[ubernoob]

I would break it down like this. If I wanted a TE on my team... Who would I go for first? Antonio Gates, hands down.

Now... if he were not available? I'd be happy getting Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, Jermichael Finley, or Vernon Davis.

I have the tier 1 for TE as solely Gates. Proven track record. Athletic freak.

Tier 2: Clark, Witten, Finley, Davis.

So yes, Antonio Gates is better than Jason Witten. Not that I'd complain about getting Witten - he is a great TE. Top 5 easily.