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The NFC North is emerging as a powerhouse in tight end talent, boasting a younger and deeper collection than other divisions. Teams like the Bears are enhancing their offensive strategies with versatile tight end options.
The NFC North might have the best tight end collection in the NFL, and that’s not just lazy hype. Across the league, most divisions can point to one star, but then they start squinting. The AFC West is obvious competition. Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer in Las Vegas. David Njoku with the Chargers. Travis Kelce is still giving Kansas City a quality veteran presence. And Evan Engram in Denver. That is a loaded group, for sure. But I’m here to argue the NFC North has a real argument because it is younger, deeper, and more central to the identity of each offense.
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Chicago changed its math by building a real tight end room. The Bears now have Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and rookie Sam Roush. Loveland gives them a fantastic mismatch piece, Kmet remains a dependable second tight end after posting 30 catches for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Roush gives Ben Johnson another athletic formation tool. That room creates two-tight-end flexibility that defenses actually have to respect.
The NFC North is being highlighted as having the best tight end collection in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears, among others in the NFC North, have notable tight ends like Cole Kmet and rookie Sam Roush.
While the AFC West has star tight ends like Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers, the NFC North is argued to be younger, deeper, and integral to their offenses.

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With Sam LaPorta, Detroit is able to fire on all cylinders. His 2025 line (40 catches, 489 yards, three touchdowns in nine games) undersells the point, but rest assured, he’s built into the Lions’ offensive structure. Detroit uses the tight end to control the middle of the field, move linebackers, and create leverage in the red zone. LaPorta is not just a luxury; he is part of the engine.
Green Bay has the highest efficiency ceiling. Tucker Kraft was ridiculous before the ACL injury – 32 catches, 489 yards, six touchdowns in eight games, 15.3 yards per catch, and 10.8 yards after catch per reception. That’s video game production, and explosive receiving production wearing a tight end label. Add Luke Musgrave, and the Packers still have big upside if Kraft’s rehab cooperates.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Minnesota further proves the point. Even with the QB carousel up there, T.J. Hockenson still produced 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns. And while not a stud, per se, Josh Oliver gives them blocking value and red-zone usage. That is a solid room in most divisions – in the NFC North, it is the floor.
The AFC West has the bigger names at the top. The NFC North has the more complete division-wide argument. Chicago has depth, Detroit has integration, Green Bay has explosive efficiency, and Minnesota has stability. That is a dominant position group – and it is one of the reasons defending the NFC North is such a pain now.