Top Ten NFL Tight Ends Heading into the 2021 Season
In these last 10 seasons of football, the game has changed a lot. One of the biggest differences of most NFL offenses now revolves around the tight end position. Teams are valuing versatility now more than ever, especially at tight end. Now, most franchises are willing to take tight ends earlier in the draft, and also pay more for them in free agency. George Kittle and Travis Kelce’s TEU camp had an insane number of participants from the NFL of all ages. These superstars at this position are inspiring offenses all over the league. Let’s look at my top ten heading into the 2021 season.
1. Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Kelce had the best season of his career in 2020. He even led his team who is the most high-powered offense in the NFL in receiving. It doesn’t seem as if Kelce is slowing down at all. The fact that his squad could not capture their second straight ring last year should motivate that offense. The chances of someone else finishing as the best tight end in the league in 2021 are slim as long as Kelce stays healthy.
2. George Kittle (49ers)
Kittle had a historic 2018 and 2019 season. Last year was a bit of a disappointment since he only played in 8 games. Kittle may be one of the biggest Jimmy Garoppolo supporters out there. No matter if the former Tom Brady heir apparent plays this whole season or the rookie phenom Trey Lance gets his turn, this offense will run through Kittle. He may be the most complete player on this list. If the Niners want to get back to the top of the NFC number eighty-four is going to need to be fed.
3. Darren Waller (Raiders)
When Waller broke onto the scene in 2019 there was still a clear gap between him, and the best at the tight end position in the league. Now after a season where he caught 107 passes Waller is no doubt at least the third-best player on this list. The former wide receiver can line up all over the field and be effective. There should be no reason that Waller doesn’t lead his team in receiving yet again. He’s an improving blocker who is only scratching the surface of reaching his full potential.
4. Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
This rookie from Florida may be one of the best college tight ends of all time. The Falcons proved that and took him with their number four selection, making him the highest-drafted tight end ever. With the departure of Julio Jones to the Titans, there will be more than enough targets for Pitts. Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts are enough for this Falcons offense to put points on the board and stay in games. No other tight end deserves to be higher than the rookie on this list. Matt Ryan has always had a liking for big athletic targets, and now has one that will be the future of the team’s offense for years to come.
5. T.J. Hockenson (Lions)
Hockenson had over 100 targets last year in his second season as a pro. The Lions offense is going to look completely different compared to last season. Some may think that will bring Hockenson’s stock down but the Lions depleted receiving core may give him even more targets. Jared Goff’s offense got Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee a combined 89 catches and seven scores last season. If Hockenson builds a connection with Goff early in 2021 this will be an effective connection, whether Dan Campbell’s first year goes well or not.
6. Noah Fant (Broncos)
Fant is a rising star in this league. His strong and basketball-like build makes him comparable to some of the league's best. He had over 90 targets in 2020 and led the Broncos in yards after catch and receptions. This offense is going to make it a focal point to get Jerry Jeudy the football, but that doesn’t mean Fant will be left out. Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is going to need a threat underneath who can make a big play here’s their guy.
7. Mark Andrews (Ravens)
Marquise Brown did in fact lead the Ravens in receiving last season, but never did he show consistency like Andrews did. Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with Andrews in the red zone earned him seven scores last season. The Ravens did in fact add both Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman so that’s why Andrews is a little far down this list. It’s going to be tough for Andrews to repeat his seven touchdowns but in no way will he disappear in this offense.
8. Dallas Goedert (Eagles)
The Eagles backup tight end ranked 5th in receiving yards per game for tight ends last year with just over 47. That number should only go up in 2021 and could come with a breakout season. Ertz missed 5 games last season and could be trade bait if things go south in Nick Sirianni’s first year as Head Coach. Even though Ertz and Goedert had similar stats last season there is no reason for Goedert not to take over as the number one guy. The Eagles are past their Super Bowl era and need to get value for Ertz while they still can.
9. Mike Gesicki (Dolphins)
Gesicki finally put up numbers in 2020 that most expected he would bring to the table when coming out of Penn State. Gesicki racked up over 700 yards on 53 catches. In both the last two seasons he has had more than 80 targets. Tua Tagovoila was coming off a major injury last season, and was thrown into a new system, in the middle of the year on a borderline playoff team. That is not an easy situation for anyone. The Dolphins got both Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle to add to their weaponry now. This should open up the field a bit and allow for Gesicki to get more quick and easy targets in the middle of the field where he is best.
10. Logan Thomas (Washington Football Team)
Thomas accounted for 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns, for the NFC East division champions. Thomas was great for Ron Rivera’s team last year. Coaches all over the Washington offense just rave about the blocking ability that Thomas has. The former quarterback took 1,000 snaps last season and did not miss a game. That consistency and respect he earned will make sure he’s not forgotten in an offense that is only getting better. After Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, this is the weapon to look for in the nation's capital next season.
Writer
-By: Sam Kirk