The tight end position has dramatically changed in the National Football League as history has progressed in recent years. No longer are they part-time offensive linemen and/or part-time receivers. The best at the position are now mismatches against defenses through the passing game. In the AFC West, many think of the legendary coaches throughout the division. However, the mismatch kings in this division are generational talents–as both the Raiders and Chiefs prove.
In fact, multiple Hall of Fame tight ends have come out of the AFC West. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Shannon Sharpe in particular each helped revolutionize the position. Even Raiders legend Dave Casper has a clear place in tight end history, in addition to his own spot in the Hall of Fame.
The apparent tradition of the AFC West having top-tier talent at the tight end position is alive and well today. One player has already secured his eventual enshrinement while another seems to be well on his way to Canton himself.
Here’s how the division’s starting tight ends stack up against each other today.
Ranking the best tight ends in the AFC West – Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders
4. Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers
Losing Gerald Everett in the offseason strongly affected this offense’s firepower. Although the team addressed their pass-catching group as a whole in the draft, there’s still more questions than there are answers. Tyler Conklin could also compete for the starting job, but he would still be inferior to the supreme talent in this division.
In 2024, Dissly recorded 481 receiving yards while scoring two touchdowns. He finished the campaign with a 69.7 grade via Pro Football Focus. As he is entering his eighth season, there’s not much room for growth at this stage in his career.
3. Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
After earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Engram struggled to stay healthy in 2024. Touchdowns come seldom for the now-former Jacksonville Jaguar, but his reception numbers are stellar. However, there was a major drop off in receptions this past season. Despite catching 114 passes the year prior, he only managed to haul in 47 balls during his ’24 campaign.
He will look to shake back as a new member of the Broncos this season. In addition to Engram, the team addressed their tight end position group as a whole during April’s draft. Caleb Lohner was welcomed to Denver in the seventh-round, hailing from the University of Utah.
The NFL’s truly elite tight ends
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Arguably the best receiving tight end in the history of the NFL has shown to be on a slight decline. Even through his past lower echelon seasons, Kelce has not missed earning a Pro Bowl nod since 2014. However, through the past two seasons, there has been a significant drop in yards per catch, touchdowns, and receiving yardage.
The magnificent career of Taylor Swift’s boyfriend will be coming to an end soon. He will be 36 years old during his 2025 campaign, although he remains one of the keenest route runners at the position; even at his age.
Kelce has established himself as the most reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, the Raiders arch nemesis. And Kelce would almost certainly remain the best tight end in the division, and possibly in football in general, if not for the Raiders new superstar.
1. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
After having the best rookie tight end season of all time, the 13th-overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is already arguably the best at his position league-wide. Last season, Bowers earned a first-team All-Pro nod along with a Pro Bowl appearance.
Bowers was able to defy the odds of success under his club’s unstable quarterback play. With Geno Smith now under center in Sin City, who’s heralded as a top-10 quarterback via PFF, there’s a legitimate chance that the Georgia alum performs at an even higher level in 2025.
At the young age of 22, the 2024 first-round pick had 112 receptions for 1194 receiving yards during his rookie campaign.
Chip Kelly is his new offensive coordinator and has the capability to expose the incredible talents he possesses. Additionally, Geno Smith will be the leader of this offense and provide stability for this offense. 2025 could be a special year for the best tight end in the AFC West.
*Top Photo: USA Today Sports
K.C. Chiefs, L.A. Chargers, Broncos Represent AFC West On Top-32 WR List