The Big Three: Which Top Tight End Will Be the Most Productive in 2009?

Senior Writer Written on July 08, 2009

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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball after a reception against the St. Louis Rams at Texas Stadium September 30, 2007 in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys won 35-7. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

As the 2009 season comes upon us, the rankings begin. Whether your predictions are based on stats, or who will be better for your fantasy team, it is that time of the season again to begin the talking.This time around, we talk tight ends.

The elite group of tight ends stand out, with Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Jason Witten leading the pack. Out of these three though, who will be the most productive heading into this season?

No. 3: Antonio Gates

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers runs for yards after the catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregor

Antonio Gates does end up at the third spot on this list with some questions.Can he come back full strength after his injuries from last season? After all, Gates statistically had his worst season in a 16 game period, grabbing 60 catches for 704 yards and 8 touchdowns.

No doubt the best tight end in the AFC, Gates will look to bounce back along with a Chargers team trying to make a Super Bowl appearance.

No. 2: Jason Witten

DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Tight end Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys runs a pass reception against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Texas Stadium on September 15, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Since Terrell Owens has left the Cowboys, not many players have gotten any spotlight other then Tony Romo.

However, Jason Witten should be receiving more credit than he's gotten so far. Witten caught 81 passes in 2008, along with the 952 yards receiving and 4 touchdown receptions. He will surely benefit from the departure of Owens in the statistics category.

He has established himself as a top target in the past, and will be the most productive player catching the passes. Look to see Witten crack the 1000 yard mark, along with nearing 10 touchdown grabs.

No. 1: Tony Gonzalez

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Tight end Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons stretches during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images)

Heading into the 2009 season, you have to give Tony Gonzalez the edge out of the top tight ends.

Statistically he was the best with 96 receptions for 1058 yards and 10 TD'S, achieving this while with a struggling offense in the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now heading to Atlanta, a much more potent offense, Gonzalez will be valuable in the good seasons that are left of him. Though the touchdowns could decrease a bit, hitting the 1,000-yard receiving mark shouldn't be a shocker when talking about a tight end like Gonzalez.

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written on July 08, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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The Big Three: Which Top Tight End Will Be the Most Productive in 2009?

Matt Miselis

No. 3: Antonio Gates

No. 2: Jason Witten

No. 1: Tony Gonzalez

That's the end of this slideshow, here are a few more you might like...

"Fantasy Football Studs and Duds for Week 12"

11 Sleepers to Start Week 11