What Is A Tight End? The NFL’s Big Guys
In American football, the tight end (TE) is an offensive position. It is a hybrid position with traits and responsibilities from both a receiver and an offensive lineman.
The tight end, quite possibly of football’s most distinctive position, is urgent to both the passing and rushing attacks.
Here at Cleats Hub, we will discuss what a tight end is, what they do on the field, and what characteristics make an extraordinary tight end here.
What is a Tight End?
A tight end is a player who lines up close to the offensive tackle on the offensive squad. In a mixture position, the tight end joins the obligations of a wide receiver and an offensive lineman.
Blocking and receiving are the tight end’s two main duties. By blocking opposing players, who are typically linebackers or defensive ends, the tight end assists in protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes for the running back.
Moreover, the tight end runs routes and collects passes that the quarterback throws while playing the receiving position.
Also, tight ends are much of the time more agile and faster than offensive linemen while being greater and more grounded than wide receivers. They are versatile and can be sent in various attacking methodologies because of their mix of size and speed.
Moreover, tight ends are regularly used by quarterbacks as safety valves since they offer a reliable objective for short passes and help in moving the chains by changing over third downs.
Responsibilities of a Tight End
Blocking: A tight end’s role in blocking is one of the most important. Since tight ends are frequently stronger and bigger than wide receivers, they can effectively block on running plays.
It is worth noting here that by stopping opponents or establishing a seal on the edge of the line, they aid in making room for the running back to move through.
Also, the tight end may oversee blocking an opposing defender during passing plays to assist in defending the quarterback.
Receiving: The tight end is an important receiver in the passing game as well. They are usually used as a dependable targets for short- to medium-range throws by the quarterback.
Tight ends commonly cross across the center of the field where they may outmuscle opponents with their size and strength.
Red Zone Target: At the point when the quarterback is in the end zone, the tight end is habitually a decent objective since they might utilize their solidarity and rawness to outclass lesser safeguards.
In the red zone, where a score can be the contrast between winning and losing, they can impact the course of the game.
Types of Tight Ends
The “Y” or “traditional” tight end and the “H” or “move” tight end are the two main categories of tight ends in American football.
Y or traditional tight end: The main purpose of this kind of tight end is blocking. Blocking defensive linemen, linebackers, and occasionally even defensive backs is the responsibility of the Y tight end, who is frequently positioned close to the offensive tackle.
H tight ends are more frequently used in the passing game than Y tight ends, which are typically bigger and stronger.
H tight end: This sort of tight end, frequently known as a “move” tight end, is all the more of the time used for receiving. Normally situated away from the offensive line, the H tight end might arrange in the opening or even split out wide like a wide receiver.
H tight ends are typically more athletic, quicker, and employed more in the passing game than Y tight ends.
It should ne mentioned here that tight ends can also be used as a hybrid players by some teams, who will employ them as fullbacks or H-back in the backfield.
Qualities of a Great Tight End
Size and Strength: As previously said, tight ends are frequently stronger and bulkier than wide receivers.
So they should have serious areas of strength to be sufficiently huge to take on defensive linemen and linebackers to find true success blockers in the running match-up.
However, in the passing game, they should likewise have the option to isolate from protectors utilizing their solidarity and size.
Agility and Speed: As well as areas of strength for being huge, tight ends should be speedy and deft to run courses and make catches in the passing game. The tight ends who can move well and find openings rapidly are ordinarily the best in the passing game.
Versatility: The best tight ends can succeed at both the position’s receiving and blocking responsibilities. They can be dependable receivers in the passing game and efficient blockers on running plays.
Size and Attributes of a Tight End
In American football, tight ends are every now and again actually larger and bigger than wide receivers. They frequently weigh somewhere in the range of 240 and 265 pounds and stand somewhere in the range of 6’3″ and 6’7″.
To obstruct protectors and run courses proficiently, tight ends need to have a mix of size, strength, and snappiness.
Besides, tight ends are a critical piece of any football group considering their size and real characteristics. They can make mismatches against lesser protectors on account of their level and weight.
