NFL Tight End No.1 Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
When Derek Carr takes his drop back this season, he will have two of the best receiving options in the league.
Acquiring Davante Adams from the Packers added fuel to a growing fire that Darren Waller attempted to ignite last season.
Waller’s speed and size create a mismatch for both linebackers and safeties.
His six-foot-six frame paired with his 4.46 forty-time makes the Raiders’ tight end a threat anywhere between the numbers. A 12.1-yard per game average helped the Raiders build a foundation for the upcoming season.
Finding Waller on a crowded field was not an issue for Carr in 2021. A 60.5 yards per game average ranked 5th among tight ends. While the Raiders find their groove on offense, fans can rely on Waller to show up.
NFL Honorable Mention Tight End Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts is expected to have a standout season in 2022 – and he cannot do it without Dallas Goedert.
Devonta Smith and AJ Brown are options to complete passes at the receiver position – but the tight end will receive most of the receptions.
Nick Sirianni and the Eagles coaching staff have invested in their QB’s future and must call plays that help him grow as a quarterback. Goedert has shown that he can make plays when it counts. His 830 yards receiving ranked 5th among tight ends last season.
Watching the NFL become passer-friendly has changed how tight ends are evaluated. Pass protection and run blocking still play a role in the life of an extension of the line.
As the game continues to evolve, so will its positions, granting more opportunities for players who are great at their jobs.