NFL Playoff Predictions: Projecting the Top TEs of the 2012 NFL Playoffs

A talented tight end is a guaranteed game-changer for any team lucky to have one. If he can catch passes reliably, block in the running game and come up big in the red zone, he's practically unstoppable for opposing defenses.

Tight ends, therefore, are going to play a major role in this year's NFL playoffs. Here are four who are poised to make a positive impact for their respective teams.

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has been a major force for his team's offense this year, becoming one of quarterback Drew Brees' most reliable and productive targets.

This season, Graham has caught 91 passes for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns and has been averaging 80.9 yards per game. His size and versatility makes him almost virtually impossible to shut down on a consistent basis.

While Graham himself won't be the only reason the Saints have success this postseason, the fact that he's come up so big for his team this season means he's going to have a major role in what is likely to be a deep playoff run for New Orleans.

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the league this season. He's the main reason why the Patriots have shifted their offensive philosophy, relying more on fielding two tight ends and slot receiver Wes Welker rather than the more traditional three-wide sets using prototypical deep-threat receivers.

He's quarterback Tom Brady's most consistent red-zone target and, with his ability to break tackles, is useful in open-field situations as well.

This season, Gronkowski has caught 82 passes for 1,219 yards and 15 touchdowns and also has a single, two-yard rushing touchdown.

No tight end is as guaranteed to make an impact in the postseason as Gronkowski. He's created a new standard for what an elite tight end looks like and will be a major factor in any postseason success the Patriots have this year.

Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

While the New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski may someday surpass him, the Atlanta Falcons' Tony Gonzalez currently holds the honor of the best tight end to play the game, and he's going to have a major role in his team's playoff run this season.

Gonzalez is the definition of reliability. He's not lost a fumble since his rookie year in 1999, and he's always guaranteed to get a struggling quarterback out of a jam.

Considering how many yards and scores the Falcons will need to put up to seriously contend against the high-powered offenses in the NFC, Gonzalez will be invaluable to his team's cause.

On the year, Gonzalez has caught 79 passes for 867 yards and seven scores. He's a great run and pass-blocker and, as a receiver, takes the pressure off of not only quarterback Matt Ryan but also wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White.

If the Falcons hope to have any postseason success, they will have to rely heavily on the veteran Gonzalez this year.

Owen Daniels, Houston Texans

Though Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels hasn't had the most impressive season, he's going to be extremely useful to his team in the playoffs.

With rookie quarterback T.J. Yates forced into the starting role, his inexperience is a liability. If there's any player well-suited to get a green quarterback out of a jam, it's the tight end, and if the Texans want to truly contend in the playoffs this year, Yates would be well-served to regularly target Daniels.

On the year, Daniels has caught 54 passes for 677 yards and three scores. Though he hasn't notched a touchdown while Yates has been a starter, he's likely to get a number of red-zone targets in the postseason.

The Texans will need to utilize every offensive weapon at their disposal to make a deep playoff run this year, and Daniels should figure heavily into that game plan. With defenses keying in on running back Arian Foster, Daniels might represent Yates' only shot to put up yards and points this postseason.