Atlanta Falcons: Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Tight End

The Atlanta Falcons haven't had a competent starting tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired. They need some excellent play out of the current group in order for the passing offense to get to the same level it was at in 2012.

The Falcons also need to get some solid blocking out of their tight ends; otherwise, their revamped rushing attack won't exist in 2015. Tight end is an essential part of Kyle Shanahan's offense and should be a focus for the Falcons moving forward.

Jacob Tamme

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

Role: Starter

Despite not starting for the past two seasons, Jacob Tamme signed a two-year contract with the Falcons to be the starter until they can draft someone who may be better than him. In his two seasons as a starter (2010 and 2012), he was above-average as a receiver.

However, as a blocker, Tamme leaves a lot to be desired. He can't be worse than Levine Toilolo, though, who was arguably the worst starting tight end in the NFL in 2014 and needed to be replaced. Atlanta will love the H-back abilities of Tamme as well, because the offense can use him all over the field.

Tony Moeaki

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Role: Rotational H-back 

After having one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory in 2010, Tony Moeaki missed two of the last four years because of injury and then had little production last year with the Seattle Seahawks. Even then, the Falcons are taking a chance on Moeaki, and if he's healthy, it should pay off.

When he's fully healthy, he is a true H-back who can play similarly to how Alge Crumpler used to. If the Falcons can get prime Moeaki during 2015, he could possibly beat out Tamme for the starting role. Moeaki has the potential to beat his 47-catch, 556-yard and three-touchdown career-high season in 2010.

Levine Toilolo

Chris Keane/Associated Press

Role: Red-zone specialist

After having one of the worst seasons for a tight end since Ben Hartsock came to Atlanta for the 2008 season, Levine Toilolo has a ton to prove. He has to show that he belongs in the NFL in the first place. He has to demonstrate his value to the team.

As of right now, his value is that of a red-zone specialist. He's a short-yardage guy who will get some solid targets for first downs on third down. He'll also see targets in the red zone and should be called upon as an additional blocker in short-yardage run situations too.

Mickey Shuler

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Role: Competing for a roster spot

When it comes to athletes on the Falcons, Mickey Shuler might be one of the best pure athletes on the team. He's not a great football player, though. He's still unrefined despite being the son of a former NFL player and having multiple years of experience.

Shuler will have to show that he's better than Tony Moeaki or Levine Toilolo to earn a spot on the roster. If the Falcons wind up keeping four tight ends, Shuler should easily beat out Beau Gardner for the final spot on the roster at the position.

Beau Gardner

Role: Competing for a roster spot

When it comes to the bottom of the training-camp roster, Beau Gardner will find himself right there. But he isn't just training-camp fodder: Gardner is a great athlete at tight end and might have a shot to earn a spot on the practice squad.

Even then, he is a solid player who is excruciatingly raw. The Falcons have the ability to get some return out of Gardner if they are patient and if the other four tight ends on the roster bomb out.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also the Featured Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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