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1. San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league over the past four seasons. Gates is an excellent combination of size, athleticism and hand dexterity. He has been one of the most impressive college free-agent acquisitions in recent memory. Gates is an excellent route runner who shows natural receiving skills and versatility to pressure defensive coordinators to game plan the tight end position. He's also an above-average blocker. The depth at the position comes with great size and effective blocking with Brandon Manumaleuna and a huge rookie in Scott Chandler.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony Gonzalez is an excellent combination of size and athleticism. He has been the most productive tight end over the past 10 seasons. His red-zone numbers have been down the past two seasons, but his ability to stretch deep zones and align in several different positions within an offensive scheme make defenses have to game plan for him. He is a solid blocker and uses his length and athleticism to tie up defenders at the point of attack. His size and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for the shorter safeties and linebackers in the league. Behind Gonzalez, the Chiefs have Jason Dunn, primarily a blocker who can set the edge, and Kris Wilson, an H-back who brings versatility to the offense.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Alge Crumpler is a short, thick player with long arms and big hands. He is light on his feet and an excellent route runner, using his foot quickness, agility and wide body to gain leverage on defenders. Alge makes tough receptions away from his body and shows speed and power after the catch. He generates great hip explosion as a run-blocker and is a physical player when setting the edge. Alge puts up impressive numbers despite inconsistent quarterback play and had his most productive season in 2006, with 56 receptions, a 13.9-yard average and eight touchdowns. The Falcons' depth will come from fourth-round choice Martrez Milner and journeyman Dwayne Blakley. Crumpler has led the Falcons in receptions in each of the past three seasons, but may not get as many opportunities in the new Bobby Petrino offensive scheme.
4. Cleveland Browns
Kellen Winslow was plagued by injuries in his first two seasons, but had a breakout year in 2006, leading all tight ends with 89 receptions. Winslow has great athleticism and can be used in a variety of positions in different formations. He can flex or split out to create mismatches versus safeties and corners using his size to separate in short and intermediate routes. He has excellent hands to adjust and make the tough catch away from his body. He has courage and concentration in traffic with speed and quickness to run well after the catch. Winslow is a feisty blocker who wins more with effort and foot agility than power. Steve Heiden is a reliable backup who brings eight years of experience, strength and solid hands to the Browns.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap, who is entering his seventh year, has had two outstanding seasons in a row. He has a great combination of size and athleticism and is used to stretching zones deep down the middle of the field. Heap is an excellent route runner with soft hands and speed to move the chains after the catch. He has been a solid red-zone receiver and can go up for the ball well in the end zone. He has above-average strength and solid run-blocking techniques. The Ravens also have a big blocker to set the edge in Quinn Sypniewski and an H-back-type of player in Daniel Wilcox, who has soft hands and can be used flexed out or on the line of scrimmage as a receiving threat.
6. New England Patriots
The Patriots had arguably the best tight end tandem in the league before the departure of Daniel Graham to Denver. Ben Watson, the talented starter for New England, may have the best pure speed for the tight end position in the league. Watson has average size but can be an explosive receiver who can stretch deep zones. He has good hands, but has been too inconsistent with his focus to be a reliable big-play target under pressure. Watson is tough to cover with a linebacker and draws nickel and dime backs in passing situations. He is a steady-effort blocker who works his feet well to gain leverage. The addition of 13-year veteran Kyle Brady gives New England a solid edge blocker, but the Pats' multiple-tight-end formations won't be as effective without Graham.
7. N.Y. Giants
Jeremy Shockey has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league since his rookie season in 2002. He has averaged 64 receptions, over 11 yards per catch and seven touchdowns over the past three seasons. Shockey has been a main target for Giants quarterback Eli Manning and makes the big catch in pressure situations. He draws many double teams in coverage and can outmaneuver most linebackers. He has been a solid blocker, setting the edge with toughness and athleticism. Shockey has been one of the emotional leaders for the Giants and his leadership on the field is hard to measure. New York drafted Kevin Boss this year to give depth to what has been a one-man show for the Giants' tight end position over the past five seasons.
