Who Are the Tallest Tight Ends in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a sports performance coach for two decades and I’ve always found value in showing college wide receivers the size, heights and weights, of NFL players. This has proven over the years to be both motivational for athletes needing to add size and a stiff reality check.
This season, I did the same thing I always do. I examined the 53-man active rosters from the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together a guide centered on the NFL’s tallest tight ends. Get ready to share some random, yet insightful, football facts with your friends.
Tallest NFL Tight Ends
In the NFL, the tight end position is often characterized by players with significant height, which provides a distinct advantage in the role. Standing out are the eight tallest tight ends in the league, each towering at an impressive height of 6’7″ or more. This size is substantially above the average for tight ends, who typically stand at approximately 6 feet 4 and a half inches.
In addition to these top eight players, there is a group of around 20 tight ends who are just an inch below this mark, at 6’6″. I’ve included a list of those players as well just below.
Curtis Hodges
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 237 lbs
- Team: Washington Commanders
- College: Arizona State
- Draft: 2022, Undrafted
- Years in NFL: 1
Donald Parham
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 237 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- College: Stetson
- Draft: 2019, Undrafted
- Years in NFL: 3
Darnell Washington
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 264 lbs
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Georgia
- Draft: 2023, 3rd round (93rd overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Jimmy Graham
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 265 lbs
- Team: New Orleans Saints
- College: Miami (FL)
- Draft: 2010, 3rd round (95th overall)
- Years in NFL: 14
John Fitzpatrick
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 252 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Georgia
- Draft: 2022, Undrafted
- Years in NFL: 1
Jelani Woods
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 259 lbs
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- College: Virginia
- Draft: 2022, 3rd round (73rd overall)
- Years in NFL: 1
Colby Parkinson
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 251 lbs
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- College: Stanford
- Draft: 2020, 4th round (133rd overall)
- Years in NFL: 3
Josh Whyle
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 248 lbs
- Team: Tennessee Titans
- College: Cincinnati
- Draft: 2023, 5th round (147th overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
6’6″ Tight Ends
As promised, here is the group of 6’6″ tight ends that fall just below the top 8 guys.
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Darren Waller | New York Giants |
| Cole Turner | Washington Commanders |
| Kyle Pitts | Atlanta Falcons |
| Davis Allen | Los Angeles Rams |
| Mike Gesicki | New England Patriots |
| Durham Smythe | Miami Dolphins |
| Logan Thomas | Washington Commanders |
| Blake Bell | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Luke Musgrave | Green Bay Packers |
| Tyler Higbee | Los Angeles Rams |
| Charlie Kolar | Baltimore Ravens |
| Teagan Quitoriano | Houston Texans |
| John Bates | Washington Commanders |
| Cole Kmet | Chicago Bears |
| Chris Manhertz | Denver Broncos |
| C.J. Uzomah | New York Jets |
| David Wells | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Marcedes Lewis | Chicago Bears |
Final Thoughts
While height is a notable advantage for a tight end, offering leverage in receiving and blocking, it’s crucial to understand that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A tight end’s success is equally, if not more, dependent on their work ethic, skill set, agility, and football IQ.
These attributes enable a player to effectively read the game, execute complex plays, and adapt to different defensive strategies. In essence, the combination of physical attributes with a strong work ethic and refined skills defines the true essence of a high-caliber tight end in the NFL.
