Rex Ryan: Vernon Davis is top tight end in the NFL, not Rob Gronkowski

After his record-breaking 2011 season during which he hauled in 17 touchdown receptions, most people feel as though Rob Gronkowski is the best all-around tight end in the NFL. Rex Ryan disagrees. With a matchup looming against the Niners this weekend, Ryan made it clear during a conference call on Wednesday that he believes Vernon Davis is the best in the NFL at his position.

“If you’re not looking at Vernon Davis, what are you kidding me?” Rex said according to the NY Post. “The guy runs a 4.3, the best tight end, the No. 1 tight end in football, in my opinion. You got that Gronkowski kid, but this guy is a 4.3 speed guy.”

While Ryan is known for making obnoxious guarantees and talking smack a lot of the time, he also makes it a point to praise his team’s next opponent. Many coaches in the NFL do this in order to make sure their players are on their toes, so it’s possible Rex is talking up Davis to make sure his defense doesn’t underestimate his freak athletic ability.

From an athleticism standpoint, you could certainly argue that Davis is the best tight end in the NFL. In terms of production and what he accomplished a season ago, that title has to go to Gronk at the moment.

Photo credits: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE, Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE