10 Best Tight Ends in NFL 2016 to Keep Your Eye On
The best tight ends in NFL 2016: Gronkowski, Olsen, Reed, Kelce, Eifert. These players have proven themselves as top performers in the league.
When it comes to tight ends in the NFL, there are few positions that can match the level of excitement, talent, and versatility that they bring to the game. The 2016 season was no different, as we witnessed some of the most outstanding performances by some of the best tight ends in the league. From clutch catches to highlight-reel plays, these players proved their worth and cemented their status as some of the top performers in the NFL.
One of the most dominant tight ends of 2016 was none other than Rob Gronkowski. Despite missing a significant chunk of the season due to injury, Gronk still managed to put up impressive numbers and demonstrate why he's one of the most feared players on the field. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense, and his ability to come up with crucial catches in key moments is unparalleled.
Another standout player from the 2016 season was Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been steadily improving over the past few years, and this season he really came into his own. Kelce's route-running, hands, and after-the-catch abilities are all top-notch, and he proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Alex Smith throughout the year.
One player who may have flown under the radar a bit in 2016 but deserves recognition is Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans. Walker has quietly become one of the most consistent and productive tight ends in the league, and he continued to put up impressive numbers in 2016. His ability to create yards after the catch and make tough grabs in traffic makes him a valuable asset to the Titans offense.
Of course, it's impossible to talk about the best tight ends of 2016 without mentioning Greg Olsen. The Carolina Panthers star has been one of the most consistent and reliable players at his position for years now, and this season was no different. Olsen's combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense, and his ability to make tough catches in clutch situations is invaluable.
One player who burst onto the scene in 2016 and made a huge impact was Hunter Henry of the San Diego Chargers. The rookie tight end quickly became a favorite target of quarterback Philip Rivers, and he proved himself to be a dynamic and versatile player with excellent hands and route-running abilities. With his combination of size and speed, Henry has the potential to become one of the best tight ends in the league in the coming years.
Another young player who showed a lot of promise in 2016 was Austin Hooper of the Atlanta Falcons. The second-year tight end played a key role in the Falcons' high-powered offense, and he demonstrated excellent hands, route-running, and blocking abilities throughout the season. With his size and athleticism, Hooper has the potential to become a star in the NFL.
While these players may have been the standout performers of the 2016 season, there were plenty of other tight ends who also had impressive years. From veterans like Jason Witten and Antonio Gates to up-and-comers like Eric Ebron and C.J. Fiedorowicz, there was no shortage of talent at the tight end position last year.
Looking ahead to the 2017 season, it will be interesting to see how these players continue to develop and perform. Will Gronk stay healthy and continue to dominate? Will Kelce take his game to the next level? Will Walker finally get the recognition he deserves as one of the best in the business? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the tight end position in the NFL is as exciting and competitive as ever.
Introduction
The tight end position in the NFL has evolved over the years, from being primarily a blocking role to now being a key component in the passing game. The 2016 season saw some outstanding performances from tight ends across the league, with many players making a significant impact on their teams. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best tight ends in the NFL in 2016.Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is widely regarded as one of the most dominant tight ends in the history of the NFL. Despite missing eight games due to injury in 2016, Gronkowski still managed to put up impressive numbers for the New England Patriots. In the eight games he played, Gronkowski had 25 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches has made him a favorite target of quarterback Tom Brady.Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league in 2016, finishing the season with 85 receptions for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns. He was a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense, using his size and speed to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Kelce's ability to run after the catch also made him a dangerous threat in the open field.Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen has been a consistently productive tight end throughout his career, and 2016 was no exception. He finished the season with 80 receptions for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers. Olsen's reliability and consistency have made him a favorite target of quarterback Cam Newton, and his ability to make tough catches in traffic has helped keep drives alive for the Panthers.Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham had a bit of a down year in 2015 after being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Seattle Seahawks, but he bounced back in a big way in 2016. Graham finished the season with 65 receptions for 923 yards and six touchdowns, showing that he still has the ability to be one of the most dominant tight ends in the league. His size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for defenses, and his ability to make contested catches in the red zone has made him a valuable weapon for the Seahawks.Jordan Reed
