|
 |
8/3/01
Email Tim
|
|
Over the next few weeks, we'll be analyzing a good portion of every
position. We've assigned numerous writers to cover every player
we ranked so you'll get multiple opinions of 150 players. We've
also tallied up the average projections and rankings for each position.
One of the best tools is the fantasy values that each player has
assigned so you'll have a great idea of how big the drop-offs are
at each position.
FantasyRef is sponsoring
the whole project.
The Writers involved in the FantasyRef Forecast will be:
We have had such a great response that we at Forecast are creating a new email
update. It will include our latest views on players as the preseason
and season rolls on. It is a great way to stay updated on the fantasy
players as you creep closer to your draft. You can sign up for it
at: Forecast
Email
We will rank the players in the following system:
- Every 10 yards rushing or receiving is worth one fantasy point
- Every 20 passing yards is worth one fantasy point
- Every rushing or receiving touchdown is worth six fantasy points
- Every passing touchdown is worth six fantasy points
- Every extra point is worth one fantasy point
- Every field goal is worth three fantasy points
| 1. T O N Y G O N
Z A L E Z: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1050 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
159 |
|
Bond's Scouting Report
Gonzalez is one of the 10 best fantasy players in the game. He won't
get taken in the top-10 but an argument can be made that he fits
in that range. What Gonzalez has over most tight ends is athleticism
and speed. He fits the same mold as Shannon Sharpe, in his prime,
but is more powerful. He also has an offense that runs through him.
At least, he did. With Dick Vermeil at the helm, and a new offense
and quarterback in tow, it is tough to guess what is in store for
Gonzalez. Last season he was the only red zone option. He should
be this year, as well, but new coaches may have their own crazy
ideas. Vermeil did throw the ball in St. Louis and we figure him
to continue, which should play in Gonzo's hands. If you are skittish
about selecting a tight end in the second round, you are not going
to get Gonzalez. He is going that early and should be worth every
dollar.
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Also known as Uber Tight End, Tony Gonzalez is the envy of every
single quarterback, coach and general manager in the NFL, not to
mention every drooling Fantasy Football player. Gonzalez is the
modern day prototype TE to which all others at the position are
measured up against. You can put together just about any other two
Tight Ends and they wouldn't be able to come up with the numbers
put up by Gonzo in each of the past two years. In an NFL where height
means everything in the passing game these days, Gonzalez can use
his leaping skills a la Randy Moss to soar above any defensive back.
Lining up all along the line of scrimmage, Gonzalez creates a mismatch
on virtually every down. Too fast for linebackers. Too strong for
defensive backs. Strong enough to match up with a lineman even.
There may a little transition period with Elvis Grbac departing
and Trent Green arriving at Arrowhead but that won't stop the Uber
Tight End from dominating again in 2001.
Fantasy Rating: 100.0
| 2. S H A N N O N S
H A R P E: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 772 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
119 |
|
Gonos' Scouting Report
Across the board, Sharpe was a top 3 tight end last year with 67
catches for 810 yards and 5 TDs. Now you add an Elvis Grbac, who's
already proven he likes to use his tight end in Kansas City with
Tony Gonzalez, and Sharpe's status as the best non-latin tight end
in all the land! Todd Heap will not cut into his paying time much
as they will be vying for a return trip to the Super Bowl and can't
afford playing much of the rookie.
Bond's Scouting Report
Sharpe was the second best tight end in fantasy football with Tony
Banks and Trent Dilfer taking the snaps. That is like a lifelong
chaste monk rooming with Bill Clinton. To overcome that great a
hurdle and succeed is wild. Sharpe gets Elvis Grbac tossing the
pig and a full season of Jamal Lewis turning good field position
into touchdowns, not field goals. He isn't getting younger, has
his replacement on the roster, and probably is a good hit from retirement
but we still like him as the second or third tight end. We wouldn't
push him in the fourth or fifth round but look to steal him in the
sixth. It may not work but if he isn't there just move forward.
