1. Rob Gronkowski, NE

Gronk is clearly the top tight end, and this one doesn’t require a ton of explanation. He’s bigger, stronger, faster and better. Gronk was on a snap count for the majority of last season and was used somewhat sparingly. He caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. Gronk is on a path to where the conversation isn’t going to be about him being the best in the league but the best to ever play the game. It’s too early to crown him yet, but he certainly looks like a contender when you consider he’s also an excellent blocker.

2. Jimmy Graham, SEA

Graham struggled through a shoulder injury last season but still managed to be a high-end TE1. He is virtually a receiver that plays tight end. The former Miami Hurricane basketball star can go up and get it in the end zone as well as anyone in the league. His numbers (85 rec, 889 yards, 10 TDs) were a bit down this season but a fully healed shoulder should have him right back to form in 2015. This year he’ll be catching passes from Russell Wilson in Seattle. The Saints traded him prior to the draft for a first-round pick and offensive lineman Max Unger. Many believe this will really hurt Graham’s value, however, I do not. I believe he is a perfect fit and got out of New Orleans just in time. Graham will help Wilson more than Wilson will be a downgrade from Drew Brees. He’s still the clear TE2.

3. Greg Olsen, CAR

Had this been a week ago, Olsen would be at No. 5. However, an ACL injury to star-wideout Kelvin Benjamin has thrust Olsen into the three spot. He is Cam Newton’s most reliable target and saw 122 targets last season. That number could now increase. Last season he caught 84 passes for 1,008 yards and six TDs. Look for him to match and even surpass those numbers.

4. Travis Kelce, KC

In what was essentially his red shirt rookie season, Kelce shined in the Chiefs’ offense. For the majority of the year he split time with Anthony Fasano, so his numbers only ended up at 67 receptions, 862 yards and five TDs. Not bad but not spectacular either. However, if you actually watched this kid play, it was clear he was the best weapon in their passing game. Kelce has star potential, and we expect him to make a huge jump as the undisputed starter in 2015. He had been third on this list all summer until now. The addition of Jeremy Maclin should also help divert attention away from him. No quarterback needs his TE more than Alex Smith.

5. Martellus Bennett, CHI

Bennett really exploded last season when Brandon Marshall was sidelined. Well, Jay Cutler’s go-to guy is now with the Jets and Bennett is the favorite to become his new security blanket. His 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame makes him a massive target for Cutler. He becomes even more valuable when you consider all the injuries to the Bears WRs corps, most notably Kevin White. White will miss at least six games and could miss the entire season. Bennett will have to help pick up the slack.

6. Jordan Cameron, MIA

Cameron landed in a great spot in Miami. He becomes a much needed red zone target for Ryan Tannehill and shined in that department during training camp. Injuries are a major concern, but the upside is certainly there. He can stretch the seam and score TDs. There isn’t much more you can hope for out of your TE. There is a significant drop off after the top five. Let’s just hope Cameron can stay healthy.

7. Delanie Walker, TEN

Walker put together a very nice season in 2014. He caught 63 passes for 890 yards and four TDs. He was very up and down. He certainly wasn’t the most consistent TE. However, not too many of them are. We expect Walker to continue to put up similar numbers and round out the top 10. He’s not the sexiest pick but gets the job done. Having a quick hitting rookie QB should help him too. Rookies tend to rely on tight ends more as a security blanket. Walker is a very good security blanket considering he may be the best player on the Titans’ offense.

8. Antonio Gates, SD

Every year the predictions of Gates’ demise are in abundance. They say he’s too old, he’s too fat and it’s time for Ladarius Green to take over in San Diego. Then, Gates comes out and is a premier fantasy tight end. In 2014, Gates racked up 69 receptions, 821 yards and an impressive 12 TDs. He was among the best in the league as he has been for the past decade. I was one of many predicting Gates’ fall from grace last year. Not anymore, though. This time I’m riding with Gates until the wheels fall off. He’s going to slow down eventually, but right now he’s well worth the risk. Even with a four-game suspension to start the season. You win championships in January, not September.

9. Jason Witten, DAL

Somehow Witten managed to sneak back on this list. As recently as a month ago I was throwing dirt on him, yet here he is. The reason he’s ranked this high is because he’s done it before. The majority of the TEs that missed the cut are players that are projected to be good but unproven. At least Witten has shown us something. He’s a reliable target and with DeMarco Murray gone, Tony Romo may lean on him more. Witten won’t wow you, but he is reliable.

10. Dwayne Allen, IND

Before getting injured, Allen caught seven TDs in nine games. He was the picture of consistency. Week in and week out he would grab 3-4 catches and a TD. Things changed after a serious ankle injury, but prior to that he was excellent. He didn’t put up huge numbers but was solid every week. Allen is clearly Andrew Luck‘s go-to guy in the red zone, and when healthy he’s proven to be the superior tight end in Indy. He’s better than Coby Fleener. Fleener has a higher ceiling but Allen is the safer bet. Fleener should also take a step back this season being that Indy is expected to go four-wide more this season. Don’t be shocked if Allen sees more opportunity this season and catches double-digit TDs.