The Current Top Five NFL Tight Ends

It is said that Kellen Winslow Sr. (above), along with Ozzie Newsome, Dave Casper, and John Mackey, helped to redefine the tight-end position.

Historically, tight ends were basically just faster offensive lineman who could run a short route and catch a pass but Winslow as well as the others changed the tight end position.

Now, tight ends have to have the size and strength to block, as well as the speed and hands to catch passes.

Today, the NFL isn't full of these guys, but there are a few and here are the top current top five NFL tight ends.

5. Jeremy Shockey

Coming into the NFL after playing at the University of Miami, Jeremy Shockey was a highly touted player. He was drafted 14th overall by the New York Giants in the 2002 NFL Draft.

He was named to four Pro Bowls with the Giants.

In 2007, Shockey's relationship with the Giants started to come apart. Shockey suffered an injury in December and missed the rest of the season including the Giants' Super Bowl win against the Patriots.

On July 21, 2008, Shockey was traded to the New Orleans Saints where former Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton was now the head coach which was great for Shockey considering that Payton had been instrumental in bringing Shockey to New York.

Shockey missed most of the year with injuries but looks to make a strong comeback in 2009 in a year after quarterback Drew Brees threw for over 5,000 yards.

In his career, Shockey has caught 421 passes for 4,711 yards and 27 touchdowns. His longest reception has been for 59 yards.

4. Chris Cooley

Chris Cooley was drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft coming off a college career at Utah State. Cooley has been named to three Pro Bowls.

In his career, he has caught 314 passes for 3,457 yards and 28 touchdowns. His longest reception was good for 66 yards.

3. Jason Witten

Jason Witten was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft coming off of an excellent college career at the University of Tennessee.

He has been named to four Pro Bowls.

In his career, he has caught 429 passes for 4,935 yards and 25 touchdowns. His longest reception was good for 53 yards.

2. Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates has had a pretty good career considering that he was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He attended college at Kent State.

He has been named to five Pro Bowls.

In his career, Gates has caught 400 passes for 5,066 yards and 51 touchdowns. His longest reception was good for 72 yards.

1. Tony Gonzalez

This selection should come as a surprise to no one. Gonzalez was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 13th overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of California.

He has been named to 10 Pro Bowls.

In his career, he has caught 916 passes for 10,940 yards and 76 touchdowns. His longest reception went for 73 yards.

Gonzalez is a future NFL Hall of Famer.