2012 NFL Season Predictions – Top 5 Tight Ends in the NFL: The new fad in the pass-happy NFL is incorporating the tight end into the offense. A few years ago, there were only a handful of players at the position that were legitimate offensive weapons. The rest were in the game mainly for blocking support in the running game and to catch the occasional short-yardage pass. That is quickly changing, and tight ends as a whole are getting faster and more athletic. They are also becoming more of a focal point in many offenses, and the combination of size and speed that many tight ends possess presents matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. With that in mind, here is a look at the top tight ends in the NFL heading into the 2012 season.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Tight Ends
1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
He finished last year with 90 catches, 1,327 yards and 17 scores. Those numbers used to be reserved for elite wide receivers, but Gronkowski is part of the new breed of tight ends. He is too fast to be covered by linebackers, and he is too big and strong to be taken down by cornerbacks and safeties. The result has been a matchup nightmare for defenses, and Gronkowski has 27 touchdowns in his first two years in the NFL to prove it. Teams are still searching for a way to stop him.
2. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
He led all tight ends with an impressive 99 catches last season, and his 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns weren’t too shabby either. He has more than enough speed to make big plays down the field, and his ability to rip balls away from in traffic and break tackles allows him to dominate after the catch. Graham played basketball for the Miami Hurricanes, and it shows in the way he uses his body and dominates in jump-ball situations. The scary thing for opponents is that he is still learning the finer points of route running after splitting time between two sports in college.
3. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
Although his regular season stats have been up and down, the often-lackluster play of his quarterbacks have had a lot to do with his numbers. Davis is a tremendous athlete, and he can stretch the field like a wide receiver. His performance during last year’s playoffs was a perfect example, and Davis finished with four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards in just two games. He has had as many as 13 scores in a season, and Davis has the ability to take over games. With QB Alex Smith seemingly finding his groove, Davis’ numbers could finally match his athletic potential.
4. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Witten doesn’t have the explosiveness of some other tight ends, but he does have above average athleticism and is an excellent route runner. He has had more than 90 catches in three of his last five seasons, and he has gone over 900 yards in all five seasons. Witten’s biggest strength is his ability to get open underneath coverage and to grind out yards after the catch. He is one of the most-consistent players at the position from a game-to-game basis, and he has been a reliable outlet for Dallas QB Tony Romo for years. Witten is one of the best in the business at moving the chains.
5. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
From 2004 to 2009, Gates topped 900 yards five times and grabbed at least eight touchdowns in all six seasons. Injuries have taken their toll the last two years, but despite playing just 23 of the 32 games, he has still scored a combined 17 touchdowns. While health remains a concern, Gates still has enough athleticism to get open and do damage after the catch. More importantly, he is able to use his skills as a former basketball player to bring down catches in traffic in the red zone.
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