When drafting a fantasy football roster, the tight end position is often an afterthought. The reasoning behind this varies — league format, lack of impact players available, general distaste for the term — each is a valid reason (well, that last one is a bit of a stretch, but I digress). Whatever the reason may be, it must be noted that these days, times are a-changin'.
Never in recent history has there been such a deep pool of legit tight end targets. Offenses are looking for ways to get theirs the ball and defenses are trying to devise means by which to neutralize them. Strangely, many fantasy football owners that I have come across are slow to recognize this very clear shift in the NFL tight end paradigm, which could give you an advantage that may make all the difference for your team this season.
Again utilizing my unique rating system, I've compiled a list of the 20 most attractive tight ends (no pun intended) in the NFL. Strangely enough, my wife proofread this article and asked why she wasn't included as one of the most attractive tight ends (sorry, I couldn't resist), but never mind that.
In all seriousness, fortifying your lineup with an upper echelon receiving tight end is a move that I, for one, strongly recommend. It is my hope that the ranking of these players provided in the body of this article helps you in identifying your preferred target to achieve just such an advantage over your peers.
Following the same logic that I used in rating the wide receivers, I've included each player's strength of schedule rating, as well as the stats projected for each as a result of my analysis. If you haven't been keeping up, I strongly (but pleasantly) urge you to read through my separate analyses of quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers before running through this listing of tight ends, as it hopefully will help explain the how's and why's to my ranking methodology.
1) Antonio Gates, Chargers (24)
Bursting onto the seen with grandeur last season, Gates has established himself as one of the finest pass-catching tight ends to come through the league in a long time. The scary thing is he may not yet be done developing. No player in the league matches such overpowering size and strength with such soft hands, precise route-running, and effectiveness in traffic. As strange as it is to put in print, Gates is a value pick if grabbed early in round three, and could even be contemplated at the end of round two, unheard of recommendations for someone who plays that position.
(2005 projected stats: 100 catches, 984 yards, 11 TD)
2) Todd Heap, Ravens (11)
For all the disrespect I gave the Raven receivers in my wide receiver ratings, I give equal amount of respect to Heap. One worry with him his is health, as Heap does take a lot of hits and hasn't shown he can absorb all of them over the course of a season, but, when healthy, he is every bit as valuable as Gates. With consideration for the injury factor, grabbing Heap in round four is a solid roster decision.
(86, 847, 10)
3) Jeremy Shockey, Giants (21)
Shockey stands to get a lot of looks as protection breaks down for the inexperienced Eli Manning. In addition to those looks, Jeremy should be a more than adequate red zone alternative and should at least get a chance to score some touchdowns in that offense. Like Heap, health concerns may scare a few prospective owners away from Shockey, but early reports are good on the outspoken New York tight end and all signs point to a solid 2005 season. Late in round four would be a fitting spot to look to acquire Shockey.
(85, 833, 9)
4) Jason Witten, Cowboys (16)
2004 gave us all a taste of the kind of talent Jason Witten brings to the table. If Drew Bledsoe recognizes this, and there is no reason to believe he won't, Witten should have a very similar type of season in store for fantasy owners savvy enough to pull the trigger on selecting him. Witten is a good late fourth-round option.
(81, 801, 9)
5) Eric Johnson, 49ers (2)
E.J. is a solid tight end and certainly has shown that in recent years. With a young QB (whether Alex Smith wins the job outright or Tim Rattay/Ken Dorsey winds up as the starter), Johnson stands to have a lot of quick-hitting type plays designed for him so as to establish a comfort level for his signal-caller. Johnson likely won't get in the end zone as much as the others, but may well catch as many if not more passes. Johnson should be waiting for you in round five.
(99, 976, 7)
6) Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs (31)
Gonzo is still a force to be reckoned with, and his rating in relation to the others on this list is more a commentary on how deep the position has become as opposed to and indication of how far his game has slipped. He should still be a safe weekly play in all league formats, but I wouldn't use anything higher than a fifth-rounder on him, unless the others go much faster than anticipated.
(101, 993, 6)
7) Alge Crumpler, Falcons (14)
In the past, being Michael Vick's favorite target normally wouldn't get you more than 60 or so catches in a year. However, this season, Vick should have a better grasp of the West Coast-style offense Atlanta utilizes, which should mean an additional 20 or so catches for the versatile big man. With so many other talented players at this position, though, don't use anything lower than a sixth-round selection on Crumpler.
(91, 900, 6)
8) Randy McMichael, Dolphins (8)
Watch how his recent legal troubles unfold, because his value would be significantly impacted were he to miss a substantial amount of time. If he does wind up being acquitted of his domestic battery charges, McMichael is an impact player and should improve upon very solid 2004 numbers. That is a big "if," however. Assuming all is well with Randy, snatch him up in round six or seven. If the news is not so good, hold off and take a flier on him as you fill out your roster at the back end of the draft.
