Pro Football Focus has Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker ranked as a top-10 tight end for 2019, but is he too low on the list?
It’s nice to see Pro Football Focus ranked Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker in the top 10 tight ends, but he should have been a bit higher on the list.
After coming off a broken ankle last season and turning 35 in August, many feel the arrow is pointing down for Delanie Walker, even though he has been nothing short of a great tight end during his Titans tenure.
While PFF is still giving Walker some credit, the veteran tight end should have been higher than No. 10:
THE TOP-10 TEs! ⬇️https://t.co/Mtn9FI4YqB
— PFF (@PFF) July 24, 2019
Travis Kelce, George Kittle lead PFF's list of the top-10 tight ends entering the 2019 NFL season. pic.twitter.com/W3mcJJldKI
Putting 2018 aside, Walker has been both more durable and more productive than any of the tight ends ahead of him from nine to four. We certainly understand and agree with No.’s one through three, but four through 10 are shaky at best.
In the previous four seasons before his injury-shortened 2018, Walker totaled 800 yards or more and averaged five touchdowns. His best season in a Titans uniform came in 2015 when he nabbed 94 catches for 1,088 yards and six touchdowns.
We understand the concern around Walker overall this season, however he has been a proven commodity in the NFL for some time now. Not to mention, his health prospects are looking just fine after he avoided the PUP list to start training camp.
He’ll remain a vital part of the Titans offense in 2019, and he is still quarterback Marcus Mariota’s most-trusted pass-catcher, even with a receiving corps. that is much-improved this season.
Until those younger tight ends can prove they can stay on the field and/or be more productive than Walker, the Titans’ tight end should be no worse than fifth on that list.
As Patrick Willis has already told us, you don’t bet against Delanie Walker.