Highlights
- Being an elite tight end in Madden NFL 24 requires both blocking and catching skills, and the players on this list excel in both areas.
- Tight ends like Evan Engram and Pat Freiermuth can make opposing teams struggle to figure out their formations, creating an advantage for their team.
- Top-rated players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle have proven themselves as the best in the position, with impressive stats and Pro Bowl appearances.
Being an elite tight end in Madden NFL 24 means being able to block and catch with the best of them. Some of these players are better at one or the other but they are all at least competent in both facets. If they weren't they'd get moved over to either the offensive line or wide receiver.
Normally, tight ends don't hit numbers that wide receivers do because of this requirement that they block on a good chunk of plays. If they always went out for passes, opponents in Madden NFL 24 would have an easier time calling plays. The tight ends on this list are the ones that franchise experts love because they can make the opposition lose their minds trying to figure out the formation.
10 Evan Engram - 84 OVR
Former Pro Bowler Evan Engram went to Jacksonville from New York and immediately posted his best statistical season last year, getting career-high catch and yardage numbers. If this is just the start of his chemistry with the Jaguars' offense, this OVR could be more of a floor than a ceiling for Engram.
If opponents bring over their best cornerbacks to deal with Engram, then suddenly the receivers are better off. There is a reason the Giants' fans loved him that his new fan base understands already.
9 David Njoku - 84 OVR
Most fans will be familiar with David Njoku because he's likely got a highlight for or against their favorite team. Despite this name recognition, Njoku has had issues staying on the field, starting no more than 14 games in any given season. Otherwise, he'd be rolling in Pro Bowl nominations.
When it comes to the role, Njoku will take on the best defensive linemen in a block or go out for a big catch. He's never had more than a 640-yard season but every analyst sees his talent. The Browns are loaded and his best may best be to come.
8 Pat Freiermuth - 85 OVR
If there are any surprise entries on this list, it could be Pat Freiermuth. He's started in about half of the games for the Steelers. It's hard for normal tight ends to get any recognition, so it's impressive that a non-starter with limited time makes the top list.
The reason Freiermuth shines is clear when watching him play. In 8 starts last year, he got over 730 yards. If Pittsburgh commits to him, the ratings adjusters think he'll come through big and their analysis is based on merit.
7 Darren Waller - 86 OVR
The last two years after Darren Waller's Pro Bowl season have been derailed for him and the Raiders have certainly felt it. If there were any player on this list who showed his value by being gone, it's Waller. The Raiders were a good offense but should have been dominant and won more games.
They would have if Waller was there. If Las Vegas gets a full year out of him next year, they should be in good shape. They could use one of the best quarterbacks in the game to help out but adding Waller will at least make whoever is throwing passes look better.
6 Kyle Pitts - 87 OVR
Making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season in 2021, Pitts and the entire Falcons team took a hit in 2022. Pitts suffered an injury halfway through but he had to be on mostly blocking duties by that point anyhow. It was a frustrating development for everyone.
But Pitts has the talent and the ability to grow. Going up against some of the best linebackers and defenses, Pitts wins matchups against tenured veterans. With some consistent play and healthiness, prepare to see him back in the spotlight.
5 Dallas Goedert - 89 OVR
Dallas Goedert missed a few games last season and that likely robbed him of his first Pro Bowl appearance. While he was on the field, he spearheaded an Eagles offense with elite blocking and catching. There is a good reason the Eagles went to the Super Bowl with all his contributions.
Philadelphia fans who heard the Madden NFL 24 announcement were likely excited to pick up the game to get a do-over of the Super Bowl and a full season of Goedert. The game will no doubt be better with him at tight end for just about any fan.
4 T.J. Hockenson - 90 OVR
Every so often, a team makes a trade they regret immediately. Detroit had a surprisingly good year but they traded T.J. Hockenson midway through. In Minnesota, Hockenson played spectacularly and notched his second Pro Bowl appearance.
As Madden considers skipping a year, the Lions might want a do-over for this move. Vikings' fans are grateful for the oversight and look forward to seeing if this is only the beginning of what Hockenson and Cousins can accomplish together.
3 Mark Andrews - 95 OVR
Mark Andrews, as with many tight ends on this list, often finds himself having to block when there are injuries on the squad. In Baltimore, that almost feels like every year at this point. When they're healthy, they have some of the best offensive linemen in football.
When they're not healthy, they still have incredible blocking thanks to Andrews who notched his third Pro Bowl last year and still posted some solid receiving stats. If the Ravens stay healthy for a season, look for Andrews to potentially rise in OVR.
2 George Kittle - 96 OVR
As injuries started piling up for the 49ers, George Kittle was stuck on blocking duty more than he probably would have liked. Even so, he did his job well, notched a fourth Pro Bowl nod, and still managed to break his career-high in touchdowns.
San Francisco almost went to the Super Bowl last year despite injuries and bad luck. With Kittle back for another year, this is a team that can shred defenses up at any level. Considering what Kittle can do while mostly blocking, giving him more freedom is a scary thought and it's why he figures to be one of the top-rated players when gamers are guessing ratings.
1 Travis Kelce - 99 OVR
It's outrageous that Travis Kelce hasn't been on the cover of a Madden game while his quarterback has been on there twice. The next time gamers imagine who should be on the cover of Madden, Kelce really should come to mind, especially since he's a lock at 99 OVR every year at this point.
With eight straight Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl championships, and more tight end records than can be fit into this entry, Kelce is simply the best. If he keeps this up for even just a few more years, he'll be the undisputed best at the position. Many argue he's already there.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.