Fansided

NFL Rankings: 10 best tight ends in the league

By Brad Rowland

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 12
Next
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

10) Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears

The 2013 season was a career stepping stone for Martellus Bennett, and he is a player with significant physical gifts. The former Cowboy is one of the best tight ends in the game in exploding off the line of scrimmage, and as a result, he is extremely effective in creating separation, especially when being covered by opposing tight ends.

Bennett’s renaissance as a pass-catcher came under the watchful eye of Marc Trestman, but it is doubly impressive that he was able to post 65 catches (a career-high) for 759 yards as the equivalent of a fourth option behind wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery to go along with running back Matt Forte. It will be interesting to see if Bennett can continue to flourish as Chicago’s offense evolves, but the only knock against him from 2013 was a slight step back as a blocker.

Home/Carolina Panthers