​Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has delivered back-to-back standout seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier playmakers at his position. In 2025, McBride ranked second in the league in receptions with 126, amassing 1,239 receiving yards and delivering 11 touchdowns. By many measures, he’s arguably the best tight end in the NFL, though a recent ESPN survey of 70 executives, coaches, and scouts suggests he isn’t viewed as the unquestioned top tight end, even if he’s close.
The survey placed McBride second in the tight end pecking order, trailing only Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. McBride had been ranked as high as first on some ballots and as low as fifth on others, illustrating how close the evaluations are at the top of the position. He sits just behind Bowers in the consensus rankings, with Bowers’ rookie year and his own high-profile potential contributing to the ongoing discussion about the best tight end in the league.
McBride’s per-game production underlines his impact. Averaging 72.9 receiving yards per game, he topped all other tight ends by nearly 16 yards per game. His 566 receiving yards after the catch led the position by a wide margin, surpassing the next-best player by 90 yards. His 11 receiving touchdowns tied for second-most in the league. While he has long been recognized for his receiving prowess, McBride has continued to expand his all-around game, showing improvements that have drawn praise from coaches and evaluators around the NFL.
An NFL coordinator highlighted his well-rounded skill set, noting McBride’s ball skills, hands, and overall physical ability as standout attributes, and not underselling his effectiveness in the running game either. His production metrics reinforce this view: he posted the highest receiving expected points added (REPA) among tight ends—71.5—while also ranking fourth among all pass catchers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That combination of efficiency and impact illustrates why McBride is regarded as a complete tight end who can influence games in multiple ways.
The dynamic surrounding Brock Bowers adds another layer to the conversation. Bowers, who delivered a remarkable rookie season and entered the league with higher pre-draft expectations, hasn’t slipped much in the eyes of those who study the game. While Bowers wasn’t ranked outside the top three, the gap between him and McBride remains a topic of debate about how the two players will fare as their careers unfold, especially given injury challenges Bowers faced in his sophomore season. How Bowers responds to those setbacks, and how McBride maintains his level of production, will help determine how long this debate persists.
For Cardinals fans, the certainty about McBride’s talent extends beyond the numbers. He has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro last season, underscoring the level at which he performs when healthy and in prime form. Whether he’s viewed as the top tight end or ranked just behind the frontrunner, the acknowledgment from players, coaches, and analysts alike reinforces that McBride is a rare talento on Arizona’s roster and a central figure in the team’s offensive plans.
As the discussion about McBride versus Bowers continues, it’s clear that both players are driving the evolution of the position. If Bowers returns to form after an injury-filled year and McBride maintains or elevates his production, this debate is likely to endure for years, with fans and analysts eager to see how these two young tight ends shape the game.
For those seeking deeper Cardinals coverage and broader NFL insights, Cards Wire’s Jess Root and the Rise Up, See Red podcast team deliver ongoing analysis and updates. Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts to stay connected with the latest developments surrounding McBride, Bowers, and the league’s most dynamic tight ends.
This look at McBride’s impact and the surrounding rankings reflects ongoing discussions within the sport, emphasizing that even a player who has already achieved significant recognition can still generate strong, lively debate about who truly stands as the best at his position.