The Atlanta Falcons just signed FB Ovie Mugheli to a 6 year 15 million dollar deal to play fullback and clear the way for their running game. Last year, the Falcons had a problem catching the ball with anyone other than TE Alge Crumpler. Mugheli cannot catch the ball, but they still need someone...that player is now available and the Falcons would be ridiculous not to consider him, immediately. They need to pick up the phone and call tight end Randy McMichael.

Let’s begin by having a discussion about the top tight ends in the NFL right now. We’re going to consider everything — blocking, catching, the works. We’re talking about all around great tight ends, not one dimensional kinds of individuals. Experience counts because it means that they’ve consistently made an impact every year. These guys are Antonio Gates, Alge Crumpler, Tony Gonzalez and Todd Heap.

It’s clear that these players do everything excellently. After that, we drop down to players who do everything well and do it consistently. There are only three players in this group — Jason Witten, Dallas Clark and Randy McMichael.

I would happily argue McMichael over Jeremy Shockey or Daniel Graham or Reggie Kelly or Eric Johnson or any other tight end not listed above and would feel very confident in my arguments.

When’s the last time Randy McMichael missed a game? If you answered never, then you win the prize. McMichael has not missed a game in his entire NFL career. That he has started every game in his entire NFL career also shows that he’s a competitive player who wins his battles.

For the full story, see the March 9 edition of The Union-Recorder