NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Rob Gronkowski and the Top 5 Tight Ends in the NFL

Rob Gronkowski is off to the hottest start of any tight end in NFL history. He has caught 20 touchdowns through his first 26 games. To put that in perspective, Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers broke the all-time touchdown record for tight ends in franchise history against the Cardinals when he hauled in his 34th touchdown in this, his sixth season.

But touchdowns are only part of the equation when discovering the overall worth of a tight end in the NFL. A complete player at this position must also be an effective run blocker.

There's no debate as to whether or not Gronkowski belongs in the conversation when discussing who the top tight ends are. He's definitely in the top five. Let's take a look at where he lands.

Vernon Davis: San Francisco 49ers

Vernon Davis remains one of the best tight ends in the NFL, despite having a down year in receptions and yards. The sixth year pro has been asked to be more than just a pass catcher, though. He has excelled as a blocker, both in the running game and in the passing game.

When asked about his limited role in the passing game a few weeks ago before the game in Washington, Davis had this to say,

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"It is frustrating, but I’m a team guy, I’m a team guy. I’m willing to suck it up and do whatever I have to do to help my team win games. ‘Doing all the dirty work’ I call it, which Coach Roman calls it as well. It’s exciting where we’re headed. We’re definitely headed in the right direction, so I’m not going to complain about it. I’m just going to wait for my opportunities and when they come I will take advantage of them."

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Needless to say, his "limited role" has still produced five touchdowns, and if the last few games are any indicator, those numbers will inflate as the season comes to a close. His season stats are as follows:

• 39 receptions for 446 yards (11.4 average) and five touchdowns

Jason Witten: Dallas Cowboys

Jason Witten has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL for almost a decade. This year is no different, and the nine-year veteran seems to age like a fine wine.

In his last game, Witten caught his longest career touchdown pass, a 59 yard strike in which he outran Dante Hall to finish off the play. He continues to be Tony Romo's security blanket, and he looks like he could go on to play for four to five more years.

Witten's stats for the season are as follows:

• 52 receptions for 670 yards (12.9 average) and five touchdowns

Tony Gonzalez: Atlanta Falcons

Tony Gonzalez, the ageless one, is having another stellar year. At the ripe old age of 35, he looks as spry as a spring chicken. Gonzalez might as well have already had his bust made for his inevitable induction into Canton.

Gonzalez is a perennial Pro Bowler, and he can do it all. He is remarkably adept at blocking in the running game, and he is one of the smartest players at his position. 

For the year, Gonzalez's stats are as follows:

• 50 receptions for 561 yards (11.2 average) and seven touchdowns

Jimmy Graham: New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Graham is one of the new breed of tight ends to have infiltrated the NFL. He is a formidable, imposing physical specimen. At 6'6" and weighing in at 260 pounds, Graham is a load.

He isn't just a stick in the mud on the gridiron, though. In his second year, Graham is the favorite target of Drew Brees. The two of them are constantly on the same page. The funny thing about Graham is that he makes so many "explosive" plays despite being a pretty slow running receiver. 

What he lacks in speed, he more than makes up for in soft hands. Graham's seasonal stats are as follows:

• 62 receptions for 873 yards (14.1 average) and six touchdowns

Rob Gronkowski: New England Patriots

The gregarious Gronkowski is a man among boys out there on Sundays. Somehow, I can envision him even more as a warrior than as a football player. His attitude and demeanor are that of a warrior's, and his physical abilities set the new standard for his position in the NFL.

His physical stature isn't much different than that of Jimmy Graham's. At 6'6" and weighing in at 265 pounds, Gronkowski is even bigger. The thing that really sets him apart is his speed and athleticism.

When I watch him play, I am constantly amazed at what he is doing on the field. He represents another phase in the evolution of the NFL.

Gronkowski's statistics for the season are as follows.

• 56 receptions for 805 yards (14.4 average) and ten touchdowns