In today's NFL, there are really three types of TEs.

 

The first is the traditional TE that lines up next to the ORT and is a strong blocker for the running game and is a short to intermediate target in the middle of the field. His size allows him to be covered by LBs but also favors his catching the ball but with little to no YAC.

 

The second type has become all the rage with Jimmy Graham becoming the standard bearer. This is the Deep Treat - Fast Receiving TE and in this Free Agent market Jordan Cameron is more the deep threat with Julius Thomas the more intermediate threat.

 

The last and third type is your H-Back receiving TE that could play some Fullback or TE. Charles Clay is a good example of this type of TE as is Nick O'Leary.

 

Having two different types of TEs on the field at the same time helps to fill up the zones in the middle of the field giving the QB more targets to throw to and hopefully help him move the chains.

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