Fantasy Rating: 93.0
| 3. F R E D D I E J
O N E S: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 817 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
117 |
|
Cummings' Scouting Report
Freddie Jones is the third best TE in fantasy football. Every year
owners see his potential and draft him, thinking they locked in
a player on the verge of breaking out for a huge year. Each year,
he doesn't quite live up to expectations. Why? Let's start at quarterback.
The Chargers have been lacking a consistent threat at quarterback.
This year, that quarterback carousel has stopped, and Doug Flutie
is the man at the helm. Why else did he not prosper? Let's look
at the running game the last few years for the Chargers. Wait a
minute; I knew it was around here somewhere. Well, I cannot find
the running game they had, but this year, it is real easy to find.
LaDanian Tomlinson will be given the ball, and often. What about
all the receivers the Chargers have had over the last few years?
Up until last year, Freddie Jones was the best receiver on the field,
and he was constantly double-teamed. Last year the Chargers brought
in Curtis Conway, and he opened up the field a little for Mr. Jones.
This year, with a solid quarterback who knows how to use his tight
end (Jay Riemersma ring a bell?), a great offensive coordinator
who can utilize the position (Norv Turner), an established running
game and wide receivers that can open up the middle of the field,
this could be the year Freddie breaks out with a solid season.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
The scariest part about Freddie Jones is he will get better. Jones
has averaged 61 catches for 679 yards and 3.3 Tds per season in
the past three years. The amazing part is San Diego lacked any sort
of passing game or real help at wide receiver. Teams knew Jones
was the key in the passing game, but still he racked up the yardage.
Enter Doug Flutie. Flutie is now the starter for the San Diego Chargers.
The signing of Doug Flutie must have brought a huge smile to Freddie
Jones' face. Doug Flutie loves to throw to the Tight End. This will
only increase Jones' value for 2001. That is saying a lot since
a tight end with 766 yards and 5 TDs has a pretty high value to
begin with. You have to believe sooner or later one of the several
tight ends trailing Tony Gonzalez in fantasy value will step up
to his level. Freddie Jones could be that tight end. He is young,
talented and has the opportunity to catch a lot of balls. At worst,
he should get 700 yards and 4-5 TDS in 2001.
Fantasy Rating: 92.5
| 4. F R A N K W Y
C H E C K: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 705 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
100 |
|
Lackner's Scouting Report
In yardage leagues, you could do a lot worse than to draft Frank
Wycheck As your starting TE. In fact, Wycheck is probably the third
most productive TE in the league (after the obvious Tony Gonzalez
and Shannon Sharp choices). Since becoming the full time starter
back in 1996, he has emerged as Steve "Air" McNair's favorite target.
Wycheck has been extraordinarily consistent, averaging 65 receptions
for 660 yards per year. That is outstanding production from the
TE position, which is the good news. The bad news is that Wycheck
does not find his way into the end zone very often. His career high
(in 1996) is 6 TDs. Since then he has not posted more than 4 TDs
in any season. The low TD totals probably drop him down a couple
of notches, but he is still a top 10, if not a top 5, fantasy TE.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
Frank Wycheck is just like the energizer bunny. He keeps going and
going and going. Every year is the year it is expected that McNair
throws to his wide receivers more. Yet every year McNair makes Wycheck
his number one option in the passing game. I do not see this changing
anytime soon. All Wycheck has done is average 698 receiving yards
and 3 TDS in the past four years. The Washington Redskins drafted
Wycheck in 1993 in the 6th round. The Oilers claimed him off of
Waivers in 1995. The Houston Oilers could not even decide on a position
for him at first. He spent time at H-Back, Fullback and Tight End
in his first season as an Oiler. The Oilers finally settled on Tight
End and it appears they made the right choice. Wycheck always produces,
always plays and is the number one receiving option in the Tennessee
Offense. It is hard to beat that when drafting a Tight End for your
fantasy team. I expect another season of 600-700 receiving yards
and 3-4 TDS for Frank Wycheck.
