Redzone Threats: Tight Ends Who Come Alive Around the Goal Line

When an offense enters the red zone, the value of a reliable tight end skyrockets. In these critical moments, having a big-bodied target with sure hands becomes a game-changer. Tight ends who can use their size and physicality to create separation or make contested catches in tight spaces unlock a wealth of options for play-callers. Whether it's setting the edge for a running back or becoming a mismatch for linebackers, these tight ends consistently rise to the occasion when the game tightens up. Here's a look at the red zone specialists who do it all when it matters most.    Arthur Murphy spends a lot of time on the outside for Tempe's offense but has shown he can play on the end of the line and be just as productive in both the passing and running game. For a player who stands at 6'2 230 lbs, he's got surprising agility that allows him to get separation against speedy defensive backs. In the redzone, Murphy becomes a prime target with his size — too big for cornerbacks to stop and too fast for linebackers, it creates an instant mismatch and an easy read for the quarterback. With games of four, three, and two touchdowns in the first six weeks of his senior year, Murphy's showing everyone just how productive he can be.      A tight end's value in the redzone can hardly be overstated, but Dwayne Jones' efficiency around the goal line is in a world of its own. He currently has seven receptions on the season, and six of them are touchdowns. Whether it's using his large frame to box out defenders or his quick footwork to create space in tight quarters, Jones is a nightmare for defenses to cover. One of a few two-way monsters on this list, he also has nine tackles for loss and nine hurries on the season. Jones' versatility and big-play ability make him a player coaches should keep an eye on through the rest of his senior year.      [player_tooltip player_id='954323' first='Jimmy' last='Leon'] is a versatile threat who can truly take over a game on both sides of the ball. Coming off an impressive junior year, he seems to have picked up right where he left off. In a recent matchup against Casa Grande, Leon had a two-touchdown, three-sack, and three-tackle-for-loss performance that earned him an Ed Doherty Medallion — recognized as one of the top weekly performers across the state. At 6'3" 235 lbs, he's a ball of athleticism that can overpower defenders and has some unexpected burst once he has the ball in his hands. Leon currently holds seven Division 1 offers including ASU, NAU, and others, and will undoubtedly make a massive impact on whichever program lands him.    <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jimmyleon_1/status/1845656077729198559 </div></figure>    With five touchdowns so far in 2024, while managing to average 13 yards per reception, [player_tooltip player_id='368916' first='Jax' last='Markovich'] is showing why he's one of the top tight ends in the entire state — and it's more than just his pass-catching ability. With that being said, in the redzone he quickly becomes a go-to target for his quarterback at a whopping 6'5" 230 lbs with an impressive catch radius to go along with it. Earlier this season I discussed what makes Markovich so valuable to his offense now, as well as what he can bring with him to UMass:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Being [6'5"], weighing 230 lbs, being able to move as fluidly as Markovich can, and having incredibly reliable hands makes him an offensive coordinator's dream from his pass-catching abilities alone; but that doesn't even factor in how effective he is in the run game. Helping create lanes for his running backs, you can see that he truly cares about blocking and doesn't treat it as an opportunity to rest. </blockquote>     [player_tooltip player_id='992764' first='Aveon' last='Williams'] is a combination of size and speed that can give defensive coordinators nightmares with what he can do running routes for Casa Grande's offense. As the biggest tight end to make this list, he has no problem finding open space down the field and outrunning defenders when he sees grass in front of him. He's shown great body control around the sideline and his secure hands make him a target his quarterback can truly trust when it matters most. He already received an offer from ASU back in April of 2023, which will only continue as he works through the rest of his high school career. With six total touchdowns so far this season, Williams is showing everyone why he's our top-ranked 2026 tight end.      Aiden Anaya might not be the flashiest player on the field, but his consistency and versatility make him a crucial part of his team's success. A great blocker who moves his feet well and fiercely engages defenders, Anaya is as valuable in the trenches as he is in the passing game. Though not the quickest player, he has good top-end speed once he gets going and does a great job tracking the ball through the air. Through six games, Anaya has hauled in seven receptions for 151 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 21.6 yards per catch. Whether he's catching a short pass and turning it upfield or sealing the edge for his running backs, Anaya has proven he can impact the game in multiple ways. His reliability and blocking prowess add a level of toughness to his game, making him a well-rounded threat every time he steps onto the field.      [player_tooltip player_id='368947' first='Gavin' last='Mesa'] is an incredible all-around athlete and it shows, both on and off the football field. A two-sport athlete who really excels on the diamond, Mesa also plays tight end for Chaparral and has really come through for them in clutch situations. Whether that be finding a way to get open in the redzone when there's not much room to work with, or completing a pass on a fake punt to get a crucial fourth-down conversion — he's been a real spark for their offense. Showing a great ability to make catches through contact, he's a player that defenders want to get to the ground quickly with some nice speed and a mean stiff arm that comes out if he isn't tackled right away. Mesa's versatility and game-changing ability make him one of the most unpredictable threats on the field.

When an offense enters the red zone, the value of a reliable tight end skyrockets. In these critical moments, having a big-bodied target with sure hands becomes a game-changer. Tight ends who can use their size and physicality to create separation or make contested catches in tight spaces unlock a wealth of options for play-callers. Whether it's setting the edge for a running back or becoming a mismatch for linebackers, these tight ends consistently rise to the occasion when the game tightens up. Here's a look at the red zone specialists who do it all when it matters most.