(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Overall, though, Shockey is still a tough reliable player who just needs to stay on the field in order to produce for himself and his team.
9. Owen Daniels (HOU)
I had Daniels as high as No. 5, but then I came back down to Earth.
This guy's talent is unbelievable, and he looks to be the next up-and-coming tight end.
As of right now, it is hard to rank him above players who have already shown the talent he displays, and then some. If Daniels wants to prove to the league that he is a top tight end, he will need to produce nicely this year.
He can run a route as good as any other tight end and displays great focus each play he is in. His blocking comes and goes, but now that Slaton is the starter, the running game might be more consistent this year.
He is a young talent with tons of potential that gives the Houston offense a nice piece, but now it's time to use him to the fullest of that potential. This could be the year that it happens.
10. Zach Miller (OAK)
Miller is the true No. 1 target in Oakland.
Miller is a perfect fit for the Raider offense and has great size that many team look for. He has the capability to produce big numbers each week, but I would like to see it come more often from this guy.
He has great hands and a solid vision of the field around him. He can cradle in any ball thrown his way by simply using his body to move defenders (kind of like Crumpler in his prime).
He's another young talent with tons of potential, but now is the time to expose that potential.
11. Anthony Fasano (MIA)
You could make the case that Fasano belongs in the top ten, and I wouldn't argue.
He is a tough player with only one thing on his mind: Get the job done. He goes where he needs to play and executes whatever is asked of him. His receiving ability is not as good as his blocking, but it is still overall impressive.
He might be the long-term solution to that position Miami has been missing ever since Randy McMichael made a one-handed catch that impressed the entire universe.
12. Kevin Boss (NYG)
This is the man who sent Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans, so he has got to be worth something.
Boss can run after the catch better than any other tight end in the league, except for maybe Vernon Davis. He is a block-first tight end with the skills to catch and run.
His route running skills are still in question, because he usually runs drags, outs and slants. His deep game could also improve, but he's not that type of player.
Boss could actually be Eli Manning's No. 1 target this year.
13. Todd Heap (BAL)
Why is it that before every NFL season I am never sure if Todd Heap will be playing?
This guy has the talent and ability to be the best tight end in the league, but he is never on the field.
Heap can run almost any route on anyone trying to cover him, and he can climb over most defenders to snag a ball and can block better than anyone.
Plain and simple, when Heap is on the field it is just another problem for opposing defenses.
The past four years though, Heap hasn't done much but produce once or twice a season then disappear into the roster.
14. Vernon Davis (SF)
This might be a breakout year for Davis.
His athletic talent is just too scary to think about. He can gallop like a race horse and can probably bench press a couple of his fellow lineman.
Davis has always been a solid blocker for Gore and the rushing game, but Singletary might be the guy to break Vernon out of his shell. Davis' reliability has not been proven, but he showed signs of being on the verge of exploding onto the scene at the end of last year.
The San Francisco offense will surprise people, I believe, which I think Vernon Davis will be a big piece of.
15. Bo Scaife (TEN)
Although Crumpler is listed as the No. 1 tight end, Scaife got double the looks from Collins last year.
Scaife can run a vertical route very nicely and has good elusiveness for the size he brings. He can climb the ladder to compete in jump balls, but if he positions himself correctly, Sacife will win the battle every time.
He is a very precise route runner when it comes to his shorter routes, and uses his body to create an easy window for his quarterback to get the ball through. Having Crumpler line up with him definitely helps him get more looks.
He is a very reliable target for Collins in many situations and can quietly be an effective player for any offense.
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