The tight end position has become very important in pro football in not only the running game, but also in the passing game. Here's my top ten at TE in the fourth part of this series.
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Gates is one of the NFL's best athletes. San Diego is able to line him up in the slot or at tight end and he's a better blocker than people think. I bet Norv is salivating over how to use this guy.
2. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: While Gonzalez is past his prime, he's still a dominating force on the field and you want find a much nicer guy off the field. He has great hands and also helps clear lanes for LJ.
3. Alge Crumper, Falcons: Crumpler isn't such a pure athlete as these first two guys, but his still Vick's favorite target. He had 8 TD catches last year and he isn't afraid to go over the middle.
4. Kellen Winslow, Jr.: Browns: WOW! This is the first time a Browns player has cracked the top ten on any of the lists so far. Winslow is a good athlete and is one of the game's faster TEs.6
5. Todd Heap, Ravens: Steve McNair's favorite weapon turned in another solid year in 2006 with 765 and 6. Like Winslow and Gates, Heap is just now entering his prime. Pretty scary.
6. Chris Cooley, Redskins: Even though his team was awful, Chris Cooley turned in a very productive 2006 season. He should continue to improve as the 'Skins have a good, young QB in Jason Campbell.
7. Jeremy Shockey, Giants: Shockey is showing a new commitment to his career. I expect him to add to his 7 touchdown catches from a year ago if Eli gets better.
8. Jason Witten, Dallas: Witten was a very good TE last season, but he only turned in one TD in 2006. If Tony Romos progresses, he can grab a top five spot by the end of the season.
9. Desmond Clark, Bears: Clark appears to have found a home in Chicago as he was Sexy Rexy's most reliable reciever last year. He should get even more oppurtunites for receptions as I expect the Bears running game to slack off a bit.
10. LJ Smith, Eagles: All four NFC East TEs have made the top ten, with Smith grabbing this ten spot. With the abscence of Donte Stallworth, he should emerge as McNabb's favorite target.
Honorable Mentions: Heath Miller, Dallas Clark, Benjamin Watson, Randy McMicheal
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Nice post, but Heap needs to be at # 3, there's no way you can say Crumpler and Winslow are as good as he is overall. Winslow may be once he develops more and has a good QB but I just can't see Crumpler striking as much fear into a defense (especially in the red zone) as Heap does. Heap in the past few years statistically has been almost as good as Gonzo but lacked a consistent QB to get him the ball like Gonzo had w/ Trent Green. For example, Gonzo beat him last year and in 2004 statistically but in 2005 Heap had almost as many yards and 7 td's (w/ boller at qb keep in mind) compared to Gonzos 2 td's w/ green as his qb and didn't make the pro bowl over Gonzo, that was a rip !!!
Ed Reed Fan:Rice=The…
Total Comments (2026)
i almost forgot...good points eagle hater, and heap is a pretty darn good blocker too, unlike Winslow, but i didn't notice if shockey or gates really blocked at all, and i did notice that witten can, i've watched him ever since he was a Vol'
Ed Reed Fan:Rice=The…
Total Comments (2026)
OK THATS PRETTY FAIR . YES I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT A T.E. SHOULD BE A SOLID RUN BLOCKER AND A SOFT HANDED, AND SMART ROUTE RUNNER BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I THINK THAT AN IDEAL TOP PLAYER SHOULD NOT ONLY BLOCK, CATCH AND RUN, WELL ADD ONE MORE IMPORTANT ASPECT ONE THAT IS MOST BENIFFICIAL TO NOT ONLY THE OWNERS COACHES TEAMMATES AND FAMILY BUT TO BASICLY EVERYONE IN OUR SOCIETY THEIR CONDUCT AND CHARACTER OFF THE FIELD THROUGH THAT INTO THE MIX AND SHAKE THEM ALL UP AND LETS SEE WHAT YOU GET
QUIET THUNDER
Newhall , CA
Total Comments (1)
How can you put Desmond Clark in the top 10? The Bears drafted a TE in the first round!!! I definitely think that Dallas Clark should replace Desmond Clark on that little list.
Woosie
Morris , AL
Total Comments (7)
LOOK OUT FOR T.E BO SCAIFE IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD!!!
TN_FAN.
Total Comments (602)
Cooley should not be dropped from #6; he should be bumped up if anything. He's tougher than Winslow, is a great blocker, and is one of the few TEs who is actually a game-breaker as well. He's pretty much the heart of the Skins' offense, which is rare for a TE.
Dan TM is Stupendous…
Evanston , IL
Total Comments (2071)
wheres Dallas Clark?
kumar9852
Total Comments (16)
alright all you Shockey haters....though I admit Shockey needs to improve on his blocking he is as good of a receiver as anyone on that list. His blocking will improve this year with added speed and weight.
Shockey80
Total Comments (8)
There is no way that Desmond Clark should b on this list. Easily should add Miller or Clark. Chicago drafted Olsen in the 1rst round this year 2 give them a more impact TE. Also Winslow is 2 high. Until he can put it all 2gether he is just potential n in no way should b above Heap.
freakyfrank
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (3)
Heap needs to be up at #3
Jrgom
Total Comments (104)
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