Player Profiling: NFL Tight End Rankings

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16. Greg Olsen (CHI)

Olsen didn't explode like I thought he would last season, but he didn't disappoint either.

His speed and route running ability was just what I thought it would be, and his receiving didn't surprise either. Olsen needs to become a more aware player on the field, but that will come with experience.

Desmond Clark's presence can help Olsen learn the game and develop success quickly (along with Cutler), but if Chicago wants Olsen to blossom into a superstar player, Clark's time will need to expire real soon.

Clark's presence is helping Olsen, but if he stays there much longer, then it will hold Olsen back rather than push him forward.

17. John Carlson (SEA)

Carlson's speed surprises many NFL defenses.

He is a 6'5" monster with a hard working mindset and surprisingly soft hands. He reminds me of a young Heath Miller the way he attacks secondaries and takes hits over the middle.

Carlson has the ability to change directions quickly and fool defenders on where he is going on the field. He can also block, but that offensive line needs a lot more work to become successful.

Overall, Carlson still has a lot to learn about the game, but he is developing faster than any other young talent I've seen so far.

18. Ben Watson (NE)

Watson has done a good job of securing his job as Brady's tight end in New England.

He has become a mature and reliable receiver for New England and has really filled his role well. Watson has the best acrobatic ability I've seen in a tight end since McMichael in his prime.

Watson's route running is good, but not great, but his ability to find the open windows is a rare talent to find and his awareness improves each season.

If you add that with his athletic talent, you have a very solid and reliable player on your offense.

19. Martellus Bennett (DAL)

Bennett can start for numerous teams in the NFL today.

His height and athletic ability separate himself from many starters in the league. Bennett can use his body to get open, and he makes big plays every now and then.

However, he still has a lot of maturing to do if he wants to be a successful No. 1 tight end someday.

His talent has the potential to become great, but his football intelligence and maturity are two key pieces that are missing greatly from his game.

20. Tony Scheffler (DEN)

He reminds me of an underachieving Owen Daniels.

Scheffler's numbers may be held back due to the playing time Daniel Graham holds, but Scheffler's potential is still very high.

He can run simple routes and make tough catches that help keep offensive drives alive. His blocking is still questionable, and now that Cutler is gone, I am uncertain on how he will develop this year.

Scheffler's game was inconsistent, to say the least, but the determination and ability he has can elevate his game to the next level in the future.

21. Brandon Pettigrew (DET)

I know people in Detroit didn't like this pick, but I didn't mind it.

Pettigrew is a big, athletic talent with a lot of potential to be great. He can jump, catch, run, and block, so what's not to like about him?

Well, he is a rookie, so it will take some time for him to develop into a serious threat for opposing defenses. I still don't know how intelligent Pettigrew is in the NFL, but then again, who honestly knows how rookies will play entering the league?

The talent is there, but the Lions organization might need to be patient with him before he becomes an immediate playmaker for this offense.

22. Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)

Shiancoe can make big plays time from time, but he is no threat to opposing defenses as the key piece to the Minnesota offense.

Shiancoe will have his days where he just decides to catch everything thrown his way, then he has his days where he can't separate himself from anyone on the field. Shiancoe's success is mainly produced through Berrian, Taylor and Peterson's play.

He is a solid tight end to have on any team, but don't expect him to make the one play that will matter in the very end. He is one of those players who just has his days.

23. Dustin Keller (NYJ)

He has shown signs of becoming a reliable play maker for the Jets offense.

Keller's speed is deceiving, and he has underrated receiving skills. Keller's development on knowing what to do in certain situations has impressed me, but he won't be playing with super-veteran Bret Favre. The young Keller will now be playing with the young Clemens (or Sanchez).

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