Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

In my opinion the position that is the hardest to compare across eras are tight ends because up through the 80’s, they are talked about as blocking more consistently with some exceptions, and in the past couple decades in particular they are talked about as targets that are bulkier and can block if you need them to.

Out of curiosity, who are the best blocking tight ends of each era in your opinions, and are there any accounts in game books or sources like that of how well they blocked in game?

Don Warren, Washington

Pro Football Journal archives, have a number of articles about great blocking tight ends, receiving tight ends and all-times lists on both. Very thorough and informative.

1960s had Ron Kramer, John Mackey, Mike Ditka and Fred Arbanas as great blocking tight ends, who could catch as well.

1970s had Marv Fleming, Dave Casper, Russ Francis and maybe Riley Odom or Billy Joe DuPree.

The 1980s started having more specific blocking tight ends but Mark Bavaro stood out for me. Don Warren, like CS mentioned and the Oilers Mike Barber. Don Hasselbeck was tough as well. John Turney would know the best specific blockers of that decade and the 90s as well.

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:32 pm Pro Football Journal archives, have a number of articles about great blocking tight ends, receiving tight ends and all-times lists on both. Very thorough and informative.

1960s had Ron Kramer, John Mackey, Mike Ditka and Fred Arbanas as great blocking tight ends, who could catch as well.

1970s had Marv Fleming, Dave Casper, Russ Francis and maybe Riley Odom or Billy Joe DuPree.

The 1980s started having more specific blocking tight ends but Mark Bavaro stood out for me. Don Warren, like CS mentioned and the Oilers Mike Barber. Don Hasselbeck was tough as well. John Turney would know the best specific blockers of that decade and the 90s as well.

How about Jackie Smith in the late 60’s and early 70’s?

The reason I say he must’ve been able to block is because the Cowboys reportedly wanted to bring him back for 1979 after a season where he not only had the Super Bowl dropped pass, but caught no passes on the season (though he did get a touchdown vs Atlanta in the divisional round).

And if a team wanted him for his blocking out of retirement then he must’ve been able to block more in his physical prime in St. Louis.

But on the other hand, I regularly see Smith on lists of players who don’t deserve to be in Canton (not that I’d agree necessarily, after all his blocking is basically never mentioned not being a stat) so you never know, but it’s worth an acknowledgment.

Jason Dunn, of the Eagles and then the Chiefs.