Fansided

NFL Power Rankings: 30 best TE of all-time

By Jeffery Reynolds

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85, left) speaks with San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) after the game at Levi
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85, left) speaks with San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) after the game at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 32
Next
Sep 5, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dallas Clark (87) runs a route in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dallas Clark (87) runs a route in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 18 Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts / Baltimore Ravens

As offenses became more potent, and rules changes loosened up defensive coverages, the tight end position exploded into prominence from 2000-2010. The highest scoring offenses – the Colts, Patriots, Chargers, Cowboys – all incorporated the tight end into more and more of their game planning. The tight end was often made the primary target, instead of a mere safety valve.

Dallas Clark was exactly what Peyton Manning and the Colts needed – a converted full back who was a willing blocker but had the nimbleness to slip into coverages and find the soft spots. In his prime, Clark’s versatility at the position allowed Manning and the Colts to expand their route trees and game planning to keep defenses guessing.

Next: The No. 17 Tight End in NFL History

Home/NFL