New England Patriots: Top 5 pass catching tight ends of all time

When it comes to tight ends, the New England Patriots have had some of the best pass catchers over the last four decades.  Who are the top 5?

When it comes to dominant tight ends, the avid NFL fan will bring up names like the great Ozzie Newsome, Mike Ditka and recent great pass catchers like Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Rob Gronkowski.  That is where the average NFL fan and New England Patriots fans will agree.

But, before there was a Gronk, the Patriots have had some great tight ends play in Foxboro, even when they were the laughing pit of the league.

During the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, the Patriots’ offense has always featured tight ends who could both block and catch the ball.  They have depended so much on the position that they have used offensive lineman and a defensive end by the name of Mike Vrabel at the position during goal line situations.

Go back to the late 70s thru the 90s and you will find tight ends who have either been the main offensive weapon or served as valuable contributors in the offense in some facet of the game.  Whether they have worn the silver and blue or dawned the old Pat Patriot helmet, these are the 5 best tight ends in New England Patriots history.