Overview of Inside the TE Revolution — from Someone Living It
This episode of The Athletic Football Show breaks down why the NFL is in the middle of a tight end boom and what that shift means schematically, financially, and strategically. Robert Mays and Derek discuss the league-wide move away from heavy 11 personnel toward more 12- and 13-personnel looks, then bring in Chargers tight end Charlie Kohler to explain the trend from a player’s point of view. The big picture: teams are using more tight ends because modern defenses are lighter, more two-high/shell-based, and built to stop explosive passing — and offenses are responding by getting bigger, more versatile, and more willing to play under center.
Why the Tight End Market Is Heating Up
The episode opens with the idea that tight ends have become more valuable across the league, both on the field and in free agency.
Key drivers behind the trend
- Personnel evolution on offense: NFL teams are using more 12 personnel and even 13 personnel to create mismatches and dictate defensive responses.
- Defensive adaptations: As defenses became more two-high and shell-heavy, offenses found that bigger bodies at tight end could help attack softer zones and function against bigger nickel defenders.
- Financial efficiency: Tight ends are generally cheaper than top-tier receivers, making them attractive roster-building tools.
- Copycat league dynamics: Teams are chasing the success of offenses like the Rams, Seahawks, and Chiefs, who have shown how effective multi-tight-end, under-center football can be.
The Scheme Shift: What’s Changed in the NFL
The hosts spend a lot of time on the tactical changes that are driving the tight end surge.
Personnel trends
- 11 personnel has dropped sharply league-wide.
- From about 62.4% in 2023 to 56.3% in 2024
- 12 personnel has increased.
- Around 22% last season, up from 16.5% in 2018
- 13 personnel is becoming a real weapon, not just a short-yardage package.
Why it works
- Under center + play action creates more uncertainty and more “juicy” passing looks.
- Multiple tight ends help offenses:
- Force more base defense
- Create better run-game angles
- Protect quarterbacks
- Attack linebackers and safeties in the passing game
- Modern offenses want to stay out of obvious third-down situations, so they use heavier personnel to stay ahead of the chains.
Important stat points discussed
- Offenses were more successful generating explosives when they combined:
- Under-center play
- Play action
- Heavier personnel
- There was a strong correlation between explosive passing rates and teams that were:
- More willing to go under center
- More willing to play heavier personnel packages
Charlie Kohler’s View From Inside the Trend
Charlie Kohler provides the player perspective, explaining why the position is suddenly getting paid and prioritized.
What stood out from his perspective
- He was surprised by the size of his market, but he felt the combine and team interest signaled that he could get a strong deal.
- His role in Baltimore was relatively limited in the passing game, but teams valued him for:
- Blocking
- Flexibility
- Ability to contribute in play action
- Versatility as a two-way tight end
Why he thinks tight ends are more valuable now
- Cost: Tight ends are cheaper than receivers.
- Defensive structure: Big nickel and shell coverage make it harder for smaller slot receivers to handle run support.
- Game structure: Offenses are increasingly built around efficiency, shorter drives, and staying on schedule.
- Quarterback protection: Tight ends help reduce hits on quarterbacks and make run-pass balance easier to maintain.
- Developmental trends: He suggests quarterbacks may be entering the NFL less mentally developed than before, which pushes offenses toward more run-game support.
How Teams Are Actually Using Tight Ends
The discussion makes clear that “more tight ends” doesn’t mean every team is doing the same thing.
Examples from around the league
- Rams: Use 13 personnel to create wide surfaces, force base defense, and run vertical/duo concepts.
- Seahawks: Use multiple tight ends and fullbacks to create balance and manipulate defensive structure.
- Bears: Are positioned to be a major 12/13-personnel team because their tight end room gives them multiple credible blockers and receivers.
- Steelers: Used heavy personnel out of necessity because of thin receiver talent, but that’s seen as a different case than the more intentional versions.
The common thread
The best versions of this trend are multi-functional:
- Tight ends must be credible as blockers
- They also need enough ability as receivers to keep defenses honest
- The ideal group includes at least one tight end who can create vertical stress from heavy formations
What Defenses Are Likely to Do Next
The hosts and Kohler both think the next counter-move will be defensive adaptation rather than a total return to lighter personnel.
Likely defensive responses
- More base defense
- Bigger nickel defenders
- Stouter linebackers who can hold up against the run
- More emphasis on players who can:
- Set the edge
- Fit the run
- Match up with tight ends without forcing scheme compromises
The strategic back-and-forth
- Offenses are trying to force defenses into predictable personnel groups.
- Defenses can respond by:
- Staying in nickel more often
- Playing bigger, more versatile DBs
- Forcing offenses to execute long drives instead of explosive plays
Notable Takeaways
- The tight end resurgence is not just a fad; it’s tied to coverage trends, roster economics, and quarterback protection.
- The best heavy-personnel offenses don’t just line up with more bodies — they create new problems for defenses by changing run geometry and passing structure.
- The position is becoming more valuable because modern offenses need players who can do a little of everything.
- Special teams value matters too: tight ends who can play on teams are even more attractive as roster pieces.
- This is a classic NFL copycat cycle: once one team finds a productive answer, everyone else tries to replicate it.
Bottom Line
This episode argues that the tight end revolution is being driven by a combination of schematic evolution, defensive reaction, and economic reality. Teams want bigger personnel to handle bigger nickel defenders, protect quarterbacks, and keep defenses guessing. Charlie Kohler’s perspective reinforces that this isn’t just theory — it’s changing how players at his position are valued, deployed, and paid.