Any opinions on these tight endbutts?
Chargers atop the tight end heap; Cowboys, Browns close behind
By Ken Moll
Scouts Inc.
(
Archive)
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<!-- end story header --><!-- begin left column --> <!-- begin page tools --> Updated: July 10, 2008
<!-- end page tools --><!-- begin story body --> <!-- template inline -->How good is the Chargers' offense? LaDainian Tomlinson gives San Diego the best running back unit in the league, but the team also boasts the best collection of tight ends in the NFL. Plenty of other talented units are out there, though, and those of Dallas and Cleveland are not far behind. Here's how Scouts Inc. ranks the top 10 tight end groups in the league.
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<center>Best of the Rest</center>
What about those teams without elite players to headline their tight end groups? Scouts Inc.'s Ken Moll ranks the units outside the top 10.
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Nos. 11-32:
Texans, Jaguars knocking on the door
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1.
San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates is still the most explosive overall tight end in the league, though his numbers were down somewhat in 2007 because of injury. He still found the end zone nine times last year, though, and he makes it extremely tough for opposing defensive coordinators to match up against him in the passing game. And though Gates isn't a powerful inline blocker, his athleticism enables him to gain leverage quickly and maintain body position to ward off defenders. The combination of reserve tight ends Brandon Manumaleuna and Legedu Naanee gives offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon and head coach Norv Turner the flexibility of attacking defenses from a variety of formations. Manumaleuna is a powerful blocker used primarily in the running game, though he at times can contribute to the passing game. Naanee is an undersized, athletic target who can line up effectively in several different areas of the field.
2.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys boast two tight ends who can have an impact in the passing game and also are effective blockers. Jason Witten had the best season of his career in 2007 and has been one of the most consistent and durable tight ends in the league in recent years. Dallas' front office also drafted an excellent athlete with good size in Martellus Bennett, who likely will be on the field with Witten at times to create mismatches in the passing game. The depth that Bennett provides will give offensive coordinator Jason Garrett another versatile weapon to use in two-tight end formations, forcing defenses to balance up. Witten should prove to be an excellent mentor and should bring Bennett along quickly.
3.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns made huge offensive improvements in 2007, thanks in part to a healthy season from Kellen Winslow, who is arguably the most athletic player at his position in the league. His speed, balance and agility make him a tough matchup for even the most talented defenses. Winslow has excellent hands to adjust and make the tough grab, as well as dangerous run-after-catch ability in the open field. He isn't a physical blocker, but like Gates, he locks onto defenders and stays connected. Reserve tight end Steve Heiden is a smart, tough and reliable player who is a solid complement to Winslow.
4.
Kansas City Chiefs
Tony Gonzalez continues to put up huge numbers despite the overall struggles of the Kansas City offense and simply has put together more outstanding seasons than any other tight end in the league. Gonzalez does not have great size, but his athleticism and experience enable him to outmaneuver his opponents as a receiver and wall them off as a run-blocker. The Chiefs also drafted Brad Cottam out of Tennessee. He's a huge body who will lend some depth to the position. Cottam struggled with injuries throughout college, however, so it remains to be seen how much of an impact he will make this season.
5.
New York Giants
The Giants won the Super Bowl even though Jeremy Shockey, one of the better tight ends in the league, was sidelined with an injury. Virtual unknown Kevin Boss stepped up in Shockey's absence and made several key receptions down the stretch and during the playoffs. Boss showed reliable hands and deceptive speed when he finally got the chance to play. As for Shockey, though he's one of the most outspoken players in the league, he's also one of the most productive tight ends in the league. He is a tough matchup for most linebackers and safeties; he can use his speed and athleticism to outmaneuver the linebackers and his strength to separate from defensive backs. Together, he and Boss form one of the best duos in the league.
6.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts lost solid target Ben Utecht to free agency, but Dallas Clark remains one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Clark continues to put up excellent numbers, running very good routes while showing athleticism, courage and concentration in traffic. He has enough speed to stretch deep zones and can find voids on short and intermediate routes. He is yet another average-sized tight end who is effective as a blocker using angles, effort and experience in the running game. Rookie Jacob Tamme will fill the void left by Utecht's departure and likely will be used in an H-back role.
7.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans took a huge step forward at tight end with the offseason acquisition of Alge Crumpler, who put up solid numbers in Atlanta despite uneven quarterback play. Crumpler shows deceptive speed in the open field, and his combination of athleticism and strength give him natural power as a blocker. Backup Bo Scaife had a very solid year in 2007, and rookie Craig Stevens should be another upgrade. New offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger will have three effective weapons to use in multiple-tight end sets.
8.
Washington Redskins
Chris Cooley has quietly become one of the more productive players at his position during the past three seasons. Cooley has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism, with deceptive speed and agility as a route-runner and decent speed after the catch. He is great in the red zone and uses his strength and experience to get separation. Cooley is also a solid blocker who can set the edge in the running game and stays connected to defenders with aggression. The Redskins also drafted Fred Davis, an athletic, powerful player who will give QB Jason Campbell another fine target in the short and intermediate areas.
9.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have two proven tight ends in Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen. Both are versatile enough line up all over the formation, and though neither has shown much power as a inline blocker, both are athletic enough to lock on and stay connected. Olsen has improved his route-running, as Clark continues to find voids in short and intermediate zones and stretch defenses on deep-seam routes. The Bears added a big, strong and athletic player through the draft in Kellen Davis. He's very raw but has the tools to develop into a fine pro.
10.
Green Bay Packers
Donald Lee replaced Bubba Franks as the featured tight end last season and had the best season of his career. Lee is undersized but is a very good athlete with natural strength. He has developed as a route-runner and shows surprising running ability when catching the ball in stride. Lee breaks tackles on the second level and shows great concentration and courage in traffic. He stays connected as a run-blocker, but his lack of size can be exploited at times. Rookie Jermichael Finley will team with Lee to provide new QB Aaron Rodgers with reliable targets underneath.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
