Tight end is one of the most demanding and respected positions in the NFL. The best can seamlessly transition from big-play receiver to effective blocker. In one case, running and catching also come into the equation.

It’s no surprise that there’s a close bond between the brothers in arms at the position, including their own “Tight End U,” who all serve as top instructors. These guys have proven that if they combine the hard with the nice, they can also reach quarterback status.

Based on a combination of recent past performance and near-future potential, here is a ranking of the top 15 tight ends for the 2024 regular season, starting with a difficult but “quick” decision.

NFL Tight End Rankings 2024

1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (Age: 34)

Kelce has had a celebrity girlfriend with a new look since last summer. He can also be proud that his veteran colleagues continue to do so well, along with some promising young stars who may soon take up the torch. For now, it’s his three rings and his glory days in the Hall of Fame as he continues to build on his GOAT status.

2. George Kittle, 49ers (Age: 30)

Kittle had an exceptional, healthy season in 2023, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the third time in his career while stretching the field for Brock Purdy. He averaged a career-high 15.7 yards per catch and also broke that mark as a ferocious run blocker.

3. Sam LaPorta, Lions (Age: 23)

LaPorta established himself as a dangerous all-around receiver as a rookie with 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 TDs. He was great at catching passes all over the field, but to get to the top of the non-fantasy rankings, he needs a block spike.

4. Mark Andrews, Ravens (Age: 28)

Andrews paved the way for LaPorta as a receiver, a classic intermediate threat with extra power in the red zone. If he stays healthy, he can have a great season considering how good he was in Todd Monken’s offense in 2023.

5. TJ Hockenson, Vikings (Age: 27)

Hockenson handled the move from Detroit well and opened the door for LaPorta. Let’s hope he’s back on the field soon after injuring his knee, spoiling the end of a special season in which he had 95 catches for 960 yards.

6. Trey McBride, Cardinals (Age: 24)

McBride was a surprise sophomore out of necessity as the Cardinals’ wide receiver group struggled with injuries while Kyler Murray and the rest of their quarterbacks were lagging. He’ll be special playing opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. and getting better coverage in the middle of the field.

7. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (Age: 25)

Ferguson had 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns as Dak Prescott’s last major target at tight end during the regular season. He showed his greatest potential in the final game, when he scored three times in the shootout in the playoff loss to the Packers.

8. Dalton Kincaid, Bills (Age: 24)

Kincaid showed off his great talent as a pass receiver in the first round with 73 catches for 673 yards as a rookie. He will be a focal point in Joe Brady’s offense starting in year two as Buffalo looks to replace many reliable pass receivers for Josh Allen with more two-tight end sets.

9. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (Age: 23)

Pitts got a taste of Matt Ryan’s late-career potential, eclipsing 1,000 yards as a rookie, but since then the Falcons have struggled to deliver the ball well strategically and personnel-wise to the 2021 No. 4 pick. With Kirk Cousins ​​in a new, more pass-happy offense that gives him better space, Pitts can finally reach his maximum.

10. Taysom Hill, Saints (Age: 34)

The NFL’s ultimate slash player cannot be defined as a tight end in the traditional sense. He’s a quarterback. He’s a running back. He’s a wide receiver. Bottom line: He’s capable of big things when he has the ball in his hands. There was room on this list for his unconventional performance and dangerous versatility.

11. Evan Engram, Jaguars (Age: 29)

Engram, who has battled key injuries in a sometimes dysfunctional passing game, came out of necessity with a career-high 114 catches for 963 yards last season. He remains a vital player on the interior for Trevor Lawrence, as does the returning Christian Kirk.

12. David Njoku, Browns (age: 28)

Njoku was sent into his best season as a pass receiver after being backed up by Joe Flacco late in the year. He set a career high with 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns. He will have to play a key role behind Amari Cooper for Deshaun Watson, even as Cleveland looks to upgrade at wide receiver.

13. Dalton Schultz, Texans (Age: 28)

Schultz is a reliable receiver with good blocks when it matters. He’s there to continue to help CJ Stroud on intermediate routes that flow well from the deeper downfield passing game.

14. Dallas Goedert, Eagles (Age: 29)

He’s on the rise, and his catches have declined as he’s become more of a seam stretcher when playing against AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith over the past two seasons. There’s hope he can be used more often for the big plays in Kellen Moore’s offense.

15. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (age: 25)

Freiermuth has been used sparingly in Pittsburgh’s offense, which has also had limited results in the running game due to its weak quarterback. He will regularly be on the field for OC Arthur Smith and can help out more as a red zone receiver beyond his traditional inline blocking role.