Who's No. 1? We don't do power rankings at Go Long... unless it's "National Tight Ends Day." Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, John Mackey are all put into historical context right here.
Great list and great stuff, as always, Tyler. An under-the-radar name worth top-10 consideration is Keith Jackson, who was simply an outrageous athlete at the position for the Eagles, Dolphins and Packers. Highly productive too.
In the last 50 years, there are five players to make first-team All-Pro in each of their first three NFL seasons. Five. And Jackson is one of them, along with Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor and Quenton Nelson. That is some elite company.
Jackson was so good that, in his ninth and final season, he scored 10 TDs on only 40 receptions as Green Bay won the Super Bowl. Tremendous player everywhere he went.
P.S. I understand any outcry for Casper, who ran routes like a receiver but could block. He was actually an All-American offensive tackle at Notre Dame who converted to tight end, instead of the other way around.
Great list and great stuff, as always, Tyler. An under-the-radar name worth top-10 consideration is Keith Jackson, who was simply an outrageous athlete at the position for the Eagles, Dolphins and Packers. Highly productive too.
In the last 50 years, there are five players to make first-team All-Pro in each of their first three NFL seasons. Five. And Jackson is one of them, along with Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor and Quenton Nelson. That is some elite company.
Jackson was so good that, in his ninth and final season, he scored 10 TDs on only 40 receptions as Green Bay won the Super Bowl. Tremendous player everywhere he went.
Thanks, Tyler.
Randy (http://www.armchairqb.com)
P.S. I understand any outcry for Casper, who ran routes like a receiver but could block. He was actually an All-American offensive tackle at Notre Dame who converted to tight end, instead of the other way around.