The NFC North might just be the most dangerous division in football when it comes to tight ends—and that's not just preseason hype. While most divisions can name one star before the talent drops off, the North has a deep, young, and offense-defining group that changes how teams game plan every Sunday.
The AFC West is the obvious competition. Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer in Las Vegas, David Njoku with the Chargers, a still-productive Travis Kelce in Kansas City, and Evan Engram in Denver. That's a loaded group, no doubt. But the NFC North has a stronger argument because its tight ends are younger, deeper, and more central to each offense's identity.
Chicago completely transformed its tight end room. The Bears now feature Colston Loveland, a proven mismatch nightmare; Cole Kmet, who quietly posted 30 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns; and rookie Sam Roush, an athletic chess piece for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. That trio gives Chicago two-tight-end flexibility that defenses actually have to respect—no more easy reads.
Detroit is firing on all cylinders with Sam LaPorta. His 2025 stat line of 40 catches, 489 yards, and three touchdowns in nine games actually undersells his impact. LaPorta is built into the Lions' offensive structure, controlling the middle of the field, moving linebackers, and creating leverage in the red zone. He's not a luxury—he's part of the engine.
Green Bay might have the highest ceiling of any tight end room in the league. Before his ACL injury, Tucker Kraft was putting up video game numbers: 32 catches, 489 yards, six touchdowns in just eight games, with a ridiculous 15.3 yards per catch and 10.8 yards after catch per reception. That's explosive receiving production from a tight end. Add Luke Musgrave to the mix, and the Packers still have massive upside if Kraft's rehab goes well.
Even Minnesota proves the point. Despite a quarterback carousel, T.J. Hockenson still managed 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns. And while Josh Oliver won't make highlight reels, he provides reliable blocking and red-zone value. In most divisions, that's a solid tight end room. In the NFC North, it's the floor.
The AFC West has bigger names at the top. But the NFC North has the more complete division-wide argument. Chicago has depth, Detroit has integration, Green Bay has explosive efficiency, and Minnesota has stability. That's a four-team tight end arms race—and it's making the North one of the most exciting divisions to watch every Sunday.