AFC North Top 5: Tight Ends
Dec 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (right) catches a touchdown pass against Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve already taken a look at the top quarterbacks and running backs for the 2015-16 season. Now it’s time to breakdown the tight ends. The AFC North isn’t super strong at the position, but there are some players on this list who have some things to prove.
Here are the top 5 AFC North tight ends for 2015.
Honorable Mention:
- Matt Spaeth, Steelers
- Jesse James, Steelers
5. Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens
Pitta is arguably the best tight end in the division, but the reason he’s only at No. 5 on this list is because it’s unclear whether or not he’ll even be playing this year. He’s had to undergo hip surgeries the past two seasons and he has yet be medically cleared to practice. When healthy, he brings a huge boost to the Ravens passing game, but it remains to be seen if he can even stay on the field.
4. Maxx Williams, Ravens
Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s where the Ravens second-round draft pick, Maxx Williams, comes into play. If Pitta isn’t ready to go, Williams will likely grab the starting role. He’ll be relied on early to produce and he’s highly capable. Williams was a big-play threat while at Minnesota, tallying 569 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2014. Baltimore has had plenty of success with its second-rounders, so expect a big season from the rookie.
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3. Rob Housler, Cleveland Browns
Given Housler’s limited opportunities during his professional career, he should be considered a sleeper. He was scarcely used in Arizona, but he is projected to play a vital role in the Browns’ offense this upcoming season. Houser has great size at 6-foot-5, 238 pounds. In addition, his athleticism should be able to create some mismatches against opposing defenders. With somewhat of a shortage of reliable receiving options in Cleveland, Housler may become one of Josh McCown’s favorites.
2. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) runs after a catch on a forty-nine yard pass play against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
There is nothing flashy about Heath Miller, but simply put, the guy gets the job done. The 10-year veteran has amassed 6,034 yards and 43 touchdowns over the course of his career. He may not be a big-play threat anymore, but Miller is certainly a model of consistency. Big Ben can always count on him to be there when he needs him. Not only does Miller have reliable hands, but he is one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends.
1. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Maybe I’m going out on a limb here, but Eifert is in line for a breakout season in 2015. Jermaine Gresham is now out of the picture, so it’s time for the former Notre Dame standout to make his mark in Cincinnati. Eifert had a solid rookie campaign in 2013, hauling in 39 passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns. Now, those numbers were limited since he was playing behind Gresham, but with him gone, Eifert will be a go-to-guy in the Bengals offense.