The tight end position has evolved dramatically in the modern NFL. Once primarily a blocking role, today’s tight ends are expected to be elite pass-catchers, dynamic route runners, and still contribute in the trenches. But looking back at NFL history, there are several former tight ends whose skill sets would translate seamlessly to today’s game.
Whether due to their athleticism, hands, or versatility, these ten former NFL tight ends could still make an impact if they suited up today.
10. Greg Olsen
Olsen was a model of consistency, logging three straight 1,000-yard seasons in the mid-2010s. Even though he retired after the 2020 season, his ability to find soft spots in coverage and his elite route-running would still make him a productive pass-catcher today.
9. Dallas Clark
Clark was one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets in Indianapolis because of his intelligence, precise route-running, and reliable hands. In today’s game, where tight ends are often moved around the formation, Clark’s versatility would make him a dangerous weapon.
8. Jimmy Graham (Prime Version)
At his peak, Graham was a dominant receiving tight end, tallying multiple 1,000-yard seasons and being nearly impossible to defend in the red zone. His basketball background helped him make contested catches, and his 6’7” frame would still give him an advantage in today’s game.
7. Vernon Davis
Davis was one of the most athletic tight ends the league has ever seen. Running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at 6’3”, 250 pounds, he was a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties. In today’s game, where speed kills, he’d still be a top-tier player.
6. Ozzie Newsome
Before becoming a legendary front-office executive, Newsome was one of the best pass-catching tight ends of his era. He finished with over 7,900 receiving yards despite playing in an era when tight ends weren’t used as primary weapons. His smooth route-running and reliable hands would fit perfectly in today’s NFL.
5. Rob Gronkowski
Gronk last played in 2021, but does anyone really believe he couldn’t still dominate? With his combination of size, strength, and agility, he remains one of the most unguardable tight ends in NFL history. If he came back tomorrow, he’d still be a top-five tight end.
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4. Kellen Winslow Sr.
Winslow revolutionized the tight end position in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his ability to stretch the field and line up anywhere in the formation. His legendary 1981 playoff performance, where he caught 13 passes for 166 yards and blocked a potential game-winning field goal, proves he could thrive in today’s high-powered offenses.
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3. Shannon Sharpe
Sharpe was ahead of his time. In an era where tight ends were mostly blockers, he became one of the best receiving threats in the league. With over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns, he was built for today’s game, where tight ends are used more like oversized receivers. Plus, his personality would be a perfect fit for today’s social media-driven era.
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2. Antonio Gates
Another former basketball player-turned-tight-end, Antonio Gates redefined the position with his ability to box out defenders and make contested catches. He still holds the record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end (116). His footwork, hands, and ability to create mismatches would make him an elite red-zone threat in today’s NFL.
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1. Tony Gonzalez
We’re ending with the obvious. Tony Gonzalez is arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. With 1,325 career receptions, 15,127 receiving yards, and 111 touchdowns, his skill set would make him dominant in today’s pass-heavy league. At 6’5”, 247 pounds, he had the speed and agility of a wide receiver with the size of a tight end—a prototype for today’s game.
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