Top 10 Must-Watch Tight Ends in NFL 2014: Who's on the Rise?

The best tight ends in the NFL for 2014 include Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Travis Kelce, Greg Olsen, and Antonio Gates.

The tight end position in the NFL has become increasingly important over the years. Nowadays, teams rely on their tight ends not only for their ability to catch passes but also for their blocking skills. In 2014, there were some outstanding tight ends who dominated the field and made a huge impact on their team's success. This article will explore the top tight ends of the 2014 NFL season, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and overall contributions to their teams.

First up on our list is Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots. Gronk is a force to be reckoned with, standing at 6'6 and weighing in at 265 pounds. He is known for his incredible athleticism and strength, which allows him to overpower defenders and make big plays. In 2014, Gronkowski caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him his second First-Team All-Pro selection. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses makes him one of the best tight ends in the league.

Another standout tight end in 2014 was Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints. Graham is a unique player, as he possesses the size and strength of a traditional tight end but also has the speed and agility of a wide receiver. He was a dominant force in 2014, catching 85 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite missing five games due to injury, Graham was still named a Second-Team All-Pro and was selected to his third Pro Bowl. His versatility and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

One tight end who often goes overlooked is Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers. Olsen has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable tight ends in the league, and his performance in 2014 was no exception. He caught 84 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns, making him the first tight end in Panthers history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Olsen's ability to find open spaces in coverage and make tough catches in traffic makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs burst onto the scene in 2014, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic tight ends in the league. Kelce caught 67 passes for 862 yards and five touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His speed and athleticism allow him to create separation from defenders and make big plays down the field. Kelce's emergence was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Chiefs.

A player who has been consistent throughout his career is Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers. Despite being 34 years old in 2014, Gates still managed to put up impressive numbers, catching 69 passes for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named a Pro Bowler for the eighth time in his career and was also selected as a Second-Team All-Pro. Gates' experience and leadership make him a valuable asset to the Chargers both on and off the field.

Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys is another veteran tight end who has been a consistent performer throughout his career. In 2014, Witten caught 64 passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns, helping lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. He is known for his reliability and toughness, as he has missed only one game in his entire career. Witten's leadership and work ethic make him a respected figure in the Cowboys' locker room.

Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings had a breakout season in 2014, catching 53 passes for 495 yards and five touchdowns. His size and strength make him a difficult matchup for defenders, and his ability to make contested catches in the red zone proved valuable for the Vikings. Unfortunately, Rudolph missed six games due to injury, but his potential as a playmaker is undeniable.

Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles is another young tight end who showed promise in 2014. Ertz caught 58 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback Nick Foles. His speed and athleticism allow him to create mismatches for opposing defenses, and his ability to make tough catches in traffic makes him a valuable asset to the Eagles' offense.

Jordan Reed of the Washington Football Team had a solid season in 2014, catching 50 passes for 465 yards and no touchdowns. While those numbers may not jump off the page, Reed's ability to get open and make plays after the catch made him a valuable contributor to the team. He has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but when healthy, he is a dangerous weapon in the passing game.

Coby Fleener of the Indianapolis Colts rounds out our list of top tight ends from the 2014 season. Fleener caught 51 passes for 774 yards and eight touchdowns, emerging as a reliable target for quarterback Andrew Luck. His size and speed make him a difficult matchup for defenders, and his ability to stretch the field opens up opportunities for other players in the Colts' offense.

Introduction

The tight end position in the NFL has evolved over the years. It used to be a position that was primarily used for blocking, but now it has become an essential part of the passing game. The tight end is a versatile player who can line up in various positions and can be used as a receiver or a blocker. In this article, we will take a look at the best tight ends in the NFL for the 2014 season.

Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has been a dominant force for the New England Patriots since he entered the league in 2010. In the 2014 season, Gronkowski had 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team.

Receiving Ability

Gronkowski's receiving ability is what sets him apart from other tight ends. He has great hands and is a big target for quarterbacks. His size and strength make him difficult to bring down, and he is able to break tackles and gain extra yards after the catch.

Blocking Ability

In addition to his receiving ability, Gronkowski is also a talented blocker. He is able to use his size and strength to create running lanes for his teammates. His blocking ability is a big reason why the Patriots have been able to have such a successful running game in recent years.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham is another tight end who is considered one of the best in the NFL. He played for the New Orleans Saints in the 2014 season and had 85 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite missing a few games due to injury, he was still named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team.

Receiving Ability

Graham is known for his ability to make tough catches in traffic. He has great hands and is able to catch passes that other tight ends may not be able to. He is also a great red-zone target and has the ability to go up and get the ball over defenders.

Blocking Ability

While Graham is primarily known for his receiving ability, he is also a capable blocker. He may not be as strong as some of the other top tight ends in the league, but he is able to hold his own and contribute to the running game.

Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates has been a staple of the San Diego Chargers offense since he entered the league in 2003. Despite being in the latter stages of his career in the 2014 season, he still managed to put up impressive numbers. He had 69 receptions for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Receiving Ability

Gates has always been known for his receiving ability. He has great size and hands and is able to make tough catches in traffic. He is also a great route-runner and is able to create separation from defenders.

