The tight end position is one that has seen its importance rise in the NFL over the past several years. No longer are they blockers who can catch. They’re now legitimate weapons for offenses around the league. Guys like Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Gates, and Tony Gonzalez evolved the position, and the league is loaded with athletic freaks who are too big for cornerbacks and are too fast for linebackers and safeties.
The Arizona Cardinals are one team that remains behind the curve with the tight end spot. They use it primarily as a blocker, and much less so as a receiver.