NFL Power Rankings: 30 best TE of all-time

No. 22 Mark Bavaro, New York Giants / Cleveland Browns / Philadelphia Eagles

Injuries cut short a brilliant career for one of the most potent weapons on the Giants teams that Bill Parcells brought to two Super Bowls. Mark Bavaro was a two time Pro Bowler and two time All Pro. For all too short a time (which is why he’s not in the HOF), Bavaro was as dominant at his position as anyone. A fearsome blocker, he also had a knack for getting open at exactly the right time.

He also played his best when it mattered most. He’s remembered for his Super Bowl performances – 2 games, 9 total catches, 5 for first downs, 3 others that got the Giants close to a first down on early down throws, a very important touchdown catch in the game against the Broncos.

He might be remembered most, though, for the catch he didn’t make – the Phil Simms throw that bounced off his hands in the end zone and into the arms of Phil McConkey that broke Denver’s back in the Super Bowl.

Bavaro was a harbinger of what players like Rob Gronkowski or Greg Olson bring to the table today.

Next: The No. 21 Tight End in NFL History