The 8 Tallest Tight Ends in the NFL (2023)
In the NFL, where tight ends are celebrated for their versatility and impact, a group of towering athletes stands out. From a detailed analysis of over 100 tight ends on the 2023 Week 1 rosters, we’ve identified the eight tallest players in the position, each standing at an imposing height of 6’7″ or taller.
These players represent a unique blend of size and athleticism, redefining the expectations and capabilities of tight ends in professional football.
This article will explore the careers and playing styles of these eight tallest tight ends, who use their remarkable height to their advantage in both the passing and blocking aspects of the game.
Tallest TEs in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Curtis Hodges | 6’8″ | Washington Commanders |
| Donald Parham | 6’8″ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Darnell Washington | 6’7″ | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Jimmy Graham | 6’7″ | New Orleans Saints |
| John Fitzpatrick | 6’7″ | Atlanta Falcons |
| Jelani Woods | 6’7″ | Indianapolis Colts |
| Colby Parkinson | 6’7″ | Seattle Seahawks |
| Josh Whyle | 6’7″ | Tennessee Titans |
While the average height of an NFL tight end is already an impressive 6’4 1/2″, these guys are even bigger.
Here is a little more info on the tallest tight ends in the league, all a staggering 6’7″ or taller.
Curtis Hodges
- Height: 6’8″
- Team: Washington Commanders
Curtis Hodges, towering at 6’8″, is a standout tight end for the Washington Commanders. His exceptional height gives him a significant edge, particularly in the red zone.
Hodges’ journey to the NFL is marked by his time at Arizona State University, where he transitioned from wide receiver to tight end, showcasing his versatility. His physical attributes and ability to adapt positionally suggest a high ceiling for his professional career.
Donald Parham
- Height: 6’8″
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Donald Parham, also standing at 6’8″, plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. Parham’s journey to the NFL is unique, starting as an undrafted free agent and playing in the XFL before joining the Chargers.
His height, coupled with his athleticism, makes him an imposing target, especially in the red zone. In the 2021 season, Parham made solid contributions to the Chargers’ offense, recording a career-high 20 receptions for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns. His ability to leverage his size and athletic skills has made him a valuable asset in the passing game.
Darnell Washington
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Darnell Washington brings his imposing presence to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known for his strength and blocking ability, Washington played a crucial role at the University of Georgia.
His ability to contribute both in pass protection and as a receiving target makes him a dual-threat tight end. Washington’s collegiate career, highlighted by key receptions and solid blocking, sets a strong foundation for his transition to the NFL, where his size and skill set are expected to be significant advantages.
Jimmy Graham
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: New Orleans Saints
Jimmy Graham, a veteran NFL tight end at 6’7″, has returned to the New Orleans Saints. Graham’s NFL career has been distinguished, including Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the league’s top tight ends.
Known for his basketball background, Graham has utilized his size and athleticism to become a dominant force in the red zone. Over his career, he has amassed numerous touchdowns and receptions, showcasing his ability to out-jump defenders and make critical catches.
Graham’s return to the Saints brings not only his physical attributes but also a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
John Fitzpatrick
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
John Fitzpatrick is a promising tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. His collegiate career at the University of Georgia was marked by solid blocking skills and reliable hands, making him an asset both in the passing game and run blocking.
Fitzpatrick’s height gives him a distinct advantage, especially in contested catch situations. While his statistical contributions at Georgia may not be eye-catching, his physical traits and consistent performance suggest a strong potential for impact in the NFL.
Jelani Woods
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
Jelani Woods, another towering figure at 6’7″, plays for the Indianapolis Colts. Woods had a standout college career, first at Oklahoma State and then at the University of Virginia, where his combination of size and athleticism caught the attention of scouts.
Known for his ability to make big plays, Woods excelled in the red zone, utilizing his frame to outmatch defenders. His transition to the NFL has been highly anticipated, with expectations that his physical attributes will translate well to the professional level, making him a formidable presence in the Colts’ offense.
Colby Parkinson
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
Colby Parkinson is a key tight end for the Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in the fourth round in 2020 out of Stanford University, Parkinson was known for his impressive catch radius and route-running skills in college. His height, combined with his reliable hands, makes him an ideal target, particularly in red-zone situations.
In the NFL, Parkinson’s ability to use his size effectively against defenders has made him a valuable asset to the Seahawks’ passing game, with potential for increased impact as he continues to develop in the league.
Josh Whyle
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Tennessee Titans
Josh Whyle joins the Tennessee Titans with a reputation for being a versatile tight end. His college career at the University of Cincinnati was notable for his receiving skills, as he became a key target in the passing game, especially in red-zone situations.
Whyle’s combination of height and athleticism allows him to be a mismatch for most defenders, and his ability to make contested catches is a significant asset.
As he steps into the NFL, Whyle’s skill set is expected to make him a valuable contributor to the Titans’ offense.
Final Thoughts
These eight towering tight ends, each standing at 6’7″ or taller, are redefining the tight end position in the NFL. Players like Curtis Hodges, Donald Parham, Darnell Washington, and their peers bring a unique combination of height, athleticism, and skill to the field, challenging defenses in new and exciting ways.
Their ability to dominate in the red zone, provide reliable blocking, and make contested catches adds a valuable dimension to their respective teams’ offenses.
Their success not only highlights the importance of physical attributes in certain roles but also underscores the versatility and adaptability required to excel in professional football.