8. Chicago Bears
The first-round selection of the talented Greg Olsen, along with nine-year veteran Desmond Clark, gives the Bears a formidable tandem at tight end. Clark has natural receiving skills and is an excellent route runner. He uses his foot quickness and agility to get separation in short and intermediate zones. He has very soft hands and can make tough receptions in traffic. Clark is not a physical blocker, but can wall off well enough to make room to run on the edge. Olsen is an unproven NFL commodity who has the potential to be an impact player as a rookie. If he can gain strength and learn the Bears' system quickly, he will give Chicago the flexibility of having two excellent receiving tight ends on the field simultaneously. John Gilmore is Chicago's third tight end. He is primarily used in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
The combination of veterans L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel, along with midround draft choice Brent Celek, gives the Eagles a very formidable tight end corps. Smith has good size and athleticism to be an effective run-blocker and receiver. Smith generates effective power as a run-blocker with quickness, hand use and leg strength. He has soft hands and has developed into an excellent route runner since entering the league in 2003. Smith displays power and agility after the catch and had his best season moving the chains in 2006. Schobel was a solid acquisition for the Eagles in the offseason, giving the offense another good receiver who can be used as an H-back or on the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia's air attack spreads the ball well to several positions and this group of athletic tight ends should add to the already-versatile Eagles offense.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has averaged 73 receptions at 11.5 yards per catch over the past three seasons. Witten is not an explosive receiver off the line of scrimmage, but he has excellent foot agility, quickness and balance to find voids in short and intermediate zones. Witten is an effective blocker, locking on defenders and gaining leverage with agility and hand use. Second-year player Anthony Fasano provides effective depth to the position but needs to become more involved in the Cowboys' offensive scheme to be a factor. Look for new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to use more multiple-tight-end formations in 2007.
11. Indianapolis Colts
The tight end tandem of Dallas Clark and Ben Utecht gives Peyton Manning two different kinds of targets in the Colts' air attack. Clark is athletic and a tough matchup for linebackers in coverage. He can be used in different formations (TE, flexed out or H-back), providing versatility and a deep threat from the tight end position. Clark is an average blocker, but can tie up defenders well enough to set the edge on perimeter plays. Utecht doesn't have great quickness or agility, but he showed good hands last season and uses his large frame well to get separation in underneath zones. Utecht can generate power and punch off the line of scrimmage and is the Colts' best blocker on the edge in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have three effective tight ends who are solid blockers and receivers. George Wrighster is a short, stocky player who is a good blocker with power and foot agility at the point. He is a solid technician who uses his hands and lower-body strength to gain leverage. Wrighster doesn't have great speed as a route runner, but is effective in short zones making tough catches in traffic. The offseason acquisition of Jermaine Wiggins gives the Jaguars another veteran tight end who is best as an underneath route runner and at setting the edge on perimeter plays. Marcedes Lewis was used in a limited role in his rookie season, but has the potential to develop into an excellent pro. A first-round draft choice in 2006, Lewis has great size and athleticism, and could become a formidable receiver in the Jacksonville air attack and a powerful blocker on the perimeter.
13. Denver Broncos
The acquisition of Daniel Graham has made Denver's tight end situation very solid. Graham is a six-year veteran who saw his role in New England diminished. He will have the opportunity to be a go-to guy for Jay Cutler as an inside receiver. Graham has effective receiving skills (good hands, route running, etc.) and is an above-average blocker at the point. Veteran backup Stephen Alexander can be an effective receiver if he can stay healthy. He doesn't have great speed, but shows enough foot agility and quickness to get separation in short and intermediate zones.
14. Washington Commanders
Chris Cooley has scored 13 times and averaged 64 receptions (12 yards per catch) over the past two seasons. He led the team in receptions in 2006 and showed his athleticism with a 6-yard touchdown scamper versus the Carolina Panthers. Cooley is light on his feet and has become an efficient route runner, finding voids in short and intermediate zones. He is sure-handed and displays power and quickness after the catch. Cooley is a solid blocker at the point, but his lack of height hinders his ability to get leverage on the edge. The Commanders have veteran Todd Yoder (a career backup) who has not been a factor as a receiver. Third-year player Eric Edwards was recently acquired from the Cardinals and may give Commanders QB Jason Campbell more options in the passing game.
15. St. Louis Rams
Randy McMichael was an excellent offseason acquisition for the Rams. McMichael has been a very durable and productive tight end during his five seasons in the league. He has average size with very good athleticism. He has good speed to stretch deep zones and is a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties. McMichael has great hands and shows power and agility to move the chains after the catch. He is not a physical blocker, but is effective and stays connected when setting the edge. Second-year player Joe Klopfenstein provides excellent size and strength for the tight end position and had a very solid season as a rookie. Fourth-year player Aaron Walker is used primarily as a run-blocker and should give the Rams great size opposite Klopfenstein in short-yardage situations.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Heath Miller has been a very productive player for a Steelers offense that doesn't use the tight end often in the air attack. He posted over 11 yards per catch during his first two seasons and has several impressive runs after the catch. He is an excellent athlete for his size and is very effective in the red zone. He has soft hands and uses his large frame to separate well in short and intermediate routes. Miller is an excellent blocker, generating power with a quick first step and hip roll. He stays connected effectively to set the edge on perimeter plays. The Steelers added great size with third-round choice Matt Spaeth (6-foot-7, 265 pounds). Journeyman Jerame Tuman backs up Miller, but is rarely used as a receiver in Pittsburgh's offense.
17. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have two solid tight ends in Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife. Troupe is coming off an injury in 2006, but when healthy, he is a good athlete who can be an effective target in the Titans' air attack. He has good hands and shows agility and speed after the catch. Troupe is an average blocker, but has enough strength and foot agility to improve with better point-of-attack techniques. The undersized Scaife showed that he can be an effective receiver for the Titans as an H-back, flexed out or on the line of scrimmage. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Tennessee offense, providing versatility as an inside receiving threat. Scaife can wall off defenders effectively at times, but he is for the most part a liability as a run-blocker.
18. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers may have found an excellent tight end prospect in second-year player Vernon Davis. The somewhat undersized Davis has shown excellent run-after-catch ability, making several impressive runs in the open field. He has soft hands and the tools to develop into a solid route runner. The San Francisco offense spreads the ball well with the air attack and we should look for Davis to become a bigger part of the offense in 2007. Davis is a solid effort blocker, but needs added strength and power to stay connected when setting the edge. The 49ers rarely use multiple-tight-end formations and backup Billy Bajema is primarily used as a blocker in goal-line and short-yardage situations. He lacks great speed and route-running ability, but shows effective power when called on to block. The San Francisco front office may need to add another athlete to shore up the position.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have three big bodies at tight end and all three were excellent players coming out of college. Anthony Becht is an eight-year veteran and a former first-round draft choice who never played up to his potential. Becht is athletic and a solid blocker, but was not the impact receiver that he was projected to be coming out of West Virginia. New acquisition Jerramy Stevens (also a former first-round choice) has loads of potential, but was an inconsistent performer for Seattle during his first five seasons. Stevens has a great combination of size and athleticism, but loses focus too often in pressure situations and is not a physical blocker for a player of his stature. Alex Smith, going into his third season, is still developing as a blocker. He has solid hands as a receiver, but needs to become a better route runner. Smith has the potential to be a solid pro if he continues to develop.
20. Houston Texans
Owen Daniels had a solid rookie season, collecting 34 receptions and five touchdowns. He is somewhat undersized and needs added weight and strength to become a more accomplished blocker. Daniels does have good hands and flashes some run-after-catch ability. Veterans Mark Bruener and Jeb Putzier are solid backups, but lack big-play ability. Bruener is on the downside of a 13-year career, but can be crafty as both a run-blocker and receiver. Putzier has potential to be a solid target in the Texans' air attack, but was not utilized well in 2006. He has good receiving skills and had two solid seasons with Denver (averaging 37 receptions at over 14 yards per catch) before coming to Houston.
21. Green Bay Packers
Bubba Franks is an eight-year veteran who has had two subpar seasons in a row. He was not utilized much in the red zone in 2006 and Favre failed to get the ball to him in crucial situations. Franks has excellent size and athleticism, and still is a tough matchup for linebackers in underneath coverage. He has soft hands and uses his large frame to separate in short and intermediate zones. He is not a powerful blocker, but locks on and stays connected well. The Packers drafted a big body in Clark Harris to give more depth to the position. Harris does not have great speed or agility and will be used primarily as a blocker in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Fifth-year veteran Donald Lee has not been much of a factor in the Packers' air attack and lacks the size to be an effective run-blocker.
22. Detroit Lions
Veteran Dan Campbell is coming off his best season as a pro (21 receptions, four touchdowns, 14.7-yard average). Campbell has had some durability problems in the past and has been a mix-in starter throughout his career. He has good size and above-average athleticism and flashes effectiveness as both a receiver and run-blocker. Campbell averaged more yards per catch in 2006 than any other tight end with 20 or more receptions. He was a solid red-zone target for Jon Kitna as he used his large frame and experience to get separation in underneath zones. He should be a more physical blocker, but does lock on and stay connected to set the edge effectively on perimeter plays. Backup veteran Eric Beverly is a short, stocky TE who is used primarily as a blocker. He is a solid athlete for a 300-pounder and does an effective job in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
23. N.Y. Jets
Chris Baker had the best season of his five-year career in 2006. He had 31 receptions and found the end zone four times. Baker is an average route runner with decent hands, but shows little run-after-the-catch ability. He is a solid run-blocker and uses his lower-body strength and effective techniques to gain leverage on the edge. Backups Sean Ryan and Jason Pociask are limited athletes who are strictly used as run-blockers. Look for the Jets' front office and head coach Eric Mangini to acquire more depth and expand New York's playbook.
