When it comes to identifying the very best tight end in the NFL, ESPNs Stephen A. Smith certainly remains in the minority.
” When you take a look at Kittles obstructing … absolutely is worthy of a lot of credit because regard, however outside of that, I dont see anything that hes bringing to the table that Travis Kelce cant bring or hasnt brought over the last several years, and theres something to say about your resume. I think Travis Kelce is that guy. I think hes the best tight end in football.”.
Kittles own peers just recently ranked him as not only the very best tight end in the NFL, but the No. 7 general gamer in the league.
And yet, Smith vehemently– and incorrectly– thinks Travis Kelce, not Kittle, is the finest tight end in the league (by means of 49ers Web Zone.).
The agreement of more than 50 league executives, scouts and coaches is that 49ers tight end George Kittle is the very best gamer in the league at his position.
” He has had about four or 5 (its 4) consecutive 1,000-plus-yard seasons,” Smith stated of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Wednesday on “First Take.” “Hes good for a minimum of 85 receptions a season. I believe in 2015 he had about 97 for 1,200 (backyards) and modification. Travis Kelces the real deal as far as Im concerned.
Pro Football Focus didnt just grade Kittle as the NFLs leading tight end last season; he was their highest-graded player in general at any position.
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” Youre wrong,” Kellerman responded. “Travis Kelce is great– no disrespect to Travis Kelce, who looked like for a minute he took over from (Rob Gronkowski)– and now Kittle has actually got it.
Kelce is a sensational player, to be sure. It was whos the best right now, and theres a reason why the large majority of people in the know have given Kittle as their response.
” By the method, Kittle averages more captures, more yards and more lawns per catch than Kelce– thats just the capturing. And if you want to say youll take Kelce in that department, I get it. Kittles specialness, even there, as much as he can capture it is the way he runs it, the way he refuses to decrease, which is inspirational to enjoy.
” Kelce is an excellent tight end,” Kellerman included, “but I dont think theres actually a dispute right now. The No. 1 man in business is Kittle.”.
Smiths co-host, Max Kellerman, set him straight.
While Kelce most likely has a benefit in terms of route-running, you cant point to many other elements of the position at which he isnt superior. And to gloss over Kittles run-blocking as Smith did totally disregards a substantial aspect of a tight ends responsibilities.
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Booger McFarland– the tiebreaker– called it like it is.
” By the way, Kittle averages more captures, more backyards and more yards per catch than Kelce– thats just the catching. And right now, today, George Kittle is the best tight end. Hes the finest tight end in football.”.
” Listen, Im not concerned about 6 straight years. Were talking about right now,” McFarland said. “Im not concerned about the past 5, six years. Nobody cares what you did 10 years ago. What are you doing for me right now? And today, today, George Kittle is the very best tight end. Hes the very best tight end in football.”.
” When you look at Kittles obstructing … absolutely should have a lot of credit in that regard, but outside of that, I do not see anything that hes bringing to the table that Travis Kelce cant bring or hasnt brought over the last a number of years, and theres something to say about your resume. I think hes the finest tight end in football.”.
