(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Ranking the league's best overall tight ends entering the 2009 season.
1. Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
Gonzalez is already believed by many to be the greatest tight end to ever play the game.
He is easily one of the top receivers in the league with his ability to run routes, catch balls, block for the run, and separate himself from defenders.
One thing that makes Gonzalez unique is his consistency. Gonzo has consistently produced Pro Bowl numbers each year in his career. He has consistently been the No. 1 target his entire career and has shown no signs of regressing from his game.
This is a guy hungry for a ring, however, and he realizes it is possible with the offensive talent in Atlanta. This move will not only make Gonzalez a better player, but the entire offense as well.
2. Jason Witten (DAL)
Any team would want a player like Jason Witten.
He is a strong, physical player with a determination to score every time he touches the ball. He is not afraid to take a big hit over the middle, and will produce consistent numbers on a weekly basis. Being Romo's No. 1 target doesn't hurt your stats either.
The departure of Terrell Owens will open more looks for Witten, and the Dallas running game should take pressure off of him during games.
As long as Witten is on the field, expect Pro Bowl numbers all the time.
3. Antonio Gates (SD)
Injuries have set Gates back in recent years, but he has already proven himself as one of the most athletic tight ends in the game today.
He can box out any defender and burn most linebackers trying to cover him, his leaping ability is through the roof, and his hands are as good as they come.
There isn't much to hate about Gates, other than he hasn't seen the field as much as I'd like, especially because he is still young.
Gates is always a threat to make big plays and a reliable target for an explosive offense.
4. Dallas Clark (IND)
Other than Gonzalez, Dallas Clark runs routes better than any other tight end.
He has the perfect connection with his quarterback Peyton Manning and can easily create throwing lanes for him as well. Clark will catch almost any pass and is not distracted by extra defenders guarding him.
He is a tough and solid player who has proven his reliability and consistency in his short time as a professional.
5. Kellen Winslow (TB)
No one should question Winslow's athletic ability or toughness on the field.
His attitude towards the game is perfect, and the talent he displays (when healthy) is one of the best in the league. He can win most one-on-one battles with any linebacker or defensive back, and even if Winslow is covered, if the ball is thrown his way, he still has the better chance of snagging it over the defender.
The talent and toughness this guy has physically and mentally makes him one of the best pure athletes in the game of football today.
6. Chris Cooley (WAS)
Cooley is one of the undersized tight ends in the league, but that doesn't stop him from competing at a high level of intensity every week.
Cooley is a tough, smart, and confident player that is reliable in certain situations in a game. He knows where to go at certain times and surprises many defenders with his agility and elusiveness.
His range for catching is another surprising element to his arsenal, and he can change the pace of a game with one play.
He is a hard worker with as much skill in him as desire.
7. Heath Miller (PIT)
Miller is the toughest tight end in the game today.
He has the perfect size to block, catch, and run with a motor that keeps on running. He has surprisingly nice hands that make him a threat on third down and red zone situations. He can run the seam route on most linebackers and has developed into the perfect utility player for the Pittsburgh offense.
Miller is an all-around tight end with basically no flaws to his game.
8. Jeremy Shockey (NO)
Shockey has been set back with injuries the past two to three years, but his talent and ability have not gone anywhere.
He can still run over pretty much any defensive back he wants to, and his "head-kill" attitude has not vanished either.
Shockey's ability to get open and catch a football has never been questioned, and if anything, the injury time he used to workout might turn him into a better blocker. Playing with the Saints' offense might be too up-beat for Shockey to roll with, so he might be substituting a lot with Miller.
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