24. New Orleans Saints
The Saints acquired seven-year veteran Eric Johnson in the offseason, which should bolster their production at tight end. Johnson has had some solid years with the 49ers and was the third-best receiving tight end (behind Gates and Gonzalez) in the league with 82 catches in 2004. Johnson is a solid athlete who has good route-running ability and soft hands. He flashes decent run-after-catch ability, but is not a threat to stretch deep zones. Johnson is an effective blocker, but would be considered a more accomplished receiving tight end. Veteran backup Mark Campbell has great size and is a better blocker than receiver. He is a solid technician with strong hands to gain leverage on the edge. Campbell has good hands, but shows little after the catch.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were hurt by the departure of veteran Jermaine Wiggins in the offseason. Jim Kleinsasser is going into his ninth season and has lost a step as a receiver. He has good hands and is a solid route runner, but does little after the catch. Kleinsasser is a solid run-blocker and shows strength to lock on and control defenders at the point. Visanthe Shiancoe and Richard Owens are career backups who are limited athletes. Shiancoe will flash effective receiving skills (hands, route running) but is not a vertical threat. Owens has soft hands, but doesn't have the speed or agility to develop as a route runner. He does have strength once engaged as a run-blocker and has value in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
26. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have gotten little production from the tight end position in recent seasons. They acquired veteran Tony Stewart, a career backup since entering the league in 2001. Stewart has average receiving skills and is considered a more accomplished blocker. Stewart has good size and strength and has been used in goal-line and short-yardage situations most often. The talented Zach Miller, drafted in the second round this year, should give the Raiders' offense a boost. He will likely be thrown into the fire early, but should fare well because he has all the tools to develop into an effective run-blocker and receiver. Fred Wakefield is listed as the third tight end and will provide depth at tight end and on the offensive line. A converted defensive lineman coming out of college, he will be used strictly as a run-blocker.
27. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' offense doesn't utilize the tight end much, but ninth-year veteran Reggie Kelly did have a productive season in 2006. Kelly has good size and athleticism, but has inconsistent hands and is an average route runner. He is a solid blocker and uses his foot agility and strong hands to gain leverage on the edge. Backups Ronnie Ghent and Tim Day are untested players who may be utilized more in 2007. Ghent was an excellent receiving tight end coming out of college, but is more of an H-back player now. He would be a liability as a run-blocker in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Day is a limited athlete and would be used strictly as a blocker.
28. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' playbook doesn't include many opportunities for the tight end. Robert Royal has good size and strength, but is an average athlete and doesn't put much pressure on the defense. Royal has inconsistent hands and is an average route runner. He is a solid blocker, locking on defenders to set the edge effectively. Backup Kevin Everett has not been utilized much in his first two seasons and has the raw athleticism to be a threat in the air attack. He has good speed and agility to develop into a solid route runner and can move the chains after the catch. Everett needs to add weight and strength to become a more effective blocker, but has the frame to move forward in this area. Matt Murphy is a career backup with little playing experience.
29. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins lost McMichael in the offseason and picked up veteran David Martin as their starter. A converted wide receiver, Martin has solid hands and is an effective route runner, but surprisingly doesn't have much run-after-catch ability. He may have a better chance to shine in the new offense that Cam Cameron brings from San Diego. Backups Justin Peelle and Tim Massaquoi are limited athletes and don't pressure a defense as route runners. Peelle has reliable hands but shows little after the catch, and Massaquoi is strictly a blocker.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Twelve-year veteran Marcus Pollard was acquired in the offseason after the departure of Jerramy Stevens. Pollard has had several solid seasons with the Colts and Lions, but is on the downside of his career. Pollard is somewhat undersized with good receiving skills. He has soft hands and is a solid route runner, but shows little after the catch. He is an adequate wall-off blocker, but could be a liability in a goal-line offensive package. Will Heller is a big body with limited athletic ability. He has been used strictly as a blocker and lacks effective receiving skills. Bennie Joppru has not lived up to his second-round billing coming out of college in 2003. He is somewhat undersized, but does have good athleticism and solid hands as a receiver. Seattle is Joppru's third stop in five years.
31. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have not done much to address their tight end situation in recent years. They back up starter Michael Gaines with fifth-round choices Dante Rosario (2006 draft) and Jeff King (2005 draft). Gaines is an average route runner who has not shown much after the catch. Gaines generates power as a run-blocker with a strong lower body and solid initial punch off the line of scrimmage. Rosario and King are unproven TEs who don't appear to be impact-type players. Rosario may be a liability as a run-blocker as he lacks the bulk to set the edge. In his rookie season as a backup, King was used primarily as a blocker and caught only one pass.
32. Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Pope had a solid rookie season in 2006 and is the largest starting tight end (6-8, 265 pounds) in the league. Pope was not utilized much in the red zone and we should look for his role to be expanded under new coach Ken Whisenhunt. Pope is raw and still developing as a route runner, but has good feet and agility for his size along with solid hands to extend and make tough catches away from his body. He needs to bend better as a run-blocker, but he can cover up most defenders to set the edge effectively. Pope is an aggressive player and has the tools to develop into a very solid pro. Rookie Ben Patrick and third-year player John Bronson are limited athletes who will likely be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations only.
