Ranking the Top 5 Tight Ends Entering the 2025 NFL Season
The tight end position may be the most versatile in football as the role seems to expand each year, with players at the position doing more than just blocking.
The position is so important now that some argue that a team must have a top tight end to win a Super Bowl.
Here’s the top five tight ends heading into 2025.
Ranking the Top 5 Tight Ends in the NFL
1. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were riddled with injuries during the 2024 season, but George Kittle was one of the lone bright spots. Kittle had another 1,000-yard season to go along with eight touchdowns. He was also rated the top run-blocking tight end among NFL sites. The two-time First-Team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection is the best overall tight end in the game as he has separated himself from the rest of the pack.
2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
Another NFC West tight end comes in at no. 2. McBride did everything for the Arizona Cardinals last season catching 111 passes (4th) and finishing with 1,146 receiving yards (11th). McBride doesn’t get as much recognition because of the market he plays in with Arizona. Despite not having a receiving touchdown until week 17 the Penn State product increased his production significantly going against tough defenses in the NFC West. Expect him to take his game up to another level in 2025.
3. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
Yes, I know this is high praise for a tight end who has only played one season for the Las Vegas Raiders, but he could have won offensive rookie of the year if it wasn’t for Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders. Some could argue it was the best rookie season for a tight end in NFL history. He finished the season with 112 receptions (3rd) and tied for 8th in receiving yards, with 1,194.
The Georgia Bulldogs alum also experienced erratic quarterback play throughout the season along with not having much help on the outside or running the game. Defenses game planned for Bowers each week and he still put up staggering numbers. With Geno Smith behind center, I expect his numbers to increase this season.
4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens tight end had a slow start to the season but after four games he was able to find his form. Andrews only had 62 catches for 761 yards. However, he caught 11 touchdowns, all in the red zone, leading the position and proving why he is such a reliable go-to target when the Ravens need a score. He ended the regular season with a receiving touchdown in his last six games. With Baltimore getting more help for Quarterback Lamar Jackson on the outside, expect Andrews to raise his play with higher numbers next season.
5. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Hockenson continues to be a security blanket for whoever is under center. Despite not playing until week 9, due to injury, the Minnesota Vikings standout caught multiple passes in every game he played in 2024. He has proven over time that he can be reliable throughout a season. The two-time Pro Bowl selection brought down 46 passes with 519 yards in just 11 games. Barring injuries, Hockenson is still one of the best tight ends in the game.
To some surprise, Travis Kelce did not make the list. Father time has caught up with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end after he finished with 97 receptions (12th), 823 receiving yards and only 3 receiving touchdowns. The four-time first-team All-Pro has lost a step and was not productive for most of the season. Kelce, who some would argue is one of the best of all time at the position, will look to prove the doubters wrong in what most assume will be his last season in 2025.
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