To paraphrase the NFL's definition of a TE: a tight end is both an eligible receiver and a blocker. “This position combines the attributes of receivers and lineman and will block during a running play or run a route during a passing play.” Tip: sometimes referred to as a Slot Receiver.
So basically, this is a player who is nimble enough to bob and weave, but big enough to knock a defensive player on his keister. Check and check.
How can you tell if a player is a tight end or a receiver? Well, he’s generally a tall and strong guy who you may also see running a route. They share numbers with wide receivers, so you’ll look for numbers beginning with 1, 4, or 8. It's the guy on the field that my tall homegirls will want to reserve for themselves, but only if they're the sort of chick that likes to get tossed around before making whoopee. On the field, he's the guy that's going to be the lover (catching the beloved pigskin) and the fighter (knocking a defensive lineman on his ass when he's in protection mode).
Notable tight ends for this year (in no particular order):
Jimmy Graham*
Vernon Davis
Rob Gronkowski
Julius Thomas
Tight ends are bound to be a hot position this year, with Tony Gonzalez** setting the standard for what a TE should be doing over his illustrious career; and Julius Thomas and Rob Gronkowski just going HAM last year. Choose wisely in your fantasy leagues this year...you never know when this hybrid position is going to join the elite points-horses we all know and love.
*Yes, officially. There was a whole thing. Check the explanation here.
**Or as I like to call him, Sex on a Stick.
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