Antonio Gates has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league over the past four seasons. Gates is an excellent combination of size, athleticism and hand dexterity. He has been one of the most impressive college free-agent acquisitions in recent memory. Gates is an excellent route runner who shows natural receiving skills and versatility to pressure defensive coordinators to game plan the tight end position. He's also an above-average blocker. The depth at the position comes with great size and effective blocking with Brandon Manumaleuna and a huge rookie in Scott Chandler.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony Gonzalez is an excellent combination of size and athleticism. He has been the most productive tight end over the past 10 seasons. His red-zone numbers have been down the past two seasons, but his ability to stretch deep zones and align in several different positions within an offensive scheme make defenses have to game plan for him. He is a solid blocker and uses his length and athleticism to tie up defenders at the point of attack. His size and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for the shorter safeties and linebackers in the league. Behind Gonzalez, the Chiefs have Jason Dunn, primarily a blocker who can set the edge, and Kris Wilson, an H-back who brings versatility to the offense.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Alge Crumpler is a short, thick player with long arms and big hands. He is light on his feet and an excellent route runner, using his foot quickness, agility and wide body to gain leverage on defenders. Alge makes tough receptions away from his body and shows speed and power after the catch. He generates great hip explosion as a run-blocker and is a physical player when setting the edge. Alge puts up impressive numbers despite inconsistent quarterback play and had his most productive season in 2006, with 56 receptions, a 13.9-yard average and eight touchdowns. The Falcons' depth will come from fourth-round choice Martrez Milner and journeyman Dwayne Blakley. Crumpler has led the Falcons in receptions in each of the past three seasons, but may not get as many opportunities in the new Bobby Petrino offensive scheme.
4. Cleveland Browns
Kellen Winslow was plagued by injuries in his first two seasons, but had a breakout year in 2006, leading all tight ends with 89 receptions. Winslow has great athleticism and can be used in a variety of positions in different formations. He can flex or split out to create mismatches versus safeties and corners using his size to separate in short and intermediate routes. He has excellent hands to adjust and make the tough catch away from his body. He has courage and concentration in traffic with speed and quickness to run well after the catch. Winslow is a feisty blocker who wins more with effort and foot agility than power. Steve Heiden is a reliable backup who brings eight years of experience, strength and solid hands to the Browns.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap, who is entering his seventh year, has had two outstanding seasons in a row. He has a great combination of size and athleticism and is used to stretching zones deep down the middle of the field. Heap is an excellent route runner with soft hands and speed to move the chains after the catch. He has been a solid red-zone receiver and can go up for the ball well in the end zone. He has above-average strength and solid run-blocking techniques. The Ravens also have a big blocker to set the edge in Quinn Sypniewski and an H-back-type of player in Daniel Wilcox, who has soft hands and can be used flexed out or on the line of scrimmage as a receiving threat.
6. New England Patriots
The Patriots had arguably the best tight end tandem in the league before the departure of Daniel Graham to Denver. Ben Watson, the talented starter for New England, may have the best pure speed for the tight end position in the league. Watson has average size but can be an explosive receiver who can stretch deep zones. He has good hands, but has been too inconsistent with his focus to be a reliable big-play target under pressure. Watson is tough to cover with a linebacker and draws nickel and dime backs in passing situations. He is a steady-effort blocker who works his feet well to gain leverage. The addition of 13-year veteran Kyle Brady gives New England a solid edge blocker, but the Pats' multiple-tight-end formations won't be as effective without Graham.
7. N.Y. Giants
Jeremy Shockey has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league since his rookie season in 2002. He has averaged 64 receptions, over 11 yards per catch and seven touchdowns over the past three seasons. Shockey has been a main target for Giants quarterback Eli Manning and makes the big catch in pressure situations. He draws many double teams in coverage and can outmaneuver most linebackers. He has been a solid blocker, setting the edge with toughness and athleticism. Shockey has been one of the emotional leaders for the Giants and his leadership on the field is hard to measure. New York drafted Kevin Boss this year to give depth to what has been a one-man show for the Giants' tight end position over the past five seasons.
8. Chicago Bears
The first-round selection of the talented Greg Olsen, along with nine-year veteran Desmond Clark, gives the Bears a formidable tandem at tight end. Clark has natural receiving skills and is an excellent route runner. He uses his foot quickness and agility to get separation in short and intermediate zones. He has very soft hands and can make tough receptions in traffic. Clark is not a physical blocker, but can wall off well enough to make room to run on the edge. Olsen is an unproven NFL commodity who has the potential to be an impact player as a rookie. If he can gain strength and learn the Bears' system quickly, he will give Chicago the flexibility of having two excellent receiving tight ends on the field simultaneously. John Gilmore is Chicago's third tight end. He is primarily used in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
The combination of veterans L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel, along with midround draft choice Brent Celek, gives the Eagles a very formidable tight end corps. Smith has good size and athleticism to be an effective run-blocker and receiver. Smith generates effective power as a run-blocker with quickness, hand use and leg strength. He has soft hands and has developed into an excellent route runner since entering the league in 2003. Smith displays power and agility after the catch and had his best season moving the chains in 2006. Schobel was a solid acquisition for the Eagles in the offseason, giving the offense another good receiver who can be used as an H-back or on the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia's air attack spreads the ball well to several positions and this group of athletic tight ends should add to the already-versatile Eagles offense.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has averaged 73 receptions at 11.5 yards per catch over the past three seasons. Witten is not an explosive receiver off the line of scrimmage, but he has excellent foot agility, quickness and balance to find voids in short and intermediate zones. Witten is an effective blocker, locking on defenders and gaining leverage with agility and hand use. Second-year player Anthony Fasano provides effective depth to the position but needs to become more involved in the Cowboys' offensive scheme to be a factor. Look for new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to use more multiple-tight-end formations in 2007.
11. Indianapolis Colts
The tight end tandem of Dallas Clark and Ben Utecht gives Peyton Manning two different kinds of targets in the Colts' air attack. Clark is athletic and a tough matchup for linebackers in coverage. He can be used in different formations (TE, flexed out or H-back), providing versatility and a deep threat from the tight end position. Clark is an average blocker, but can tie up defenders well enough to set the edge on perimeter plays. Utecht doesn't have great quickness or agility, but he showed good hands last season and uses his large frame well to get separation in underneath zones. Utecht can generate power and punch off the line of scrimmage and is the Colts' best blocker on the edge in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have three effective tight ends who are solid blockers and receivers. George Wrighster is a short, stocky player who is a good blocker with power and foot agility at the point. He is a solid technician who uses his hands and lower-body strength to gain leverage. Wrighster doesn't have great speed as a route runner, but is effective in short zones making tough catches in traffic. The offseason acquisition of Jermaine Wiggins gives the Jaguars another veteran tight end who is best as an underneath route runner and at setting the edge on perimeter plays. Marcedes Lewis was used in a limited role in his rookie season, but has the potential to develop into an excellent pro. A first-round draft choice in 2006, Lewis has great size and athleticism, and could become a formidable receiver in the Jacksonville air attack and a powerful blocker on the perimeter.
13. Denver Broncos
The acquisition of Daniel Graham has made Denver's tight end situation very solid. Graham is a six-year veteran who saw his role in New England diminished. He will have the opportunity to be a go-to guy for Jay Cutler as an inside receiver. Graham has effective receiving skills (good hands, route running, etc.) and is an above-average blocker at the point. Veteran backup Stephen Alexander can be an effective receiver if he can stay healthy. He doesn't have great speed, but shows enough foot agility and quickness to get separation in short and intermediate zones.
14. Washington Commanders
Chris Cooley has scored 13 times and averaged 64 receptions (12 yards per catch) over the past two seasons. He led the team in receptions in 2006 and showed his athleticism with a 6-yard touchdown scamper versus the Carolina Panthers. Cooley is light on his feet and has become an efficient route runner, finding voids in short and intermediate zones. He is sure-handed and displays power and quickness after the catch. Cooley is a solid blocker at the point, but his lack of height hinders his ability to get leverage on the edge. The Commanders have veteran Todd Yoder (a career backup) who has not been a factor as a receiver. Third-year player Eric Edwards was recently acquired from the Cardinals and may give Commanders QB Jason Campbell more options in the passing game.
15. St. Louis Rams
Randy McMichael was an excellent offseason acquisition for the Rams. McMichael has been a very durable and productive tight end during his five seasons in the league. He has average size with very good athleticism. He has good speed to stretch deep zones and is a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties. McMichael has great hands and shows power and agility to move the chains after the catch. He is not a physical blocker, but is effective and stays connected when setting the edge. Second-year player Joe Klopfenstein provides excellent size and strength for the tight end position and had a very solid season as a rookie. Fourth-year player Aaron Walker is used primarily as a run-blocker and should give the Rams great size opposite Klopfenstein in short-yardage situations.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Heath Miller has been a very productive player for a Steelers offense that doesn't use the tight end often in the air attack. He posted over 11 yards per catch during his first two seasons and has several impressive runs after the catch. He is an excellent athlete for his size and is very effective in the red zone. He has soft hands and uses his large frame to separate well in short and intermediate routes. Miller is an excellent blocker, generating power with a quick first step and hip roll. He stays connected effectively to set the edge on perimeter plays. The Steelers added great size with third-round choice Matt Spaeth (6-foot-7, 265 pounds). Journeyman Jerame Tuman backs up Miller, but is rarely used as a receiver in Pittsburgh's offense.
17. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have two solid tight ends in Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife. Troupe is coming off an injury in 2006, but when healthy, he is a good athlete who can be an effective target in the Titans' air attack. He has good hands and shows agility and speed after the catch. Troupe is an average blocker, but has enough strength and foot agility to improve with better point-of-attack techniques. The undersized Scaife showed that he can be an effective receiver for the Titans as an H-back, flexed out or on the line of scrimmage. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Tennessee offense, providing versatility as an inside receiving threat. Scaife can wall off defenders effectively at times, but he is for the most part a liability as a run-blocker.
18. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers may have found an excellent tight end prospect in second-year player Vernon Davis. The somewhat undersized Davis has shown excellent run-after-catch ability, making several impressive runs in the open field. He has soft hands and the tools to develop into a solid route runner. The San Francisco offense spreads the ball well with the air attack and we should look for Davis to become a bigger part of the offense in 2007. Davis is a solid effort blocker, but needs added strength and power to stay connected when setting the edge. The 49ers rarely use multiple-tight-end formations and backup Billy Bajema is primarily used as a blocker in goal-line and short-yardage situations. He lacks great speed and route-running ability, but shows effective power when called on to block. The San Francisco front office may need to add another athlete to shore up the position.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have three big bodies at tight end and all three were excellent players coming out of college. Anthony Becht is an eight-year veteran and a former first-round draft choice who never played up to his potential. Becht is athletic and a solid blocker, but was not the impact receiver that he was projected to be coming out of West Virginia. New acquisition Jerramy Stevens (also a former first-round choice) has loads of potential, but was an inconsistent performer for Seattle during his first five seasons. Stevens has a great combination of size and athleticism, but loses focus too often in pressure situations and is not a physical blocker for a player of his stature. Alex Smith, going into his third season, is still developing as a blocker. He has solid hands as a receiver, but needs to become a better route runner. Smith has the potential to be a solid pro if he continues to develop.
20. Houston Texans
Owen Daniels had a solid rookie season, collecting 34 receptions and five touchdowns. He is somewhat undersized and needs added weight and strength to become a more accomplished blocker. Daniels does have good hands and flashes some run-after-catch ability. Veterans Mark Bruener and Jeb Putzier are solid backups, but lack big-play ability. Bruener is on the downside of a 13-year career, but can be crafty as both a run-blocker and receiver. Putzier has potential to be a solid target in the Texans' air attack, but was not utilized well in 2006. He has good receiving skills and had two solid seasons with Denver (averaging 37 receptions at over 14 yards per catch) before coming to Houston.
21. Green Bay Packers
Bubba Franks is an eight-year veteran who has had two subpar seasons in a row. He was not utilized much in the red zone in 2006 and Favre failed to get the ball to him in crucial situations. Franks has excellent size and athleticism, and still is a tough matchup for linebackers in underneath coverage. He has soft hands and uses his large frame to separate in short and intermediate zones. He is not a powerful blocker, but locks on and stays connected well. The Packers drafted a big body in Clark Harris to give more depth to the position. Harris does not have great speed or agility and will be used primarily as a blocker in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Fifth-year veteran Donald Lee has not been much of a factor in the Packers' air attack and lacks the size to be an effective run-blocker.
22. Detroit Lions
Veteran Dan Campbell is coming off his best season as a pro (21 receptions, four touchdowns, 14.7-yard average). Campbell has had some durability problems in the past and has been a mix-in starter throughout his career. He has good size and above-average athleticism and flashes effectiveness as both a receiver and run-blocker. Campbell averaged more yards per catch in 2006 than any other tight end with 20 or more receptions. He was a solid red-zone target for Jon Kitna as he used his large frame and experience to get separation in underneath zones. He should be a more physical blocker, but does lock on and stay connected to set the edge effectively on perimeter plays. Backup veteran Eric Beverly is a short, stocky TE who is used primarily as a blocker. He is a solid athlete for a 300-pounder and does an effective job in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
23. N.Y. Jets
Chris Baker had the best season of his five-year career in 2006. He had 31 receptions and found the end zone four times. Baker is an average route runner with decent hands, but shows little run-after-the-catch ability. He is a solid run-blocker and uses his lower-body strength and effective techniques to gain leverage on the edge. Backups Sean Ryan and Jason Pociask are limited athletes who are strictly used as run-blockers. Look for the Jets' front office and head coach Eric Mangini to acquire more depth and expand New York's playbook.