Moreover, speed allows tight ends to run routes and catch passes down the field, while their power enables them to block successfully in the running game.
Generally, tight ends’ physical characteristics and size play a crucial impact in how they perform in American football. They are a significant addition to any team because they need a special set of abilities and physical qualities.
Why is a Tight End called a Tight End?
The term alludes to the offensive line position that the player holds close to the tackle at the line of scrimmage. Since tight ends stand up toward the finish of the offensive line and are close to the offensive line, “tight” was coined to portray them.
At the point when there are no open focuses, this position regularly goes about as a receiver for the quarterback. But much like a fullback, the tight end may also be in charge of leading the block.
Top Tight Ends in American Football History
It’s hard to limit the main five tight ends in American football history in light of the fact that countless extraordinary players have ruled the position throughout the long term.
The following are five of the best close finishes to at any point play the game, positioned on their career achievements:
Tony Gonzalez
The vast majority concur that Gonzalez is the best tight end in NFL history. He partook in the association for 17 seasons, investing most of his energy with the Atlanta Falcons of prey and Kansas City Chiefs.
Gonzalez collected 1,325 receptions, 15,127 receiving yards, and 111 touchdowns all through his profession.
He was picked for 14 Pro Bowls, multiple times got First-Team All-Pro honors, and in 2019 he was drafted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Rob Gronkowski
One of the most prevailing tight ends of his time is Gronkowski, ordinarily known as “Gronk.” He was with the New England Patriots for most of his career and aided the group’s four Super Bowl triumphs.
Gronkowski collected 8,484 receiving yards and 86 touchdowns all through his career. He has acquired five Pro Bowl choices and four First-Team All-Pro honors.
Shannon Sharpe
Sharpe partook in the NFL for 14 seasons, investing most of his energy with the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos.
Sharpe amassed 815 receptions, 10,060 receiving yards, and 62 scores for his career.
He was picked for eight Pro Bowls and got four First-Team All-Pro nods. 2011 saw Sharpe’s acceptance into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow partook in nine NFL seasons, investing most of his energy with the San Diego Chargers.
Winslow aggregated 541 receptions, 6,741 receiving yards, and 45 touchdowns all through his career.
He was once named to the First Team All-Pro and was picked for five Pro Bowls. In 1995, Winslow turned into an individual from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ozzie Newsome
For the course of his 13-year NFL profession, Newsome played solely for the Cleveland Browns. Newsome amassed 662 receptions, 7,980 receiving yards, and 47 touchdowns all through his profession.
He got one First-Team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl. In 1999, Newsome was revered in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Aside from these five, there have been numerous other remarkable players who have flourished in the position throughout the long term.
It will be fascinating to find out how the tight end position creates turning out forward given how pivotal it has become in the ongoing game.
TOP 10 Tight Ends With Most Receiving Yards in NFL History
| Rank | Players | Receiving Yards |
| 1 | Tony Gonzalez | 15,127 |
| 2 | Jason Witten | 13,046 |
| 3 | Antonio Gates | 11,841 |
| 4 | Travis Kelce | 10,344 |
| 5 | Shannon Sharpe | 9,961 |
| 6 | Rob Gronkowski | 9,286 |
| 7 | Greg Olsen | 8,683 |
| 8 | Jimmy Graham | 8,506 |
| 9 | Ozzie Newsome | 7,980 |
| 10 | Jackie Smith | 7,918 |
Conclusion
To finish up, a tight end should be sufficiently flexible to have the option to run, catch, and block.
They can be a quarterback’s dearest companion on passing plays since they give a second receiving choice.
Yet, let’s be honest; tight ends are primarily known for their amazing catching abilities. They frequently execute spectacular grabs that leave spectators in awe thanks to their size and athleticism.
Therefore, tight ends assume a critical part in American football, despite the fact that they may not generally be at the center of attention. A toast to the uncelebrated yet truly great individuals of the game — the tight ends.