Jordan Reed is one of the most talented pass-catching tight ends in the league, but injuries have been a concern throughout his career. In 2016, Reed played in just 12 games for the Washington Redskins, but he still managed to put up impressive numbers. He finished the season with 66 receptions for 686 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make plays in the passing game. If he can stay healthy, Reed has the potential to be one of the top tight ends in the league for years to come.Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker has quietly been one of the most consistent tight ends in the league over the past few seasons. In 2016, he finished the season with 65 receptions for 800 yards and seven touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans. Walker's ability to find open spaces in the defense and make tough catches has made him a valuable weapon for quarterback Marcus Mariota.Kyle Rudolph
Kyle Rudolph had a breakout season in 2016, finishing the year with 83 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings. Rudolph's size and reliable hands make him a favorite target of quarterback Sam Bradford, and his ability to make plays in the red zone has helped him become one of the top tight ends in the league.Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has been a solid contributor for the Philadelphia Eagles since being drafted in 2013, but he took his game to another level in 2016. He finished the season with 78 receptions for 816 yards and four touchdowns, showing that he has the potential to be one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the league. Ertz's ability to find open spaces in the defense and make tough catches has made him a valuable weapon for quarterback Carson Wentz.Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron had a bit of a slow start to his career after being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2014, but he showed significant improvement in 2016. He finished the season with 61 receptions for 711 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable target in the passing game. Ebron's size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and if he can continue to develop, he has the potential to be one of the top tight ends in the league.Conclusion
The tight end position has become increasingly important in the NFL, and the 2016 season saw some outstanding performances from players across the league. From established stars like Rob Gronkowski and Greg Olsen to up-and-coming talents like Zach Ertz and Eric Ebron, there is no shortage of talented tight ends in the NFL. As we look ahead to the 2017 season, it will be interesting to see which players emerge as the top performers at this crucial position.The tight end position in the National Football League (NFL) has become increasingly important over the years. No longer just a blocker, tight ends have evolved into dynamic playmakers who can make a significant impact on the game. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 tight ends in the NFL for the 2016 season.
1. Rob Gronkowski: A Beast on the Field
Rob Gronkowski is widely considered to be the best tight end in the NFL. At 6’6” and 265 pounds, he is a physical specimen who can dominate defenders with his size and strength. He is also an excellent route-runner and has great hands, making him a reliable target for quarterback Tom Brady. Gronkowski has been named to four Pro Bowls and has been a first-team All-Pro three times in his career. He has also helped lead the New England Patriots to two Super Bowl victories.2. Travis Kelce: A Dynamic Playmaker
Travis Kelce is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL. At 6’5” and 260 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to make big plays down the field. He is also an excellent blocker, making him a versatile weapon for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce had a breakout season in 2016, catching 85 passes for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns. He was named to his second Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career.3. Greg Olsen: Consistent and Reliable
Greg Olsen has been one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL over the past few years. He has played in every game since 2008 and has caught at least 60 passes in each of the past five seasons. Olsen is a reliable target for quarterback Cam Newton and has become one of the leaders of the Carolina Panthers offense. He had another solid season in 2016, catching 80 passes for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns. Olsen was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro.4. Delanie Walker: A Versatile Threat
Delanie Walker is a versatile player who can line up all over the field. He is a great blocker and a reliable pass-catcher, making him a valuable asset to the Tennessee Titans offense. Walker had another productive season in 2016, catching 65 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named to his first Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro.5. Jordan Reed: A Matchup Nightmare
Jordan Reed is one of the most difficult tight ends to defend in the NFL. At 6’2” and 245 pounds, he has the speed and quickness to beat linebackers in coverage, and the size and strength to overpower defensive backs. Reed had a breakout season in 2015, catching 87 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. He followed that up with another solid season in 2016, catching 66 passes for 686 yards and six touchdowns. Reed was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016.6. Zach Ertz: A Rising Star
Zach Ertz is a young tight end who has shown a lot of promise in his career. At 6’5” and 250 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to make an impact in the passing game. Ertz had his best season in 2016, catching 78 passes for 816 yards and four touchdowns. He was a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles offense and looks poised to continue improving in the years to come.7. Jimmy Graham: A Red Zone Weapon
Jimmy Graham is one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL. At 6’7” and 265 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to dominate defenders in the red zone. Graham had a solid season in 2016, catching 65 passes for 923 yards and six touchdowns. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro.8. Kyle Rudolph: A Reliable Target for the Vikings
