Duel Threats; The Top 10 NFL Tight Ends

(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

1.) Jason Witten, Dallas

Every time I see Jason Witten I return to my childhood in which Jay Novacheck and Mark Chmura were my favorite players. Gee... I wonder which one I compare Witten too. Every time I see Witten I see flashes of Jay Novacheck, but Witten is just amazing. He's an excellent blocker when called to remain in the box, but he's one hell of a pass catcher. Witten was the fastest player to reach the receiving milestone of 2,000 Yards until Larry Fitzgerald did it a year later. But the fact that Witten is a Tight End speaks volumes as to how much harder he had it. Witten is a tough as nails player who gives it all and when a play involving him goes wrong, he will take the blame.

2.) Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta

A few months ago I was watching as the NFL Network compiled a list of the 10 Best Tight Ends to every play in the league. I couldn't help but be disturbed at the fact that Gonzalez didn't finish in the top 5, despite the distinction that he will hold all Tight End records by the time he retires. Not to mention that, during that span, he was an instrumental part in the Chiefs offense as both a blocker and a receiver. Gonzalez is a guy who helped revive the Tight End position when it began to die out and become an extra Lineman in the late 90s. 9 years later he's still producing 90 Reception, 1000 Yard seasons.

3.) Antonio Gates, San Diego

When Antonio Gates first emerged he took the league by storm. Many hailed him as the league's best Tight End due to his ability to make amazing plays in the End Zone. Many forget, however, that in the Red Zone teams had to worry about Tomlinson as well. With that said, Gates is a guy that will get you nearly 1,000 Yards, but more importantly, he'll help you find the Endzone about 9 times a season. He's not a strong blocker by any means of the imagination, but he is a guy who helped produce two of the league's top 5 QuarterBacks in Brees and Rivers with his reliable hands. Don't be surprised, however, if injuries and Rivers' emergence stunt his production next season.

4.) Chris Cooley, Washington

Chris Cooley is another one of those guys that constantly gets underrated. It kind of makes me sick that he's a Redskin as I'm not really fond of the team. Cooley, however, posses a lot of the intangibles that Jason Witten does, and is probably faster. Cooley, looks like a big softy, and he acts like a high schooler off the field, but come Game Day Cooley knows what is up and will show up. He's not the most stout blocker, but when placed as an H-Back he surely is willing and able.

5.) Kellen Winslow II, Tampa Bay

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