Fantasy Football Rankings 2010: The NFL's Top Tight Ends

Tight ends are an often under-appreciated position.

They do a bit of everything. Blocking. Catching. Sometimes even scoring.

But the only thing that matters to fantasy owners is how many times they find the end zone.

Drafting tight ends is tough, because so few put up solid receiving numbers as many play in blocking oriented offenses.

So here are five guys that put your fantasy team over the top.

5. Jason Witten

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

OXNARD, CA - AUGUST 14: Tight end Jason Witten #82 looks on during Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at the Marriott Residence Inn Oxnard River Ridge on August 14, 2010 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

For the last three seasons Witten has been right around the 1000 yard mark in receiving.

Pretty impressive for a tight end.

What is concerning is that is touchdown numbers have been on the decline since he had seven in 2007. 

In 2008 he decreased to only four, then only had two last year.

While Witten will definitely rack up some points with his receiving yards, he needs to start finding the end zone more regularly to find his way to the top of these rankings. 

4. Jermichael Finley

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers signals, along with a referee, a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

Jermichael Finley is a tight end on the rise entering his third season in the NFL.

His rookie year Finley was statistically insignificant, but in 2009 he stormed onto the scene with nearly 700 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. 

And that was only in thirteen games.

A full season as Aaron Rodger's number three target is enough to make him a high fantasy draft pick.

3. Vernon Davis

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: NFL player Vernon Davis attends the Duckie Brown Fall 2010 Fashion Show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Salon at Bryant Park on February 11, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for IMG)

Vernon Davis's ability to find the end zone gives him high regard among fantasy owners.

In 2009 he had an unbelievable 13 touchdowns, while receiving for almost 1000 yards.

The only concern with Davis was that it was his first solid year in the NFL, and his preseason has been marred by injuries. 

Keep an eye on him and draft him if you get the chance. 

2. Dallas Clark

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Dallas Clark #44 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Dallas Clark is the kind of tight end that fantasy owners want to jump at in the early rounds.

He's going to find the end zone numerous times. With his talent, and the talent of the guy throwing to him (some Peyton Manning guy), he is a fantasy god.

Last year he caught for 1000+ yards and ten touchdowns.

If you draft Dallas Clark you won't be disappointed. I guarantee it.

1. Antonio Gates

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers warms up on the field prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Du

In Gates's eight years in the NFL he has established himself as one of the best receiving tight ends of all-time.

He consistently averages around 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

If you want a sure thing, take Gates.