Kyle Rudolph is a reliable tight end who has become a favorite target of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. Rudolph had a career year in 2016, catching 83 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named to his first Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro. Rudolph has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league and should continue to be a key part of the Vikings offense.9. Martellus Bennett: A Valuable Addition to the Patriots
Martellus Bennett was a valuable addition to the New England Patriots in 2016. At 6’6” and 273 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to make an impact in both the passing game and as a blocker. Bennett had a solid season, catching 55 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns. He helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl and was named to his first Pro Bowl.10. Jason Witten: A Veteran Leader for the Cowboys
Jason Witten is one of the most respected players in the NFL. At 34 years old, he is still a productive player and a leader on the Dallas Cowboys offense. Witten caught 69 passes for 673 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. He has been named to 10 Pro Bowls in his career and is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends of his generation.In conclusion, the tight end position has become a critical part of many NFL offenses. Players like Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen have proven to be consistent and reliable targets for their quarterbacks. Others like Delanie Walker, Jordan Reed, and Zach Ertz have shown versatility and the ability to create mismatches with their size and athleticism. Jimmy Graham, Kyle Rudolph, Martellus Bennett, and Jason Witten are all valuable assets to their respective teams and have made significant contributions to their success. Overall, these 10 tight ends are among the best in the league and will continue to make an impact for years to come.The Best Tight Ends in NFL 2016
Overview
Tight ends are a crucial component of every NFL team's offensive strategy. In the NFL 2016 season, several tight ends stood out for their exceptional skills and performance on the field. This article will discuss the pros and cons of some of the best tight ends in the NFL 2016 season.Top Tight Ends in NFL 2016
1. Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is widely considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and the 2016 season was no exception. He had 540 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns despite only playing in 8 games due to injuries.
- Pros: Gronkowski has an incredible combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He is also an excellent blocker and can create openings for his teammates.
- Cons: Gronkowski's injury history is a concern, and he missed significant time during both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. His aggressive playing style also puts him at risk for future injuries.
2. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce had an impressive 2016 season, with 85 receptions, 1,125 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns.
- Pros: Kelce is a versatile player who can line up in multiple positions and create mismatches against defenders. He has excellent hands and can make difficult catches look easy.
- Cons: Kelce can be prone to drops, and he had 5 in the 2016 season. He also has a history of on-field antics that can lead to penalties and hurt his team.
3. Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen had a solid 2016 season, with 80 receptions, 1,073 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns.
- Pros: Olsen is a consistent performer who can make tough catches in traffic and move the chains for his team. He is also a reliable blocker and can help open up the running game.
- Cons: Olsen's speed and athleticism are not as impressive as some of his peers, and he may struggle against faster defenders. He also had a few drops during the 2016 season.
Comparison Table
| Tight End | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Gronkowski | 25 | 540 | 3 |
| Travis Kelce | 85 | 1,125 | 4 |
| Greg Olsen | 80 | 1,073 | 3 |
Conclusion
Overall, the NFL 2016 season saw some incredible performances from tight ends, with Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen standing out as some of the best in the league. While each player has their strengths and weaknesses, they all play vital roles in their respective teams' offensive strategies.The Best Tight Ends in NFL 2016: A Comprehensive Review
As we come to the end of the NFL 2016 season, it's time to take a look back at the best tight ends that graced the field this year. From seasoned veterans to promising rookies, there were plenty of tight ends who made an impact and kept us on the edge of our seats with their impressive skills and performances. In this article, we'll review the top ten tight ends of the season, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and highlight their most memorable moments. So without further ado, let's get started!
First up is Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, who had a remarkable season and established himself as one of the best tight ends in the game. Kelce finished the season with 85 receptions for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per catch. He was a key weapon for the Chiefs offense and played a crucial role in their playoff run. Kelce is known for his agility and speed, making him a tough matchup for defenders.
Next, we have Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers, who has been a consistent performer over the years and continued to shine in 2016. Olsen finished the season with 80 receptions for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per catch. He is reliable and has great hands, making him a favorite target for quarterback Cam Newton. Olsen is also a strong blocker, which adds to his value as a tight end.
The third spot on our list goes to Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans, who had a career year and proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Walker finished the season with 65 receptions for 800 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.3 yards per catch. He was a key player in the Titans' offense and helped lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2008. Walker is a versatile player who can line up anywhere on the field and make big plays.
