Jan 13, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) runs the ball against New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans believes he is the best tight end in the NFL.
“Honestly, I feel like I’m the best tight end in the league in all phases,” Walker told the Tennessean. “Blocking, run blocking, catching the ball, breaking tackles, stuff like that. At the end of the day, if you don’t feel like that, you shouldn’t be in the league.”
Walker made 74 catches for 807 yards with three touchdowns in 2017. He was awarded Offensive MVP in this year’s Pro Bowl after catching two touchdown passes.
Walker finished fourth in the NFL among tight ends in receiving yards behind Rob Gronkowski (1,084), Travis Kelce (1,038) and Zach Ertz (824) and tied with Ertz for third in receptions behind Kelce (83) and Jack Doyle (80).
The 33-year-old has been a late bloomer in his career. The three-time Pro Bowler said his focus has been on lifestyle choices and conditioning.
“Every year I try something new,” Walker said. “I don’t eat pork, I don’t drink alcohol. That’s been helping me, keeping me fit and in shape. Just go out here and I try to bust my butt every day in the weight room, on the field, and it’s tended to work so I’m going to stick to that regimen.”
