Ranking NFC East Starters: Tight Ends

Ranking NFC East Starters: Tight Ends

It’s important to compare the Philadelphia Eagles to their division rivals, as those teams will be their main competition for a playoff spot. This series will compare the starting rosters of the four NFC East teams, continuing with tight ends.

1. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles

In a down season for the Eagles offense, Ertz took his game to the next level. With 116 receptions, he broke fellow NFC East TE Jason Witten’s single-season record. The receptions weren’t just a product of sheer volume, Ertz proved that he possessed some of the surest hands in the league. 2018 was the first time in his career that he played in all 16 games, and it resulted in massive production. His best performance came against the division rival Cowboys when he racked up 14 receptions for 145 yards and two scores. He also posted 10 catches for 102 yards in two playoff games.

2. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins

Reed is one of the most talented tight ends in the game, but injuries have prevented him from launching into the upper echelon of players at the position. He’s never played 16 games in a single season and has never started more than nine. He only started eight games this season (13 total), but still totaled 558 yards on 54 catches. His health is important to the Redskins offense, especially with the team bringing in a rookie QB with a good chance to start.

3. Evan Engram, New York Giants

You could make an argument for Engram moving up to the second spot on this list, as he also has undeniable talent. Just like Reed, he also started only eight games this season, but he totaled 577 yards on 45 grabs. The speedy pass-catcher was Pro Football Focus’ sixth-ranked tight end in 2018. With the trade of Odell Beckham Jr, his role becomes even more important to the Giants offense. He, Sterling Shepard, and Daniel Jones must develop together to form a solid core for the future.

4. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Did Witten return to the NFL because he still had a passion to play, because he wanted his record back from Ertz, or because he was just that bad of a commentator? The soon-to-be 37-year-old came back to the only team he’s ever known after a one-year hiatus. He still had a respectable 560 yards in his last professional season, but it was clear that he was on his last legs and needed to hang up the cleats. Nimble would far from describing the veteran, and it remains to be seen whether a year off will help or hurt him. Dallas likely brought him in more to mentor the young players than to actually produce.

-By: Micah Jimoh