2015 NFL Free Agency: All-offense team

Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) catches a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End: Julius Thomas

I wanted to add two tight ends to this offense, but wasn’t able to because of the tremendous depth at receiver in this free agent class and the relative lack of depth at tight end. After Thomas, the drop-off in talent level is evident – Jordan Cameron and Jermaine Gresham are the next tier of talent.

Thomas did not have such a great season himself in 2014 either. After his three-touchdown performance in Week 1, his play slipped. That’s most likely because he has been battling ankle injuries for what seems like forever, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that he didn’t have an exceptional season.

With that said, I wouldn’t take any other free agent tight end over Thomas. Some may think he’s simply a by-product of Peyton Manning’s greatness and the system in which he played, but that can be debunked easily. For a tight end, Thomas’s route running is exceptional; he generates separation either. He is a big target who has a wide catch radius – it can be argued that he helped Peyton Manning out as much as Manning helped him.

Thomas is easily a top five tight end in the league. Not many people would take him over Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, but he’s the next tier down.

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