At first glance, Chris Bounds is the tight end that is least likely to end up on this list. Darrion Jones, the junior college transfer, is a giant athlete and the best receiver of the bunch. Jared Poplawski is full of potential and has added tons of upper-body weight to his frame after tearing his ACL. Both Jones and Poplawski are more intriguing physically and more natural receivers.
But I ride for Chris Bounds. His frame isn’t as big, his legs aren’t as fast, and his talent isn’t as lauded. But damn if he isn’t the starter.