The tight ends of Gen Z are poised to take over the NFL, bringing a fresh wave of talent and skill to the field.
Since Rob Gronkowski entered the league in 2010, fans have witnessed a remarkable evolution in the tight end position. Gronkowski’s retirement in 2021 left a legacy as the greatest tight end in NFL history, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
In the wake of Gronk’s departure, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has emerged as a dominant force, chasing records and securing multiple Super Bowl victories. He stands as the leader of the current tight end class, while George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers continues to make waves. The establishment of Tight End University—founded by Kittle, Kelce, and former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen—has spotlighted this often-overlooked position, highlighting its importance in modern football.
However, both Kelce and Kittle are on the wrong side of 30, prompting a new generation of tight ends to rise. This fresh class is eager to make their mark in the NFL.
Looking back five years, in 2018, teams utilized multiple tight end sets 20.2% of the time. This figure may seem modest, but a closer examination reveals a significant shift. In 2018, teams employed 12 personnel just 16.5% of the time, translating to 5,320 snaps. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has surged to 6,642 snaps, marking an increase of over 1,000 plays. This uptick reflects the growing reliance on tight ends in offensive strategies.
As the NFL landscape evolves, young tight ends are swiftly stepping into the limelight. Here are five promising players from “TE Gen Z” who could soon be household names like Kelce, Kittle, or Gronkowski:
1. Lions TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta is the standout rookie tight end who shattered records in 2023. He set the league record for receptions by a rookie tight end with 82 catches, surpassing Keith Jackson’s previous record. LaPorta also scored 10 touchdowns, joining legends Gronkowski and Mike Ditka as the only tight ends to achieve double-digit touchdowns in their debut seasons.
In a high-powered Lions offense that reached the NFC Championship Game, LaPorta amassed 889 yards on 86 receptions. With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returning, expectations are sky-high for the Lions. If they secure their first Super Bowl appearance, LaPorta will undoubtedly be a key player in that journey.
2. Cardinals TE Trey McBride
In Arizona, tight end Trey McBride has made significant strides following a challenging rookie season. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, McBride initially struggled, recording only 29 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.
However, the 2023 season proved to be a turning point. McBride’s receiving yards skyrocketed to 825, and he added three touchdowns to his stat line. This improvement comes as Arizona’s offense begins to find its rhythm, positioning McBride as a key contributor moving forward.
3. Bills TE Dalton Kincaid
Dalton Kincaid is set for a breakout year with the Buffalo Bills. Following the trade of Stefon Diggs to the Texans, the team is looking for reliable targets for quarterback Josh Allen. Kincaid’s role as a dependable tight end could be pivotal as the Bills navigate a competitive division.
In his rookie season, Kincaid caught 73 passes for 673 yards. While he only scored two touchdowns, his impressive 80.2% catch rate indicates a strong connection with Allen, suggesting that his production will continue to rise.
4. Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson is poised for a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. With Dak Prescott’s contract year upon them, the pressure is on for Ferguson to step up. Currently, the Cowboys’ offense relies heavily on CeeDee Lamb, but they need additional playmakers to keep defenses guessing.
Ferguson made significant progress from his rookie year, catching 71 passes for 761 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. His performance placed him among the top ten tight ends, and he also ranked in the top five for receiving yards over expectation. As the primary target in a less crowded receiving corps, Ferguson’s potential to shine is immense.
5. Packers TE Luke Musgrave
Luke Musgrave is a wildcard in this tight end discussion, having faced injury challenges last season. However, his potential shines through in key moments. During the postseason, the Green Bay Packers utilized Musgrave effectively, showcasing his ability to make crucial catches in high-pressure situations.
Despite only recording 34 catches for 352 yards in the regular season, Musgrave’s postseason performance included six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. As he continues to develop, both his regular season and playoff numbers are expected to rise.
Honorable Mention: Raiders TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers, entering his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, is generating buzz as a standout athlete from Georgia. Although he hasn’t played in the NFL yet, reports from training camp indicate he is impressing coaches and teammates alike. Teaming up with Michael Mayer, Bowers could form a formidable duo at tight end.
As he shares the field with Davante Adams, one of the league’s top receivers, Bowers has the potential to carve out a significant role in the Raiders’ offense. If he can replicate LaPorta’s rookie success, he may soon be a name to watch.