(88, 866, 6)
9) Marcus Pollard, Lions (15)
It remains to be seen just how Pollard will adapt to the west coast offense, but Mariucci's San Francisco teams always managed to involve their pass catching tight ends. Pollard demonstrated in Indy that he is a viable weapon, and even brings a surprising amount of speed to a position that historically flourishes when match up problems are created. Pollard is a strong eighth-round pick.
(66, 647, 7)
10) Doug Jolley, Jets (29)
The Jets obviously think very highly of the ex-Raider Jolley, trading a first-round pick in this past spring's draft for his services. Since that offense even made Anthony Becht look good at times, Jolley is a fairly safe bet to put up adequate statistics. Look to grab Doug in or around round eight.
(62, 608, 7)
11) L.J. Smith, Eagles (7)
Smith could enjoy a very nice season, especially if Terrell Owens does indeed miss time. Even if the Eagles' receiving corps is at full strength, the young and talented L.J. could be the benefactor of a handful of short yardage touchdown opportunities. He is a good mid-round option and, if you do end up missing out on some of the other higher-ranked players at this position, Smith should be your guy.
(59, 584, 8)
12) Jerramy Stevens, Seahawks (4)
Every year, Stevens tantalizes with his talent and each year he disappoints with his production. If the natural maturing process applies to Jerramy, he should be able to step up in a Seahawk offense bereft of big play receiving threats. Look for Stevens as a backup on your team in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
(72, 712, 6)
13) Jermaine Wiggins, Vikings (9)
Wiggins put up very nice stats in '04, but those numbers will suffer a bit with Daunte Culpepper favorite Jim Kleinsasser returning to health. Still, Wiggins offers an athletic edge at the position and has a nose for making tough catches, so he is worthy of a mid-round draft choice if you've run out of other options.
(72, 708, 5)
14) Desmond Clark, Bears (18)
Starting with Clark, the rest of the top 20 are little more than stopgap solutions at the positions. Clark could emerge as a popular target with Rex Grossman, who demonstrated a solid mastery of the short passing game in the early stages of 2004. Still, using anything other than a late-round choice on Clark could leave holes in other parts of your roster with little to show for your investment.
(68, 669, 4)
15) Bubba Franks, Packers (28)
Franks' value is tied directly to whether or not his contract situation is resolved. If he does wind up playing this season, he has been a consistently average producer, but at least he doesn't get a lot of "0-fors." Late-round pick.
(47, 466, 6)
16) Freddie Jones, Panthers (17)
Being in Carolina can only help Jones' cause, as he was sometimes forgotten in the Cardinal offense. QB Jake Delhomme should grow fond of the athletic tight end early, but it is still difficult to expect too much from a player who has been known to underachieve. Another late-round pick in a thinning group of tight ends.
(54, 527, 4)
17) Dallas Clark, Colts (12)
On any other team, Clark would be a lock to be picked in the first six rounds. On Indy, he's just another great receiver who has to share his opportunities with the masses. Good pick if you're in a jam, but not worth anything aside from a late-round pick.
(51, 503, 4)
18) Ben Watson, Patriots (20)
Ben Watson is an interesting prospect. He has a lot of talent, but Brady has shown an alarming propensity for sharing the wealth. Still, Watson has to be considered a sleeper, as most owners won't even have him on their radar. Take him late as a second tight end and don't hesitate to use him if he emerges as New England's red zone target.
(41, 406, 4)
19) Boo Williams, Saints (22)
A victim of his team's inconsistency, Williams really is talented enough to be in the top 10 at his position. Unfortunately, he's trapped in an offense that is poorly designed and his skills are rarely truly utilized to their fullest. Williams should be picked up late in the draft or as a free agent.
(55, 542, 2)
20) Ben Troupe, Titans (10)
Troupe is another talented, young tight end who may wind up bursting onto the scene with regular playing time, but it is hard to count on a young, unproven player. Like the other young Ben on this list (Watson), look to grab Troupe late or as a free agent only if you are already set at the position.
(44, 436, 2)
***
As this list indicates, the top-tier of players has far more upside than the others. As such, taking a tight end earlier than you would in past drafts isn't as large a gamble as you would think. If nothing else, it will give you a decided advantage over most other teams in your league during head-to-head match ups at that spot.
My roster features Eric Johnson as my top tight end and I grabbed Randy McMichael with my last pick for insurance and depth.
The thought that the tight end spot on a fantasy roster can be filled with spare parts is a theory which dooms all who employ it to failure. The fact is, as parity most definitely begins to level the playing field in the other positions, which it undoubtedly has, a successful fantasy league owner will need to adapt to find new roster spots at which an advantage can be gained. Tight end is just such a position, as the separation between good and bad is very real and figures to remain as such for the foreseeable future.
Picking a tight end early may not be a popular choice and may even draw jeers from your league-mates, but you'll have the last laugh, even if you don't use some lame tight end joke like the one I busted out in this article.
Don't miss the QB, RB, and WR ratings. Stay tuned as Matt Thomas brings you more fantasy forecasts!
Leave a Comment