Fantasy Rating: 89.5
| 5. C H A D L E W
I S: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 700 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
100 |
|
Agostini's Scouting Report
Lewis came into his own last season with career high 69 receptions
for 735 yards. The big question here is whether Lewis has made a
monumental leap in ability or was he merely the beneficiary of a
mediocre offense that lost it's best offensive weapon, RB Duce Staley
in week 5. I think it's a combination of both. The Eagles have learned
that Lewis is a legitimate talent that can be relied upon in the
passing game, which has seen the release of starters Charles Johnson
and Torrance Small. I like Lewis' chances of repeating last season's
totals as new WRs James Thrash and Freddie Mitchell work their way
into the system. I would like Lewis a whole lot more if teammate
and fellow TE Jeff Thomason did not eat 5 TDs last year.
Cummings' Scouting Report
A Pro Bowl tight end that managed only three TDs, Chad Lewis put
up some impressive yards last year. With the absence of Duce Staley,
Donavan McNabb and company had to rely on other means to move the
ball, and Lewis answered the call. However, he only managed 3 touchdowns.
Jeff Thomason came in and stole his scores last year, and with Thomason
resigning, it doesn't look like things will change much in Philly.
Also consider the return of the Duce, and you are looking at decreasing
value for this Pro Bowl TE. He will get his share of yards, but
don't look for many scores from Lewis.
Fantasy Rating: 89.5
| 6. W E S L E Y W
A L L S: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 635 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
99 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Wesley Walls had one more surgery last year. The question is, can
he be held together? Walls will most likely feel the brunt of the
impact of the loss of Steve Beuerlein over the off-season. As just
mentioned, he is coming off knee surgery for torn ligaments, which
cost him the second half of the season. And he is also 35 years
old. That's three strikes against Walls but is he still worth the
risk? I say 'Yes' he definitely is because there is even more upside
to this warrior of a Tight End who has every ounce of heart that
Tony Gonzalez has in physical talent. On the upside, Walls has always
been able to adapt to every quarterback he has played with over
his career so he should overcome the loss of Beuerlein and his average
of 52 yards per game was second only to the aforementioned Uber-TE
at Arrowhead. Walls also has always shown an excellent ability to
find open spaces in defenses and has excellent hands for a big man.
So yes, you must be aware of his downside but you must also be aware
that he has even more upside and he is every bit capable of being
the 2nd best Tight End in the National Football League.
Bond's Scouting Report
A few years back Walls was one of the top guys. He fit in with Ben
Coates and Shannon Sharpe as a tight end to take in the late third
round or early fourth round. Coates was the first to permanently
leave. There were doubts about Sharpe after 1999 but he is here
on a year-to year basis. Where does that leave Walls? Injuries have
been a bit of a problem the last few years and his knees are destined
to give out. He also has lost his chief benefactor Steve Beuerlein
to Denver and will have to take in the errant tosses of Jeff Lewis
and Company. A lot of negative surrounds Walls but what people forget
is that given the opportunity, the guy can still play. We've seen
him go late in a few drafts and after Frank Wycheck and Chad Lewis
there is no tight end that has his credentials. We won't argue taking
him any time after the top-5, if he is healthy and the quarterback
situation looks good.
Fantasy Rating: 89.0
| 7. J A Y R I E M
E R S M A: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 582 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
94 |
|
Ludwig's Scouting Report
Jay Riemersma could end up a little underrated for the 2001 season.
This is not because Jay Riemersma is not a good tight end. It is
because of the misconception that Rob Johnson never throws to the
TE. This is not true. Last year, Riemersma and Johnson played in
eight full games from start to finish. In those eight games, Riemersma
caught 20 passes for 260 yards and 3 TDS. Not too bad for a guy
who never gets thrown to by Rob Johnson. This was in an offense
that was more designed to go down the field. The Bills have switched
over to the West Coast offense in 2001. Riemersma will be featured
even more than in the past. The Bills will be going to the quick
three step drop and throw. This will increase Riemersma looks from
Johnson. An offensive system usually determines a player's fantasy
value and not talent. I am expecting a career high in both catches
and yards for Jay Riemersma. Riemersma should easily be a top ten
tight end for the upcoming season.
