriots offense.
Greg Olsen #88
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Strengths
+ good straight line speed for the position + reliable hands and displays great toughness in traffic + solid run blocker that fights to earn great position Weaknesses - lack of lateral agility at the top of routes can hinder his ability to create separations |
Final Verdict
Greg Olsen has been an underrated tight end his entire career. However, the emergence of Cam Newton has allowed Olsen to finally put up top flight numbers. Wins with toughness and grit. Asked to block often in the Carolina run game. Has the physical tools to run down field and create separation on vertical routes up the seam. Reliable to come down with the ball in traffic. Olsen is the type of player and leader every team needs in its locker room.
Delanie Walker TE #82
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Strengths
+ a mismatch nightmare for defenses to gameplan for + an explosive athlete that has the size and speed to attack teams both in the seams and outside the numbers + good hands for a receiving type tight end + can line up anywhere in the formation and produce Weaknesses - needs to improve his technique as a blocker - 2015 was the first year he showed elite production and consistency |
Final Verdict
Delanie Walker was one of the lone bright spots of the Tennessee Titans' 2015 season. Walker put up career highs in both receptions and yards in his breakout year. An explosive athlete in the open field. He is a mismatch nightmare for safeties and linebackers. Over the last few years, he has gotten bigger and stronger. He will need to continue to add functional strength to his game in order to be considered one of the best all-around tight ends in the league. Look for Delanie Walker to continue putting up gaudy numbers as Marcus Mariota and the Titans' offense improves.
Jimmy Graham #88
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Strengths
+ explosive athlete with the ball in his hands + former basketball player with amazing leaping ability + deep speed and a threat to take the top off a defense + A match-up nightmare down the middle of the field Weaknesses - unreliable technique as a run blocker - lacks functional strength to be an efficient blocker |
Final Verdict
When utilized properly, Jimmy Graham presents one of the biggest mismatches in the league. The former basketball player from Miami hasn't had much experience in football, but has already made his case as a top playmaker at the tight end position. Incredible leaping ability and hands to high point the ball in traffic. Explosive off the line and creates vertical separation in a flash. A bit raw when it comes to route running, he can sometimes struggle to create proper leverage while running his routes. An area that screams for improvement is his run blocking. Isn't a powerful run blocker, but he has improved since moving to Seattle. If Graham can round out the rough edges of his game, he can be a clear cut elite tight end.
Travis Kelce #87
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Strengths
+ explodes off the line of scrimmage + dangerous runner after the catch + excellent change of direction skills at the top of the route + runs with purpose and conviction Weaknesses - run blocking technique (lunges and gets out of position too much) - physicality and effort in the run game |
Final Verdict
Travis Kelce broke onto the scene in 2014 and is be becoming a legitimate weapon in Kansas City. Kelce has similar strengths and weaknesses to Jimmy Graham but their play-styles are different. Both are great vertical threats, but Kelce is a bigger threat creating yards for himself after the catch. A physical runner with the ball in his hands, Kelce is a load for most defensive backs to tackle. His run blocking however, leaves much to be desired. Lazy technique exposes the backs behind him to hits in the backfield. He is often caught lunging at defenders. In order to become a complete tight end, Kelce must show more dedication to the run blocking aspect of his game.
Martellus Bennett #83
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Strengths
+ big frame with long arms + accelerates very well for a player his size + one of the best blocking players at his position + good hands in traffic Weaknesses - a bit stiff when trying to create lateral separation |
Final Verdict
Martellus Bennett looks like the typical prototype at the tight end position. A long armed player whose best trait is his run blocking. Consistently gets push off the line and scrapes to the second level and seals off linebackers. When it comes to catching the ball, Bennett is used a lot in underneath routes such as quick outs, crossing routes and screens. A very physical player who battles for extra yards on every play. If Bennett played for a better team, he would be recognized as a top 3 tight end in the league.
Scout's Favorite
Jason Witten #82
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Strengths
+ has one of the most reliable set of hands in the league + always seems open + a great feel to find the soft spot in zone coverage + a savvy player who always bails his quarterback out in bad situations + use great run blocking technique Weaknesses - deteriorated set of physical skills including deep speed and explosiveness |
Final Verdict
Jason Witten is by far my favorite tight end to watch in the NFL. The old vet has done it for years, but how is he still getting open. Witten was never an elite downfield threat, but his awareness and football acumen have helped him to become the most reliable target in Dallas Cowboys history. Whenever the play breaks down, Witten is always open and ready to catch a pass. His run blocking technique is also top notch for a tight end. Has the strength and technique to drive and seal blockers off. Was asked to block J.J. Watt on multiple occasions in 2014 and held his own. Although his physical abilities have lessened, Jason Witten is still the biggest safety net a quarterback could ask for.