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Positional Rankings: Tight Ends

 
Offense · Defense
 
Quarterbacks · Wide Receivers · Running Backs · Tight Ends · Center · Guard · Tackle

 
July 1, 2009
By Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!
Pete Prisco ranks his top NFL players at each position, while ducnan provided his list of top tight ends. Also check out Prisco's Top 50

Tight ends
1. Tony Gonzalez, Falconsducnan's Rankings

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 1,058
Catches: 96 Touchdowns: 10
Analysis: Even at this age he continues to put up huge numbers. Now that he's in an offense with a good quarterback, they might be better.
 1. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta
Comment: He's coming off one of his best seasons. With a Pro Bowl QB throwing to him, expect more of the same out of this vetren TE. Could possibly reach double digits touchdowns this season. Could also be the best run blocking TE in league.
2. Jason Witten, Cowboys

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 952
Catches: 81 Touchdowns: 4
Analysis: He's a great threat in the middle of the field and has improved as a blocker. Tony Romo loves him.
2. Jason Witten, Cowboys
Comment: No T.O. No Problem, Jason should see an increase in stats with his loss, even though he still has Roy Williams catching passes on the other side. Very good run blocker and pass blocker as well. One of the toughest TE's in the league.
3. Antonio Gates, Chargers

Games played: 12 Receiving yards: 704
Catches: 60 Touchdowns: 8
Analysis: He wasn't the same last season as injuries bothered him. If he's healthy, he's right near the top of this list.
3. Antonio Gates, Chargers
Comment: Would be higher if he wasn't coming off a toe injury last season. They can ruin a career. He still had a solid season even though it was his worst statistical season since his rookie year. Along with his good hands, he can block well also.
4. Owen Daniels, Texans

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 862
Catches: 70 Touchdowns: 2
Analysis: This pass-catching tight end is a real threat in the middle of the field. He helps take pressure off Andre Johnson in the passing game.
4. Chris Cooley, Redskins
Comment: Good TE, just not properly utilized in the redzone in Washington. He would be in the class above if he was. Should see an increase in TD's this year, if his QB doesn't fade at the end of the year.
5. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers

Games played: 10 Receiving yards: 428
Catches: 43 Touchdowns: 3
Analysis: Now that he's out of Cleveland and healthy he should revert to his 2007 numbers. He's one of the best threats down the field of this group.
5. Heath Miller, Steelers
Comment: Great blocking TE. Solid hands as well. Acts as a security blanket for Roethlisberger. Has ability to have a handful of scores this year.
6. Dallas Clark, Colts

Games played: 15 Receiving yards: 848
Catches: 77 Touchdowns: 6
Analysis: He can line up tight or flex wide. Peyton Manning loves him in the passing game.
6. Owen Daniels, Houston
Comment: Very underrated player having to share the ball with Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson, but he has big ability to score. Good blocker and good hands. If he could score more, he would move up this list more. He should have a good campaign.
7. Heath Miller, Steelers

Games played: 14 Receiving yards: 514
Catches: 48 Touchdowns: 3
Analysis: He's a good blocker and a capable receiver. He's not flashy, but he gets it done.
7. Dallas Clark, Colts
Comment: Excellent hands, average blocking skills. He is a favorite target of Manning's. If his blocking skills increase at all, he would jump to #4 on my list. Hasn't played a 16 game season yet, but plays tough and hurt a lot. Had a solid season last year.
8. Chris Cooley, Redskins

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 849
Catches: 83 Touchdowns: 1
Analysis: As an H-back he is a versatile pass-catching threat. He isn't a great blocker.
8. Bo Scaife, Titans
Comment: Very underrated player since he doesn't seem to find the endzone, but is a very athletic TE. Decent hands and solid blocking skills. Should be a very important player for the Titans next year.
9. Zach Miller, Raiders

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 778
Catches: 56 Touchdowns: 1
Analysis: As JaMarcus Russell gets better, so will Miller. He has a real chance to move up this list.
9. Kevin Boss, Giants
Comment: Emerged as a very solid TE when New York traded Shockey last year. Would be higher if he was thrown to more and should be now that Burress is no longer on the team. He should have a solid season for the G-Men. Hopefully he can block better this year as well.
10. Bo Scaife, Titans

Games played: 16 Receiving yards: 561
Catches: 58 Touchdowns: 2
Analysis: He might not really be a tight end -- more an H-back -- but the Titans love him in their passing game.
10. Zach Miller, Raiders
Comment: Good young tight end. The potential is amazing for this kid. He just needs a QB who can get him the ball. He could have a breakout year if Russell improves as well as he should. Blocking should get better this year as well. Expect an average year of 500 yards with about 50 catches and five TDs.
 

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