NFL Rankings: 10 best tight ends in the league

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New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) dunks over the goal post following a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Graham is at the head of the class when it comes to the best tight ends in the league.

The off-season was marred by a court case as Graham challenged to be come a wide receiver for contract purposes (he lost), but on the field, he is almost always successful. The 27-year-old Graham led the league’s tight ends in catches (86), yards (1,215), yards per reception (14.1) and touchdowns (16) during the 2013 season, and if that doesn’t tell the story, then nothing will.

In fairness, Graham acts like a wide receiver in that he is rarely asked to play on the interior or block, but he is an average blocker when summoned, and his profile of speed, size and route-running is top notch. Jimmy Graham is the best tight end in the NFL, even if he doesn’t want to be treated like one.

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