2016 AFC North Rankings by Position: Tight Ends

The AFC North had two tight ends make it to the Pro Bowl during the 2015 season. Here are our rankings of each team’s tight end group.

AFC North Rankings:QB|RB|WR|TE

Football is changing. As teams transition from power football to an aerial passing game, many positions in the game have evolved as well. The one position to change the most is at tight end.

Tight ends mainly served as an additional run or pass blocker in the past. They caught an occasional pass here or there, but few made game-changing plays in the passing game. That has changed in recent years.

Teams are now drafting tight ends that not only can block, but have the ability to make tough catches and have the speed to get into the end zone. New England Patriots tight endRob Gronkowskiis the type of player every team is now looking for at the position. With the size and speed of some of these guys, they are almost impossible to cover.

The AFC North has a few of those types of players. Some would argue that Cincinnati Bengals tight endTyler Eifertis the next best player at the position after Gronk.Gary Barnidgehad a career year last season for the Cleveland Browns. The Pittsburgh Steelers had the reliableHeath Millerfor 11 seasons. The Baltimore Ravens addedBen Watsonthis year, who is also coming off the best season of his career.

There are many teams that want to have more than one quality tight end. Two tight end sets have become the norm in the league, and players with a basketball background have attracted coaches.Jimmy GrahamandAntonio Gatesare perfect examples of that, and several other college basketball players have been given a chance to showcase their skills on a football field.

A common cliche in the NFL is that players are getting bigger, faster and stronger. That could not be a more accurate statement for tight ends. Let’s rank the best in the division starting with a duo of highly drafted tight ends.

Next: The Tyler Brothers

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow