Top 5 NFC North tight ends in 2023 ranked

Many longtime starters at tight end in the NFC North have departed in recent offseasons.

Marcedes Lewis, Kyle Rudolph, and Jimmy Graham are among the veterans to no longer play in the division. Meanwhile, T.J. Hockenson and Robert Tonyan have switched to rival teams within the NFC North.

Three of the top-rated tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft now play in the division. The Detroit Lions drafted Sam LaPorta in the second round, followed by the Green Bay Packers selecting Luke Musgrave in the second and Tucker Kraft in the third.

After a shakeup at the position in the NFC North this offseason, who are the division's top five tight ends?

5. Josh Oliver, Minnesota Vikings

Josh Oliver takes the title of best blocking tight end in the NFC North following Marcedes Lewis' departure. The Vikings signed Oliver in free agency, and he immediately helps their offense.

Oliver won't catch many passes, but that's not why the Vikings signed him. T.J. Hockenson can handle the majority of the receiving duties at tight end.

But Oliver earned PFF's top run-blocking grade among tight ends last season, and that's the ability the Vikings are paying for.

Just like Lewis in Green Bay, Oliver's work may go unnoticed by many viewers, but that doesn't mean he isn't dominating as a blocker. He is a great signing for Minnesota.