Editing Tight end (section)

==Roles==
[[File:Jimmy Graham 2014 Pro Bowl.jpg|thumb|160px|At 6'7", 265 lbs., [[Jimmy Graham]], shown here playing in the [[Pro Bowl]] during his time with the [[New Orleans Saints]], demonstrates the athleticism of a tight end in its role as a receiver.]]

Tight ends have two primary roles: (1) act as a blocker and (2) act as a receiver. Very occasionally, a tight end is also given the opportunity to rush with the ball. This typically happens when they are put in motion before the ball is snapped.

===Blocking===
In the National Football League ([[NFL]]), the tight end is larger, stronger, and slower than a [[wide receiver]], and therefore able to block more effectively.<ref>[http://football.calsci.com/Positions3.html Football 101: Tight Ends and Quarterbacks] by Mark Lawrence. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref> Among offensive ball-handlers, it is the job of the tight end, along with the [[fullback (American football)|fullback]], to block for both running backs and receivers. Tight ends are used as blockers to protect the quarterback during passing plays, to open holes in the line, and downfield to tie up linebackers and defensive backs.

Historically, a single tight end was used, typically placed on the right side of the offensive line.  In the early 2000s, two tight end formations began to be used with more frequency.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060922010438/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/nunyo_demasio/09/19/parcells/index.html Double trouble: Cowboys' Parcells jumping on two-tight-end trend], September 20, 2006. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2006/10/20/ramblings/too-deep-zone/4412/ Too Deep Zone: Running with Multiple Tight Ends] by Mike Tanier, October 20, 2006. Retrieved February 25, 2010.</ref> Specialty plays may deploy 3- or 4-tight-end sets in "heavy" or "jumbo" packages, usually to block in short-yardage situations or to sow confusion in the defensive backfield with such an unusual formation.  When a blocker larger than a tight end is desired without sacrificing the player's ability to catch a pass the position is sometimes filled by an offensive lineman who reports to the referee that he is an eligible receiver, referred to colloquially as a "tackle eligible".

===Receiving===
Historically, the primary role of a tight end was blocking, with strategic use as a receiver.  Over time the emphasis of offense has shifted from running to passing, and with it the role of the tight end as a receiver expanded.  The tight end is usually faster than the linebackers who cover him and often stronger than the cornerbacks and safeties who try to tackle him. In general, there is an inherent trade-off between a tight end's speed and agility and their size, meaning more mobile tight ends tend not to be as effective as blockers.  This results in great premiums being placed on tight ends who can fill both roles effectively.  When a team cannot find both in a single player they often rotate between those who are stronger in one role better than the other depending on the type of skill required by given plays.

At the extreme end the receiving spectrum are 'hybrid' tight ends that are drafted primarily for their pass-catching abilities.  Often, these players have near-[[wide receiver]] speed, coupled with greater overall size and strength.  Plays utilizing their assets are designed to capitalize on their combination of size, speed, and wingspan, at times spreading them out on the line like wide-receivers, off the line in the slot, or putting them in motion in the backfield.

===Rushing===
The decline of the fullback as a rushing position has seen the occasional deployment of tight ends as ball carriers, either aligned in the backfield or out of the slot in a reverse or sweep.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}