Best Tight end ever to playthe game.

[Awsi Dooger]

As with any position in the NFL it's hard to narrow it down so I always just list a Top 5. I'm basing my rankings on passing receiving ability, blocking & influence on the position of TE. Here is my top 5 TE's of all-time:

Tony Gonzalez
Kellen Winslow
John Mackey
Ozzie Newsome
Mike Ditka

On the cusp:
Shannon Sharpe
Dave Casper
Jackie Smith

That's a good summation. I posted several times in this thread and omitted Gonzalez only because his career is obviously still in progress. Gonzalez and both Winslows are the most athletic TEs I have ever seen. I still don't put it past Kellen Jr. making this list in 10 or 15 years. Remember, he came out a year early, so even missing two years he will be the equivalent of a 5th year senior entering the NFL next year, same as Ronnie Brown this year. Provided the knee injury is not career threatening, of course.

 

[RLMIAMI]

This position may be the hardest to determine who was the best ever.

Though I do have to say that for 3 years Mark Bavaro was a monster.