TOP 20 TIGHT ENDS

By War Room Scouts

updated 10:50 p.m. ET July 24, 2008

The modern NFL tight end can no longer get away with being a plodding, one-dimensional, nice-sized blocker and expect to stay on the field often for his team.

Instead, the position has evolved as one for premier, basketball-style athletes whose teams hope they can change the entire dynamics of their passing offense. It's all about an impressive combination of size and speed that's hard to stop in both close quarters and on intermediate routes:

1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Gates is the best receiving tight end in the business. He is a physical specimen who creates mismatches all over the field.

2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Became a certified superstar in 2007 with an awesome 96-reception season. He's a vertical threat and also Tony Romo's favorite target underneath, but Witten also has become a very effective blocker, which aids the Cowboys' running game.

3. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns
With 171 receptions over the past two seasons, Winslow has finally become the star everyone projected him to be. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare, and his ability to align just about anywhere on the field opens up several options for the Browns' offense.

4. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
Gonzalez is called upon to do more blocking in the latter stage of his career as the Chiefs' current offensive line is a shell of its former self. So while that curbs his statistics, he remains a consummate pro who can still change a game with his receiving skills when given the chance and is as good as most offensive tackles in taking on run-blocking assignments.

5. Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints
Shockey's greatest weaknesses are his head and his mouth. If he would just stop complaining long enough, he would be recognized for the outstanding receiving threat he is. He is also a better blocker than most think -- he just doesn't like to block.

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6. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Clark, an athletic pass-catcher, owns the middle of the field because of his ability to outrun linebackers and outmuscle safeties, and his football IQ allows him to excel in the Colts' read option system. Clark can stretch the seam and does enough as a blocker to allow the team to keep him in any game situation.

7. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' change to a more pass-oriented attack in the red zone has created more opportunities for Miller. He is a top-flight end zone target, creates mismatches with his size in short and intermediate zones, and uses his body well to shield defenders. And because he plays for the Steelers, it's a given he excels as a run blocker.

8. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens
Injuries have gotten the better of Heap in two of the past four seasons. While he can't help the team from the sidelines, the fact that the Ravens already meager passing attack falls apart without him speaks volumes of his talents. Hands, speed, route-running, field vision -- he has it all. If Heap can somehow remain more durable, Cam Cameron's offense will be a boon for him.

9. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
More H-back than traditional tight end, Cooley is great around the ball, showing soft hands and the ability to find open field in zone coverage. He has deceptive speed, gets on defenders quickly and is underestimated as a deep threat. Cooley also blocks best in t he open field, as he lacks the strength and bulk to hold up as a physical inline blocker.

10. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans
Crumpler comes to the Titans with some injury history and hasn't been an impact player with anyone other than Michael Vick under center. However, he has great size and can make plays in the open field. In the confines of the red zone, he also shows strength and power as a blocker. Vince Young relies heavily on his tight end, which could signal a needed rejuvenation for Crumpler.

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