NFL Power Rankings: 30 best TE of all-time

The Top 30 TE in NFL history completely revolutionized the game

The tight end position in the NFL has followed a fascinating evolutionary arc. In the earliest forms of football, a player could not make the field if they did not play on both sides of the ball for most, if not the entire game. Along the way, the forward pass started as a novelty, became a staple, and evolved into a high powered attack that forced defenses to react.

As defensive gameplanning evolved, offensive coaches sought ways to exploit weaknesses in schemes. A position that started out as a mere offensive end, a player who lined up tight to the tackle and blocked and occasionally caught a pass on a trick play, evolved into split ends and flanker backs to compliment the half back and full back. Ever more complex route trees necessitated more complex formations involving multiple backs and ends.

The tight end position today is a mismatch waiting to happen. Too big to be covered by most cornerbacks, too fast to be covered by most linebackers, the tight end has evolved into the tip of the spear in today’s passing attack. Once considered an afterthought or, at best, a safety valve, today’s tight end is more often than not the focal point of the offensive attack.

Here now are the 30 best TE in NFL History. Consideration was given to positional dominance, the fear struck in the hearts of opposing defenses, and the extent to which each player advanced the evolution of the position.

Interesting note: this list is dominated by six teams who have multiple entries: the Cowboys (5), Raiders (4), 49ers (4), Patriots (2), Colts (2) and Chargers (2). These teams have historically been on the forefront of using the tight end as a weapon.

Next: Offensive Ends from the Early NFL who made the Hall of Fame and predicted the future