Blocking Ability

Like Graham, Gates is primarily known for his receiving ability, but he is still a capable blocker. He is able to use his size and strength to help create running lanes for his teammates.

Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen has quietly become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He played for the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 season and had 84 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl.

Receiving Ability

Olsen is a reliable target for quarterbacks. He has great hands and is able to make tough catches in traffic. He is also able to create separation from defenders and is a great route-runner.

Blocking Ability

Olsen is also a talented blocker. He is able to use his size and strength to help create running lanes for his teammates. His blocking ability is a big reason why the Panthers have been able to have such a successful running game in recent years.

Conclusion

The tight end position in the NFL has become one of the most important positions on the field. The players listed above are some of the best in the league and have proven to be valuable assets to their teams. They are all talented receivers and blockers, and they have helped to revolutionize the position. As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the tight end position continues to change and develop.The NFL is an ever-evolving league, and one position that has gone through significant changes over the years is the tight end position. Tight ends are no longer just blockers; they are now essential weapons in any team's offensive arsenal. In 2014, there were several tight ends who stood out from the rest. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top ten tight ends in the NFL in 2014.

1. Rob Gronkowski: The Unstoppable Force

When healthy, Rob Gronkowski is undoubtedly the best tight end in the NFL. The New England Patriots star had a remarkable 2014 season, leading all tight ends with 1,124 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also a force in the playoffs, recording 16 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Gronkowski's size, athleticism, and strength make him a nightmare matchup for any defender, and his ability to block effectively in the running game makes him a complete player.

2. Jimmy Graham: The King of the Red Zone

Jimmy Graham has been one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL since he entered the league in 2010. While his numbers dipped slightly in 2014 (889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns), he was still a significant factor in the New Orleans Saints' offense. Graham's size and speed make him an excellent target in the red zone, where he scored seven of his ten touchdowns. He is also a capable blocker, which adds another dimension to his game.

3. Jason Witten: The Consistent Veteran

Jason Witten has been a mainstay in the Dallas Cowboys' offense since 2003, and he remains one of the most reliable tight ends in the NFL. In 2014, he recorded 703 receiving yards and five touchdowns, bringing his career totals to 11,215 yards and 63 touchdowns. Witten is known for his consistency and reliability, and he rarely drops passes or makes mistakes. He is also a solid blocker who can help open up holes for the Cowboys' running game.

4. Julius Thomas: The Breakout Star

Julius Thomas burst onto the scene in 2013, recording 788 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in just his second season with the Denver Broncos. He followed that up with another strong season in 2014, despite missing three games due to injury. Thomas recorded 489 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, proving to be a significant red zone threat for the Broncos. He is not the most polished blocker, but his receiving skills more than make up for it.

5. Greg Olsen: The Reliable Target

Greg Olsen has quietly become one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL over the past few seasons. In 2014, he recorded 1,008 receiving yards and six touchdowns, making him one of just four tight ends to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Olsen is a reliable target for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, and he has excellent hands and route-running abilities. He is also a willing blocker who can hold his own in the running game.

6. Jordan Cameron: The Athletic Playmaker

Jordan Cameron had a breakout season in 2013, recording 917 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns. While he struggled with injuries in 2014, he still managed to record 424 receiving yards and two touchdowns in ten games. Cameron is an athletic playmaker who can stretch the field and make big plays down the field. He is not the most physical blocker, but he has the size and strength to improve in that area of his game.

7. Delanie Walker: The Underdog Story

Delanie Walker was an afterthought for much of his career, spending seven seasons as a backup tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. However, he has thrived since joining the Tennessee Titans in 2013, recording 890 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the team. In 2014, he followed that up with another strong season, recording 890 receiving yards and four touchdowns once again. Walker is a versatile weapon who can line up all over the field, and his toughness and work ethic make him a fan favorite.

8. Martellus Bennett: The Versatile Weapon

Martellus Bennett has been a journeyman throughout his NFL career, playing for four different teams in eight seasons. However, he has found a home with the Chicago Bears, recording 916 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2014. Bennett is a versatile weapon who can line up as a traditional tight end or split out wide as a receiver. He has excellent hands and is a reliable target for Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

9. Antonio Gates: The Ageless Wonder

Antonio Gates has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL for over a decade, but he showed no signs of slowing down in 2014. Despite being 34 years old, Gates recorded 821 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns for the San Diego Chargers. He remains a significant red zone threat, thanks to his size and athleticism, and he is an excellent route-runner who can still get open against younger defenders.

10. Travis Kelce: The Rising Star

Travis Kelce burst onto the scene in 2014, recording 862 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has excellent size and athleticism, and he is a matchup nightmare for smaller defenders. Kelce's route-running abilities are also impressive, and he has shown a willingness to block effectively in the running game. If he can continue to develop his game, he has the potential to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. In conclusion, the tight end position has come a long way in the NFL, and there are now several elite players at the position. Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Jason Witten, Julius Thomas, Greg Olsen, Jordan Cameron, Delanie Walker, Martellus Bennett, Antonio Gates, and Travis Kelce were all outstanding in 2014, and they will undoubtedly continue to be significant factors in their teams' offenses in the years to come.

