Travis Kelce and George Kittle are widely considered the two best tight ends in the NFL, but which one is awarded the crown as the league’s most talented player at the position is up for debate.
In Pro Football Network’s NFL Top 100 List, was Kelce or Kittle the highest-ranked player at the position? Which tight end was the third-highest-ranked player on the list, and how many of them made the list in general?
Tight Ends in PFN’s NFL Top 100
1) Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (21st overall)
Although Travis Kelce couldn’t match his 2022 statistics last year, he still ranked second among tight ends in yardage (984), third in receptions (93), and scored five touchdowns, continuing to add to his Hall of Fame résumé in his age-34 campaign.
Kelce’s unparalleled connection with Mahomes and his ability to find open space make him the NFL’s top tight end entering 2024.
2) George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers (28th overall)
Catching passes in San Francisco’s highly schemed offense, George Kittle posted 15.7 yards per reception; Kyle Pitts was the only other TE with at least 40 targets to put up even 12 yards per catch. And let’s not forget that Kittle remains the NFL’s best blocking tight end and could probably play offensive tackle if needed.
3) Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens (53rd overall)
Here’s how productive Mark Andrews has been over the past five seasons: Despite missing the back half of the 2023 campaign with injuries, Andrews still ranks second among tight ends in targets (513), receptions (347), yards (4,305), first downs (231), and touchdowns (37) since 2019.
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Working as Jackson’s de facto No. 1 receiving option in Baltimore, Andrews should be in for another dominant season in 2024.
4) Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions (64th overall)
Tight end is such a demanding position that rookies often have trouble adjusting to the NFL — but don’t tell that to Sam LaPorta.
After being drafted 34th overall by the Lions in 2023, LaPorta broke the league record for receptions by a rookie TE (86). His 10 touchdowns led all tight ends, while his 889 receiving yards ranked fifth.
5) T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings (82nd overall)
T.J. Hockenson was in the midst of a career-best season (95-960-5) before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 16. A reliably explosive athlete, Hockenson posted 13 catches of 20+ yards, second-most among tight ends. He’s not expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
How Hockenson recovers – and meshes with Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy – will determine where he lands on the 2025 version of The PFN 100.