Revisiting the Tight End Rankings: A Look Ahead

Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared his latest round of rankings developed through insights from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. This edition highlights the top 10 tight ends in the league, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents. 🌟

A Competitive Landscape

The long-standing debate between George Kittle and Travis Kelce has finally reached a turning point. While both stars have put on memorable performances over the years, this year's ranking introduces a fresh lineup that shifts the balance of power. ✨

Kittle and Kelce are expected to wear gold jackets post-retirement, but for now, they face challengers from within their divisions, vying for prominence in this competitive landscape.

Top Tight Ends of the Year

Fowler's list kicks off with Brock Bowers from the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by Kittle, Sam LaPorta from the Detroit Lions, and Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals. Notably, Kansas City's very own superstar makes an appearance, though not quite as high on the list as fans might hope.

5. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Highest Ranking: 4
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
Age: 35
Last Year’s Ranking: 1

The former reigning tight end king slipped slightly this year, with some indicators suggesting a gradual decline noticed during the previous season.

Age plays a role here – Kelce, approaching 36 in October, has already amassed close to 200 games throughout his illustrious career. Evaluators have noted that he appeared heavier last season, a situation he intends to address as he prepares for what may be his final campaign. While some believe that weight issues didn’t heavily impact his performance, a noticeable drop in explosive plays is concerning, as his average of 8.5 yards per catch recorded last year is significantly below his career averages.

“He showed signs of physical decline, but you still have to account for him because he possesses remarkable football intelligence and a strong rapport with the quarterback. He might not get open as easily as before,” shared an experienced personnel evaluator. Kelce remains a threat in the red zone, turning 26 targets into 19 receptions, 106 yards, and three touchdowns while leading the Chiefs with 133 targets last season.

As the wide receiver corps look set to regain full strength, tight ends Noah Gray and Jared Wiley might also rise to prominence, giving Kelce a new dynamic around him.

“He’s still a force,” noted an executive from the NFC. “His game might not feel as flashy as it once was, but somehow he still puts up numbers, like nine catches for 70 yards.”

My Perspective

Throughout the years, I’ve often reacted strongly to the comparison between Kittle and Kelce. With Kittle being four years younger, it was always likely that he would eventually surpass his Kansas City counterpart. Now, that moment has arrived, and surprisingly, I’m quite accepting of this change.

It’s undeniable: Kelce's performance lagged in 2024. In Super Bowl LIX – typically a setting where he thrives – he fell short of expectations. Even Kelce himself recognizes this shift.

However, he seems committed to reinvigorating himself, having lost weight and showing determination to reclaim his former prowess in 2025.

Can He Bounce Back?

While he may not revert to the 27-year-old version that started his amazing streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons back in 2016, there’s a possibility we’ll witness a return to the caliber of play he showcased in 2023. That year, he narrowly missed reaching his eighth 1,000-yard season due to a strategic decision to rest during the last regular-season game, allowing him to be fully prepared for the playoffs. This gambit paid off as he led all receivers with 32 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns during the postseason.

It’s worth noting that age is not his only opponent. The absence of wide receivers like Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown in 2024 made it simpler for defenses to concentrate their efforts on him, contributing to his challenges in getting open as often.

Before making any judgments about his contributions for the upcoming season, let’s give him the opportunity to shine once more with a healthy and formidable group of wideouts supporting him. I have a feeling that Kelce is eager to surprise everyone with a standout performance! 🎉