The tight end position may be one of the most versatile positions in the NFL. They are blockers, they are big targets for the quarterback, and if your name is AJ Barner, you can run that Tush Push/Barn-yard. The question some fans may have though is what exactly is the role of a tight end?
Well, I am here to tell you that there are three main roles for tight ends. In this piece, I plan to go over them and provide two Seattle Seahawks examples of those types of tight ends to paint a picture as to what
each of those roles do on the field to give you a better understanding of the tight end position as a whole. Time to roll the tape!
In-Line Tight End (Y-TE)- Eric Saubert/A.J. Barner/Luke Willson
An in-line tight end typically lines up at the end of the offensive line with one hand in the dirt. You may also hear them be referred to as a “Y” tight end. They focus heavily on blocking to assist the offensive line in both run and pass protection, while also running short to intermediate routes. In the current iteration of the Seahawks, Eric Saubert is the primary blocking tight end on the squad who can run shorter routes when needed, such as when he got into the end-zone for the winning two-point conversion against the Los Angeles Rams. Back in the Pete Carroll era of the Seahawks, Luke Willson would be the Y-TE. A.J. Barner is listed as an in-line tight end, but contributes heavily in both the passing game and blocking game and is a bit of a hybrid of an in-line tight end and a flex tight end, which we will be covering next.
Flex/Move Tight End (F-TE)- Jimmy Graham/Elijah Arroyo
The flex/move tight end, also known as the “F” tight end, plays the role of a big wide receiver, running routes against linebackers and safeties in intermediate routes and rarely block. Jimmy Graham played this role throughout his career and excelled at it. He currently holds the majority of receiving tight end records for the Seahawks. Elijah Arroyo would be the current F-tight end. At Miami, he was essentially that X-receiver, lining up out wide and running both intermediate and deep routes, using his big body to get the receptions. If he is able to remain healthy this season, expect to see him to play a similar role as Graham on the team.
Hybrid Tight End (H-back)- Robbie Ouzts/Brady Russell
The Hybrid Tight End, also referred to as the H-back, is a versatile position that is a mix of a tight end and a fullback. They line up behind the line of scrimmage, usually somewhere in front of the running back, instead of out next to the tackles. Robbie Ouzts and Brady Russell fill this role perfectly. Both former tight ends who are listed as fullbacks, they are the H-backs on the team. They can line up and block for the running back, or they can line up where the in-line tight ends are and block from there, or line up wide with the hybrid tight ends and catch a pass. They are your jack of all trades.
Whether your tight end is pass blocking, catching passes and touchdowns, run blocking, or carrying the rock themselves, you can expect them to be a key part of the offense. With Brian Fleury as the new offensive coordinator, and was the tight ends coach for the San Francisco 49ers, you can expect the tight ends to be a bit more involved in this offense. Barner, Saubert, Arroyo, Russell, and Ouzts will all be involved in this offense heavily, and who knows? They may even catch a few more touchdowns and two point conversions than they did last year.