Best Tight Ends in NFL 2014

Top Tight Ends in NFL 2014

The 2014 NFL season had some of the best tight ends in the league. These players were not only excellent blockers but also great receivers, making them valuable assets to their teams.

• Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots
• Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints
• Julius Thomas - Denver Broncos
• Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers
• Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs

Pros and Cons of Best Tight Ends in NFL 2014

Each of these tight ends had their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some pros and cons of the top tight ends in NFL 2014:

• Rob Gronkowski
  • Pros: Excellent blocker, great receiver, hard to bring down after the catch.
  • Cons: Injury-prone, missed games due to injuries.
• Jimmy Graham
  • Pros: Tall and athletic, great hands, excellent red zone target.
  • Cons: Struggles with blocking, inconsistent route running.
• Julius Thomas
  • Pros: Excellent red zone target, great hands, good speed for a tight end.
  • Cons: Struggles with blocking, missed games due to injuries.
• Greg Olsen
  • Pros: Excellent route runner, good hands, reliable target for his quarterback.
  • Cons: Average blocker, lacks the size and athleticism of other top tight ends.
• Travis Kelce
  • Pros: Great size and athleticism, good hands, excellent after the catch.
  • Cons: Inconsistent route running, average blocker.

Comparison of Best Tight Ends in NFL 2014

Tight End	Team	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns
Rob Gronkowski	New England Patriots	82	1,124	12
Jimmy Graham	New Orleans Saints	85	889	10
Julius Thomas	Denver Broncos	43	489	12
Greg Olsen	Carolina Panthers	84	1,008	6
Travis Kelce	Kansas City Chiefs	67	862	5

Overall, the 2014 NFL season had some of the best tight ends in the league. Each player brought their own strengths and weaknesses to their teams, making them valuable assets on the field.

The Best Tight Ends in NFL 2014

As the NFL season of 2014 came to a close, it was apparent that the tight end position had become an essential part of every team's offense. This position has evolved over the years, and players have become more versatile and dynamic. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best tight ends in NFL 2014.

First on our list is none other than Rob Gronkowski. Gronk, as he is popularly known, had an outstanding season, recording 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was the most productive tight end in the league and was instrumental in helping the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl.

Another standout tight end was Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints. Graham is a beast on the field, standing at 6'7. He recorded 85 receptions for 889 yards and ten touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the third year running.

Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys is another veteran tight end who had a remarkable season in 2014. Witten may not be as flashy as some of the other tight ends on this list, but he is undoubtedly one of the most consistent. He recorded 64 receptions for 703 yards and five touchdowns.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs was another standout tight end in 2014. Kelce had a breakout season, recording 67 receptions for 862 yards and five touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl and was an integral part of the Chiefs' offense.

Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers is another tight end who had a stellar season in 2014. Olsen recorded 84 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers is a veteran tight end who has been in the league for over a decade. Despite his age, Gates had a fantastic season in 2014, recording 69 receptions for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the eighth time in his career.

Julius Thomas of the Denver Broncos is another tight end who had a breakout season in 2014. Thomas recorded 43 receptions for 489 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was an integral part of the Broncos' offense, and his contribution was essential to their success that season.

Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles is another young tight end who had a fantastic season in 2014. Ertz recorded 58 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns. He showed great promise and potential and is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the coming years.

Jared Cook of the St. Louis Rams is another unsung hero on this list. Cook recorded 52 receptions for 634 yards and three touchdowns. He was an essential part of the Rams' offense, and his contribution cannot be overlooked.

Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings is the final player on our list of the best tight ends in NFL 2014. Rudolph recorded 24 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Although his numbers may not be as impressive as some of the other players on this list, Rudolph is undoubtedly a talented tight end and will continue to be a vital part of the Vikings' offense.

In conclusion, the tight end position has become an essential part of every team's offense, and players have become more versatile and dynamic. The players on this list are some of the best in the league and have proven their worth time and time again. As we look forward to the next NFL season, it will be interesting to see how these players continue to evolve and improve.

People also ask about Best Tight Ends in NFL 2014

Who were the top tight ends in the NFL in 2014?

The top tight ends in the NFL in 2014 were:

1. Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots
2. Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints
3. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers
4. Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers
5. Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs

What made these tight ends stand out in 2014?

These tight ends were known for their exceptional performance in the field. They had excellent pass-catching skills, were able to run routes and make plays, and had a great understanding of the game. They were also valuable assets to their respective teams and contributed greatly to their victories.

Who was the best tight end in the NFL in 2014?

The best tight end in the NFL in 2014 was Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots. He had 1,124 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns that season, making him a dominant force on the field. He was known for his size, strength, and speed, which made him difficult to defend against.

Did any other tight ends have standout performances in 2014?

Yes, there were other tight ends who had standout performances in 2014. Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints had 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns that season, while Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers had 821 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers had 1,008 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs had 862 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

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