The days of dominant tight end play in this division seem to be a thing of the past, at least entering the 2020 season. With no notable and dominant targets at the position, the AFC South is full of players that can make an argument for the top spot.
Some have solidified spots on their team but are simply lacking in explosiveness. Others are explosive yet unproven. Some simply are trying to keep their careers going.
Here, we rank the tight ends in the AFC South:
5. Tyler Eifert, Jacksonville Jaguars
Nobody can deny Eifert’s talent, but his inability to stay on the field has landed him in Jacksonville. The former Bengal played in all 16 games last year, but saw a significant decline in production. As the Jaguars look to rebuild their offense, we will see if Eifert is included in those plans.
Eifert has shown he can be a strong red-zone threat, evident by his 13 touchdowns in 2015. But that was five years ago. He’s simply trying to continue his career in a wasteland for tight ends.
4. Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts
Burton’s release from the Bears landed him on the open market for about a day before Frank Reich was reunited with the former Eagle. The two worked together in Philly and Burton was the “QB” on the famous Philly Special Super Bowl play. Reich will find a way to include Burton in the offense to be productive.
Burton’s stint in Chicago was cut short halfway through due to a lack of production and injuries in 2019. There is still plenty of potential but his role is likely to be limited in 2020.
3. Darren Fells, Houston Texans
The veteran journeyman found a home in Houston. After a year in which he posted career highs with 34 catches, 341 yards and seven touchdowns, he earned a two-year deal. He will be a nice contributing piece, especially in the red zone.
Fells will have a chance to expand his role in the offense now that DeAndre Hopkins was shipped to Arizona. There are a lot of vacated targets in Houston and Fells could continue to grow his role in the offense.
2. Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans
After a successful 2019 campaign, the Titans decided not to resign 35-year-old veteran Delanie Walker and instead stick with Smith. He will have a big year to prove he is the guy for the job as Tennessee’s offense gets better and better.
Smith is an interesting tight end for the Titans given his explosiveness and ability to make big plays. He has a lot to prove in 2020 as the starter, but he’s a nice fit for an offense that emphasizes big-play talent.
1. Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Doyle came off a great 2019 in which he made the Pro Bowl and started all 16 games for the first time in his career. With Eric Ebron out of Indy, Doyle has a chance to step up and be the No. 1 option at tight end.
With his three-year, $21 million contract he signed in the offseason, it looks as if Doyle’s future on this team in solidified. He has been a steady component of the offense for the last few seasons and will continue to do so for Indy in 2020.
