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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 /
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Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos

If it’s good enough for Peyton Manning, it’s good enough for me.

Julius Thomas accumulated 12 touchdown receptions during the 2013 season (third among tight ends) and he added to that production with 65 catches and 788 yards despite missing two games with injury. If there is a concern with Thomas, it is probably with his spotty track record of health, but when he has been on the field, his play has drawn rave reviews.

From a skill perspective, Thomas is probably the second-fastest tight end in the league (respect for Vernon Davis), and he routinely runs away from linebackers and safeties without discrimination. Throw in an evolving ability to run quality routes and an impressive physique and it is easy to see why he is constantly open across the middle. Blocking isn’t a strength of Thomas, but he isn’t asked to do a ton of in-line work, and he is a dynamic player.

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