In the NFL, the tight end position is often the unsung hero, showcasing a unique blend of skills that straddle the line between being a reliable receiver and a formidable blocker. While many teams opt to specialize their players for these dual roles, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers has truly excelled at doing it all, and that versatility has earned him the title of the league’s top tight end, as voted by a panel of eight Associated Press Pro Football Writers.
Kittle’s impressive performance leading into the 2025 season was reflected in the voting, where he secured five first-place votes and a couple of second-place nods, accumulating enough points to solidify his number one ranking. The voting system awarded first-place choices with 10 points each, ensuring that Kittle’s all-around ability shone brightly in this evaluation.
Hot on his heels from Las Vegas is rookie sensation Brock Bowers, who made a remarkable entrance into the league with a record-setting debut season. Bowers’ numbers speak volumes: 1,194 yards and 112 receptions made him the most prolific rookie tight end in NFL history, successfully capturing two first-place votes in this ranking. His performance quickly marked him as a primary receiving threat in the tight end slot.
Following up is Kansas City’s Travis Kelce, a name synonymous with tight end excellence over the years. While Kelce remains among the top producers at the position—boasting an impressive career total of 1,004 receptions for 12,151 yards—there are whispers that age may be catching up with him. Last season saw a dip in both his yards per reception and overall play, indicating he might need to adapt his game going forward.
Arizona’s Trey McBride is making waves of his own, showcasing continual growth since being drafted. His 111 catches and 1,146 receiving yards last season not only made him a standout but also positioned him just behind Bowers in terms of production. One area where McBride seeks to improve? The red zone, where a disappointing two touchdown receptions left fans hungry for more scoring contributions.
Completing the list is Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens. For years, Andrews has been a staple among tight ends, but following an injury-plagued season in 2023, he faced challenges in maintaining his previous production levels. Though he led all tight ends with 11 touchdown receptions last season, his overall numbers took a hit, and he will need to bounce back to regain his elite status.
So, as we look ahead to the coming season, it’s clear that tight ends like Kittle and Bowers are leading the charge. With their standout performances and multifaceted skill sets, they are rewriting the script on what it means to be a tight end in today’s game. Fans should keep a close eye on both the established stars and the rising talent as they continue to shape the future of this pivotal position.
