By Martin Barna While it might not be the most glamorous role in professional sports, the evolution of the tight end position has come a long way since the days of John Mackey, Ozzie Newsome, and Kellen Winslow Sr. After an extended drought in the last few decades, a crop of faster, stronger, more athletic tight ends are now emerging and revolutionizing the way the position is played. Here are the top ten in 2005. While it might not be the most glamorous role in professional sports, the evolution of the tight end position has come a long way since the days of John Mackey, Ozzie Newsome, and Kellen Winslow Sr. Since the late 1970?s, it seemed as though NFL offenses had slowly drifted away from passing schemes featuring sure-handed big men as the primary targets. For a couple decades there, it was as though offensive coordinators had completely forgotten that these 280-pound book ends were, indeed, eligible receivers. With the notable exceptions of Keith Jackson, Mark Bavarro, and Dwight Clark, the 1980?s and early 1990?s marked the Great Depression in the market for pass-catching tight ends. Even throughout the better part of the last decade, only Tony Gonzalez and Shannon Sharpe were able to break the mold and establish themselves as legitimate downfield threats. In the last few years, however, more and more tight ends coming out of the college ranks have shown increased speed, agility and athleticism. As evidenced in San Diego, Atlanta, and Baltimore, tight ends have now become an integral element in the aerial attacks of many NFL teams. And its about time. With their Gault-esque speed, Moss-like hands, and Newtonian size, its no wonder that these hybrids are peeling more and more defensive backs off the bottom of their cleats these days. So as we take a look at the recent development of this new breed, I think its safe to say that Charles Darwin was right, and here are his top ten survivors in 2005: 1. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs Three years ago, Tony Gonzalez was the Secretariat of NFL tight ends. It wasn?t even close. While the 29 year-old?s supremacy is now being challenged, his 17 scores and 2,200 receiving yards over the last two years should dispel any concerns that Gonzo has slowed down. Moreover, as a major pioneer in the evolution of the tight end position, its only fair that this future hall of famer remain on top of the food chain ? for now, at least. 2. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers Perhaps one of the best explanations behind San Diego?s inexplicable 2004 turnaround was the scintillating play of second-year tight end, Antonio Gates. Playing Doc Holliday to LaDanian Tomlinson?s Wyatt Earp, Gates roamed AFC West secondaries, corralling 81 receptions for 13 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards. Don?t be surprised to see the tight end torch passed down in the next season or two, and as a pass-catching force on a young Super Bowl contender, Gates is in perfect position to take over the reins. 3. Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants Despite his recent injuries and consistent inconsistency, Jeremy Shockey is just too good to be excluded from the top three on this list. He may be arrogant and unpredictable, but the way he?s gobbled up balls and bullied his way through NFL secondaries like Billy Bob in the final scene of ?Varsity Blues? is utterly obscene. Unless Eli figures out how to hit the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge though, Shockey may never take the next step to greatness. 4. Alge Crumpler, Atlanta Falcons The fourth-year Falcon found a niche last season as Michael Vick?s favorite security blanket. Crumpler managed to parlay his superstar quarterback?s pocket presence into 6 scores, almost 800 receiving yards, and countless big plays downfield. Should Vick ever have the breakthrough passing season that everyone seems to foresee, Crumpler would likely be the main beneficiary. 5. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys In the last two seasons, Jason Witten has quietly emerged under Bill Parcells as one of the league?s best all-around tight ends. At 6?5? the former Tennessee Volunteer, managed 6 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 receiving yards in 2004. What?s even more impressive is that his quarterback was journeyman Vinny Testaverde, which pretty much equates his stellar performance to finishing the Boston Marathon with a cinderblock under each arm. It will be interesting to see if Witten is able to develop the same rapport when Drew Bledsoe comes to town. 6. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens Two years ago, Todd Heap was arguably amongst the league?s top three receiving tight ends. Without any reliable receivers, Baltimore?s passing attack became heavily reliant upon Heap?s soft hands, 6?5? frame, and instinctive playmaking ability. Heap?s production has diminished since 2003, however, and due to injury, the former Sun Devil was forced to miss most of 2004. With a prison-hardened Jamal Lewis back in the lineup, an improved receiving corps, and a ?developing? Kyle Boller under center, look for Heap to remain healthy and reassert himself in 2005. 7. Bubba Franks, Green Bay Packers After catching at total of 27 touchdowns in the last four seasons, it is clear that Big Bubba has become a favorite red zone target for legendary gunslinger, Brett Favre. In addition, at 6?6? and over 260 pounds, Franks is one of the league?s premier blocking tight ends, and often peels out in short yardage situations to make decisive grabs. You think a 5?9?, 170-pound defensive back would stand a chance against this freight train? Its just not even fair. 8. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts Maybe he?s not as athletically gifted as the nine other names on this list, and maybe he?s just riding Peyton Manning?s coattails to success, but the fact remains that Dallas Clark was on the receiving end of over ten percent of the Colts? touchdown passes last year, and any way you slice it, that?s a whole lot of pie. While he may never become a primary target, Peyton Manning?s knack for picking apart opposing defenses will ensure substantial production out of Clark for years to come. 9. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers This first-year Steeler is coming off of an extraordinary four-year career at the University of Virginia. Miller rewrote the schools receiving record books and became the ACC?s all-time leader in touchdown receptions among tight ends. With the departure of Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward?s hold out, and another young star in Ben Rothlisberger under center, don?t be surprised to see Miller emerge as a featured weapon in a highly potent Pittsburgh attack. 10. Randy McMichael, Miami Dolphins After snagging 73 passes for almost 800 yards from the likes of Jay Fiedler and A.J. Feeley, Randy McMichael reluctantly sneaks into the final spot in the top ten. Despite his impressive size and athleticism, the fourth-year tight end has yet to develop the poise and maturity that are crucial at this level; coming off a recent arrest for aggravated battery of his pregnant wife, McMichael must straighten up and fly right if he wants to continue his stint among the league?s elite.