Coming in at number four is Jimmy Graham of the Seattle Seahawks, who had a strong season after struggling with injuries in recent years. Graham finished the season with 65 receptions for 923 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. He is a skilled athlete with great size and speed, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. Graham's ability to stretch the field and make big plays was a crucial part of the Seahawks' offense.
Fifth on our list is Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings, who had a breakout year and established himself as a top-tier tight end in the league. Rudolph finished the season with 83 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 10.1 yards per catch. He was a reliable target for quarterback Sam Bradford and played a key role in the Vikings' offense. Rudolph is also a solid blocker, which adds to his value as a tight end.
Next up is Jordan Reed of the Washington Redskins, who had a strong season despite missing some games due to injury. Reed finished the season with 66 receptions for 686 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 10.4 yards per catch. He is a versatile player who can line up anywhere on the field and make big plays. Reed's speed and agility make him a tough matchup for defenders, and his ability to make contested catches is impressive.
The seventh spot on our list goes to Martellus Bennett of the New England Patriots, who had a productive season after being traded from the Chicago Bears. Bennett finished the season with 55 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.7 yards per catch. He was a valuable addition to the Patriots' offense and played a key role in their Super Bowl victory. Bennett is a skilled receiver with great size and athleticism, making him a tough matchup for defenders.
Coming in at number eight is Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles, who had a solid season despite the team's struggles. Ertz finished the season with 78 receptions for 816 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per catch. He is a reliable target for quarterback Carson Wentz and has great hands. Ertz is also a strong blocker, which adds to his value as a tight end.
Ninth on our list is Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys, who had another productive season and showed no signs of slowing down. Witten finished the season with 69 receptions for 673 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 9.8 yards per catch. He is a consistent performer and a leader on the field, making him a valuable asset for the Cowboys. Witten is also a solid blocker and has a great understanding of the game.
Last but not least is Eric Ebron of the Detroit Lions, who had a breakout year and showed flashes of greatness. Ebron finished the season with 61 receptions for 711 yards and one touchdown, averaging 11.6 yards per catch. He is a skilled athlete with great speed and agility, making him a tough matchup for defenders. Ebron has the potential to be a top-tier tight end in the league, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in the future.
In conclusion, the 2016 NFL season was filled with talented tight ends who made an impact on the game. From seasoned veterans to promising rookies, these players showed us what it means to be a top-tier tight end in the league. We hope you enjoyed our review of the top ten tight ends of the season and look forward to seeing what these players can do in the future.
People Also Ask About Best Tight Ends in NFL 2016
Who were the best tight ends in the NFL in 2016?
Here are the top five tight ends in the NFL for the year 2016:
- Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs
- Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers
- Kyle Rudolph - Minnesota Vikings
- Jordan Reed - Washington Redskins
- Jimmy Graham - Seattle Seahawks
What made Travis Kelce the best tight end in 2016?
Travis Kelce had an outstanding season in 2016, with 85 receptions for 1125 yards and four touchdowns. He was a key player in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense and proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Alex Smith. Kelce's athleticism and ability to make big plays after the catch set him apart from other tight ends in the league.
Why was Greg Olsen considered one of the best tight ends in 2016?
Greg Olsen had another productive season in 2016, with 80 receptions for 1073 yards and three touchdowns. He was a consistent performer for the Carolina Panthers and provided quarterback Cam Newton with a reliable target in the passing game. Olsen's size and strength made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
What made Kyle Rudolph stand out as a top tight end in 2016?
Kyle Rudolph had a breakout season in 2016, with 83 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a go-to option for quarterback Sam Bradford in the Minnesota Vikings' offense and proved to be a reliable red zone target. Rudolph's size and ability to make contested catches made him a valuable asset for the Vikings.
What were Jordan Reed's strengths as a tight end in 2016?
Jordan Reed was a versatile weapon for the Washington Redskins in 2016, with 66 receptions for 686 yards and six touchdowns. He was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, with his size and athleticism allowing him to create separation and make big plays. Reed's ability to line up all over the field made him a valuable asset for the Redskins' offense.
Why was Jimmy Graham considered one of the best tight ends in 2016?
Jimmy Graham had a strong season in 2016, with 65 receptions for 923 yards and six touchdowns. He was a key contributor to the Seattle Seahawks' offense and provided quarterback Russell Wilson with a reliable target in the passing game. Graham's size and athleticism made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.