24. New Orleans Saints
The Saints acquired seven-year veteran Eric Johnson in the offseason, which should bolster their production at tight end. Johnson has had some solid years with the 49ers and was the third-best receiving tight end (behind Gates and Gonzalez) in the league with 82 catches in 2004. Johnson is a solid athlete who has good route-running ability and soft hands. He flashes decent run-after-catch ability, but is not a threat to stretch deep zones. Johnson is an effective blocker, but would be considered a more accomplished receiving tight end. Veteran backup Mark Campbell has great size and is a better blocker than receiver. He is a solid technician with strong hands to gain leverage on the edge. Campbell has good hands, but shows little after the catch.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were hurt by the departure of veteran Jermaine Wiggins in the offseason. Jim Kleinsasser is going into his ninth season and has lost a step as a receiver. He has good hands and is a solid route runner, but does little after the catch. Kleinsasser is a solid run-blocker and shows strength to lock on and control defenders at the point. Visanthe Shiancoe and Richard Owens are career backups who are limited athletes. Shiancoe will flash effective receiving skills (hands, route running) but is not a vertical threat. Owens has soft hands, but doesn't have the speed or agility to develop as a route runner. He does have strength once engaged as a run-blocker and has value in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
26. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have gotten little production from the tight end position in recent seasons. They acquired veteran Tony Stewart, a career backup since entering the league in 2001. Stewart has average receiving skills and is considered a more accomplished blocker. Stewart has good size and strength and has been used in goal-line and short-yardage situations most often. The talented Zach Miller, drafted in the second round this year, should give the Raiders' offense a boost. He will likely be thrown into the fire early, but should fare well because he has all the tools to develop into an effective run-blocker and receiver. Fred Wakefield is listed as the third tight end and will provide depth at tight end and on the offensive line. A converted defensive lineman coming out of college, he will be used strictly as a run-blocker.
27. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' offense doesn't utilize the tight end much, but ninth-year veteran Reggie Kelly did have a productive season in 2006. Kelly has good size and athleticism, but has inconsistent hands and is an average route runner. He is a solid blocker and uses his foot agility and strong hands to gain leverage on the edge. Backups Ronnie Ghent and Tim Day are untested players who may be utilized more in 2007. Ghent was an excellent receiving tight end coming out of college, but is more of an H-back player now. He would be a liability as a run-blocker in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Day is a limited athlete and would be used strictly as a blocker.
28. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' playbook doesn't include many opportunities for the tight end. Robert Royal has good size and strength, but is an average athlete and doesn't put much pressure on the defense. Royal has inconsistent hands and is an average route runner. He is a solid blocker, locking on defenders to set the edge effectively. Backup Kevin Everett has not been utilized much in his first two seasons and has the raw athleticism to be a threat in the air attack. He has good speed and agility to develop into a solid route runner and can move the chains after the catch. Everett needs to add weight and strength to become a more effective blocker, but has the frame to move forward in this area. Matt Murphy is a career backup with little playing experience.
29. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins lost McMichael in the offseason and picked up veteran David Martin as their starter. A converted wide receiver, Martin has solid hands and is an effective route runner, but surprisingly doesn't have much run-after-catch ability. He may have a better chance to shine in the new offense that Cam Cameron brings from San Diego. Backups Justin Peelle and Tim Massaquoi are limited athletes and don't pressure a defense as route runners. Peelle has reliable hands but shows little after the catch, and Massaquoi is strictly a blocker.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Twelve-year veteran Marcus Pollard was acquired in the offseason after the departure of Jerramy Stevens. Pollard has had several solid seasons with the Colts and Lions, but is on the downside of his career. Pollard is somewhat undersized with good receiving skills. He has soft hands and is a solid route runner, but shows little after the catch. He is an adequate wall-off blocker, but could be a liability in a goal-line offensive package. Will Heller is a big body with limited athletic ability. He has been used strictly as a blocker and lacks effective receiving skills. Bennie Joppru has not lived up to his second-round billing coming out of college in 2003. He is somewhat undersized, but does have good athleticism and solid hands as a receiver. Seattle is Joppru's third stop in five years.
31. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have not done much to address their tight end situation in recent years. They back up starter Michael Gaines with fifth-round choices Dante Rosario (2006 draft) and Jeff King (2005 draft). Gaines is an average route runner who has not shown much after the catch. Gaines generates power as a run-blocker with a strong lower body and solid initial punch off the line of scrimmage. Rosario and King are unproven TEs who don't appear to be impact-type players. Rosario may be a liability as a run-blocker as he lacks the bulk to set the edge. In his rookie season as a backup, King was used primarily as a blocker and caught only one pass.
32. Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Pope had a solid rookie season in 2006 and is the largest starting tight end (6-8, 265 pounds) in the league. Pope was not utilized much in the red zone and we should look for his role to be expanded under new coach Ken Whisenhunt. Pope is raw and still developing as a route runner, but has good feet and agility for his size along with solid hands to extend and make tough catches away from his body. He needs to bend better as a run-blocker, but he can cover up most defenders to set the edge effectively. Pope is an aggressive player and has the tools to develop into a very solid pro. Rookie Ben Patrick and third-year player John Bronson are limited athletes who will likely be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations only.
