NFL power rankings: Top 5 current tight ends
Which tight ends are the NFL’s best heading into 2021? We drop some NFL power rankings to figure out the elite.
5. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
Gesicki might be a surprise name on here for some, starting off our NFL power rankings in South Beach. Still, the former Penn State star showed well in his third season, notching 53 catches, 703 yards and six touchdowns. While those numbers aren’t staggering, he ranked fourth in yards at the position in 2020 and did so while catching passes from quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa. Certainly other tight ends could have made this spot including veterans Zach Ertz and Hunter Henry, but Gesicki gets the nod.
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4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Nobody is more underrated at tight end than Andrews. The Ravens have enjoyed three excellent years out of the Oklahoma product, despite his being in the most run-heavy offense the NFL has to offer. Andrews was terrific again last year, catching 58 balls for 701 yards and seven touchdowns. This after going for 64 receptions, 852 yards and 10 scores in 2019, helping quarterback Lamar Jackson win NFL MVP. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, expect big things.
3. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Waller has become a phenomenal player. At 28 years old, Waller made his first Pro Bowl, hauling in 107 passes and going. for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. The focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack, Waller has become one of the league’s toughest covers. Right now, there’s a legitimate case to be made he’s the most dynamic receiving threat at the position outside of Travis Kelce.
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2. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle is coming off an injury-ravaged 2020, but he stills deserves the second spot. He’s a legendary blocker and still creates mismatches all over in the passing game. In eight games last season, Kittle had 48 catches for 634 yards. The two-time Pro Bowler and 2019 First-Team All-Pro is the most well-rounded tight end in the game, and if he’s healthy in 2021, should give Kelce everything he can handle for the top spot.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce has to head up our NFL power rankings for tight ends. Arguably the greatest ever in terms of production at the position, the Super Bowl champ is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. Had he played in Week 17 last year (rest), he could’ve been the first tight end to ever lead the league in receiving yards for a season. Still, he finished second across football with 1,416 yards on 105 receptions, including 11 touchdowns. He’s the only tight end to record four — and now five — consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns in NFL history.
