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NFL Player Grades: What offensive players are making the grade?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tightened Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball as he is pursued by Carolina Panthers safety Robert Lester (38) during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tightened Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball as he is pursued by Carolina Panthers safety Robert Lester (38) during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends

Making The Grade:

Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Kelce may not have a ton of receptions this preseason but he has definitely done more with his opportunities than anyone else. His two monster TD receptions that both involved long tackle breaking runs have lead to him being PFF’s top graded TE to date. His +4.2 overall rating is a full point more than the second TE and his 3.8 grade for pass catching is also tops in the NFL. Kelce may very well prove to be KC’s second best weapon on offense this season after Jamaal Charles.

Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles

If it wasn’t for Kelce’s dominance through two games Ertz would be the top TE this preseason so far. He looks to be a key component to Chip Kelly’s high octane offense this season. His +3.2 overall grade is second only to Kelce and the signs are pointing towards Ertz having a breakout season in 2014.

Missing The Mark:

Coby Fleener – Indianapolis Colts

Many believed that when the Colts drafted Coby Fleener that he was destined to become one of Andrew Luck’s favorite targets, but to date Fleener has failed to live up those predictions. He is struggling again this preseason. His -1.6 pass catching grade rates a pitiful 166th amongst TEs that have played this preseason and it’s looking like Indy will rely mainly on its WRs to be the chain movers in the passing game this season.

Jace Amaro – New York Jets

While many rookies take some time to get adjusted to the NFL game, if Jace Amaro wants to stay on the field and be a key every down player for the Jets offense he simply must improve his run blocking. His poor overall grade of -2.2 is the result of an abysmal run blocking grade of -2.3. On a Rex Ryan led football team that wants to win with defense and physical play a tight end must be able to contribute to the run game. If Amaro doesn’t improve he may find himself stuck in a one dimensional rotational role.

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