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NFL Player Power Rankings Week 4: Tight ends

By Lyle Graversen

November 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) tries to break free from Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Mitchell (34) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Saints defeated the Raiders 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
November 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) tries to break free from Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Mitchell (34) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Saints defeated the Raiders 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; 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
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; 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 /

No. 5-1

5. Martellus Bennett – Chicago Bears

Martellus Bennett may get overshadowed in Chicago by the likes of Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffery, but make no mistake, Bennett is a vital part of their offensive success. As I right this it’s early in the second half of the Monday Night Football game against the Jets and Bennett has increased his season totals to 19 receptions for 152 yards and four TDs. Those numbers have him rated second in the NFL in both receptions and TDs (and he still has almost a full half to play). Bennett has earned this top five slot so far this season.

4. Delanie Walker – Tennessee Titans

Delanie Walker isn’t getting the attention he deserves for his great start because the Titans have been struggling these past couple of weeks. Walker is actually PFF’s highest graded TE through three games. Not only does Walker have 17 receptions for 233 yards and two TDs, but he’s PFF’s highest graded run blocker in the league as well. There isn’t a more well rounded TE in the NFL right now.

3. Greg Olson – Carolina Panthers

In a year where Cam Newton is having to break in an entire team full of new wide receivers, Greg Olson is really his only proven target. Olson is off to a good start this season with 19 receptions for 224 yards and two TDs. Over 16 games that would translate to 101 receptions, 1195 yards, and 10 TDs. Unlike some of the other players on this list, those numbers aren’t unrealistic given Olson’s status as Newton’s only tenured pass catcher.

2. Julius Thomas – Denver Broncos

Julius Thomas may not be amongst the league leaders in receptions and yards (14 for 160), but he’s a physical freak that is nearly impossible to match up with and his five TD receptions through three games leads the NFL. Thomas has to share Peyton Manning’s targets with a lot of other weapons, but his talent is undeniable and he’s capable of putting up monster numbers if given the ball regularly.

1. Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints

There is no disputing who the number one tight end in the NFL is, it’s Jimmy Graham. Period. Graham is the NFL leader for TEs in both receptions (24) and yards (254). The term matchup nightmare appears to have been created to describe Graham. He’s far too big and strong for defensive backs and far too fast and athletic for linebackers. There are a lot of great TEs in the NFL, but right now Jimmy Graham is in a class all by himself.

So there is your Week 4 Player Power Rankings for the tight end position. What do you think of this top 25 list? Any players that are too high or too low for your liking? Any players that were left off that you feel deserved to be on the list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and check back next week to see which players make the top 25 power rankings for defensive players.

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