ESPN Tight End Rankings Disrespect Robert Tonyan

Over the past year, we have seen ESPN continue to slip further and further into incompetence. From letting respected analysts go, to overpaying for pompous needle-movers, to quoting sources word for word without citing them (hi, I’m Zach Brunner, also known as “anonymous source”), the company continues to lose respect and their reputable label. Recently, there were ESPN tight end rankings release. While some players may have been ranked where they should be, they absolutely disrespected Robert Tonyan.

Tonyan, the Green Bay Packers’ breakout player in 2020, quickly emerged as a contender at the tight end position. He was brought back this offseason, and head coach Matt LaFleur has big plans to “feature” him more this season. His 2020 season easily makes him among the better tight ends in the NFL. Yet, ESPN failed to even rank him. Of course, this is also the same organization making stories up about Aaron Rodgers for content, dividing the Packers fan base.

ESPN Tight End Rankings Disrespect Robert Tonyan

2020 Robert Tonyan Stats

ESPN Tight End Rankings

First off, ESPN says the rankings were assembled based on surveys with “more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players.” However, they quickly follow that up by saying they also use research and film study from one of their NFL analysts. So, this is not players ranked by only their peers, as they are trying to market it to sound better.

So, without further ado, here is the top-10 ESPN Tight End Rankings:

1. George Kittle
2. Travis Kelce
3. Darren Waller
4. Mark Andrews
5. TJ Hockenson
6. Dallas Goedert
7. Hunter Henry
8. Evan Engram
9. Jonnu Smith
10. Zach Ertz

This is a list of the 10 best tight ends heading into the 2021 NFL season. Are you kidding me?

Using 109 targets, Engram totaled 654 yards and one touchdown last season. He also cannot block. Smith totaled 448 yards on 65 targets. Ertz is coming off a 335-yard season. Hell, sixth-ranked Goedert had a career-high 47.6 yards per game last season, which is less than impressive.

There’s no doubt Tonyan should be in the top 10 of their rankings, but it gets worse. ESPN listed honorable mentions for the rankings as well:

• Rob Gronkowski
• Noah Fant
• Mike Gesicki
• Austin Hooper
• Robert Tonyan

Tonyan was listed last in the entire article, meaning we can call him their 15th-ranked tight end in the NFL this season. This is laughable, idiotic and also a bit sad, considering it gives us a glimpse into just how far ESPN has fallen.

We will revisit this when Aaron Rodgers and Robert Tonyan are again amongst the top contributors at their positions this season. Let this “has-been” network continue with their poking of everything Wisconsin sports.