NFL Rankings: 10 best tight ends in the league

Honorable Mentions (In alphabetical order)

• Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals – Eifert wasn’t the most productive pass-catcher among tight ends on the Bengals last season (that honor went to Jermaine Gresham), but his skill level is immense. As a blocker, he is a bit of a disaster at this point, which helps to land him here, but he has good speed, quality hands and the ability to separate from linebackers.
• Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts – With Andrew Luck under center, it is sometimes easy for a player to look better than he is, but Fleener is a potential All-Pro. Like many “move” tight ends, his blocking needs work, but Fleener notched over 600 receiving yards last season, and his speed is elite at the position.
• Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins – Reed has battled concussion issues and is still battling some raw tendencies as a route-runner, but the upside is real here. It will be interesting to see if he can stay on the field, but Reed produced nearly 500 receiving yards in 2013, and he could be a breakout candidate in 2014.
• Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings – Rudolph was outside of the top-30 among tight ends in receptions last season, but that has much more to do with injury (he played only eight games) and quarterback play (brutal) than anything with regard to Rudolph. The former Notre Dame tight end has high-end upside due to his size and hands, and perhaps the addition of Teddy Bridgewater should help his progress in Minnesota.
• Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans – Walker’s primary value comes as an exceptionally athletic blocker, but he finished tenth among tight ends in receptions (60) during his first year in Tennessee. Walker averaged less than 10 yards per reception last season, limiting his explosiveness in the passing game, but he is an asset in the all-around package.