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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 /
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No. 17 Rich Caster, New York Jets

In the 80s, we saw tight ends that looked more like hybrid wide receivers – tall, lanky, long striders who didn’t fit the mold of an extra offensive tackle. The strategic advantage provided by these tight ends was obvious – the ability to stretch the field horizontally as well as vertically from another attack angle.

Before that, though, we got a glimpse into the future with Rich Caster.

A second round pick for the Jets in 1970, Caster has some gaudy career numbers, including 45 touchdowns in 13 years and a career average of 17.1 yards per catch. In fact, for a couple of seasons in the middle of his career he started at wide receiver. His peak at tight end came in his third season, when he caught 39 balls for 833 yards – an eye popping 21.4 yards per catch – and 10 touchdowns.

Next: The No. 16 Tight End in NFL History

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