Because of the nature of the tight end position, it’s much more difficult to come up with a list of 32 bonafide studs. However, the best tight ends in the NFL make for some of the most significant offensive mismatches in the NFL. While tight end production and health can be finicky, one player has been resistant to both.<\/p>\n
Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL. That’s a revelation that should surprise approximately zero people reading this. Only Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill have more receiving yards since 2018. And at a position of attrition, Kelce has missed very few games throughout the course of his career.<\/p>\n
It always saddens me to remember what injuries can do. The realization that Rob Gronkowski is less than five months older than Kelce is sobering. Gronk, and the way the position plays out, forces us to take a different look at how we evaluate the position.<\/p>\n
But Kelce’s longevity, availability, and talent make him one of the best tight ends to ever live. And through 14 games in 2022, he already has over 1,100 yards and leads the league in receiving touchdowns with 12. He’s one of the best of all time, and he’s still at the top of his game.<\/p>\n
Only two players inside the top 10 are on their rookie deals. The position is historically difficult to make an impact early.<\/p>\n
It’s been a long time since George Kittle was the main focus of the 49ers’ offense, but the ability he displayed back in 2018 and 2019 is still there. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have simply found a way to bring YAC monsters into the fold at receiver, allowing Kittle to play a backseat role.<\/p>\n
But no tight end in the league is more dangerous with the ball in their hands. Among tight ends with at least 60 targets, Kittle’s 6.8 yards after the catch is the best in the league. His combination of power, speed, and agility is unmatched at the position. While Darren Waller and Kyle Pitts are faster, they also aren’t built like a WWE Heavyweight champion.<\/p>\n
Mark Andrews is part of the new “move tight end” evolution that has slowly become more en vogue. The Ravens’ tight end isn’t having as productive of a season in 2022 after being a first-team All-Pro a season ago, but the entire Ravens passing attack has looked different in 2022. And for some reason, his usage plummeted after Week 6.<\/p>\n
The thing is, Kittle doesn’t\u00a0need\u00a0<\/em>a lion’s share of the targets to make a massive impact because of his ability as a run blocker. While Andrews can help dictate coverage and force help toward him, he doesn’t have that same all-around impact, meaning his value is tied more closely to his receiving production.<\/p>\n