Gonos' Scouting Report
Riemersma, in only 12 games, scored 5 touchdowns as well. Yet he
did it with only31 catches compared to Freddie Jones 71. Rob Johnson
settles in as the undisputed No.1 QB and Riemersma will do his best
to become his second option behind Eric Moulds. Expect better numbers
this year from Riemersma.
Fantasy Rating: 88.0
| 8. K Y L E B R A
D Y: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 605 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
84 |
|
Lackner's Scouting Report
There are 2 ways of looking at Kyle Brady. The first and more cynical
view is that his fantastic 2000 campaign (where he caught 64 passes
for 729 yards) was just a flash in the pan. After all, prior to
2000 his annual production was typical half of that. The other view
is that 2000 was just the sign of things to come. Maybe I am the
eternal optimist, but I am leaning toward the latter. Here's why.
With questions surrounding WR Jimmy Smith, QB Mark Brunell may be
inclined to look Brady's way even more often this season. Clearly,
Brunell and Brady built a solid repoire with one another last year,
and that could carry over into the 2001 season. Finally, with the
Jacksonville OL going through a period of transition, Brunell may
HAVE to look short to avoid the pressure opposing defenses will
surely bring. That also could mean more looks for Brady. Brady is
probably best suited as your backup TE, since his TD production
is so wanting. However, if you decide to wait until the late rounds
to draft a TE, then Brady could fit the bill as your starter as
well.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
This is one player that shocked a lot of fantasy owners in 2001.
In fact, I had him as my sleeper and grabbed him in the last round
in many of my leagues. Even I did not expect Kyle Brady to do what
he did last year. Kyle Brady more than doubled his previous career
high of receiving yards with 729 yards. It is hard to believe he
will duplicate that type of season. However, Brady does appear to
have a fantasy pulse after last year. The Jacksonville Jaguars got
behind in a lot of games and were forced to throw more than in the
past. This caused Brunell's and Brady's statistics to go up. He
may not be a touchdown machine because he is the fourth option at
the goal line, but in performance leagues his receiving yards make
up for it. I am expecting Jacksonville to be better in 2001, but
not to the point of dominating teams. Jacksonville will be more
like the team that went 5-3 from weeks nine through 16. In the same
time span, Mark Brunell threw for 1786 passing yards and Brady caught
for 469 of those yards. Kyle Brady should have another nice fantasy
year for Jacksonville.
Fantasy Rating: 86.5
| 9. B U B B A F R
A N K S: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 500 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
80 |
|
Agostini's Scouting Report
Bubba Franks has the perfect opportunity to shine in the green and
gold this season. Franks finds himself in his second NFL year as
the only viable TE as fellow teammate Tyrone Davis may be lost for
the season due to a hamstring injury. Franks is having a solid off-season
and may become a favorite target of Brett Favre. Once the obvious
studs like Gonzalez and Sharpe are taken in your fantasy drafts,
I recommend taking a flyer on Franks in hopes of a pro bowl season.
Cummings' Scouting Report
Last year Franks spent his rookie year splitting time with Tyrone
Davis. Now, with the injury to Davis, Franks will be asked to step
up his game and be a more focal point in the offense. Green Bay
has always utilized the tight end, and Green Bay used a first round
pick last year on Franks to groom him in the mold of Mark Chmura.
With Favre slinging the ball all over the field and the emergence
of Ahman Green, the pressure, glamour, and spotlight will not be
on Franks. He will be counted on to produce and given every opportunity
to do so. Look for a solid performance from Franks this year, as
I see 400-500 yards with about 5-6 TDs a real possibility.
Fantasy Rating: 85.5
| 10. K E N D I L
G E R: |
| REC YDS |
REC TDS |
RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
FF PTS |
| 525 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
76 |
|
Bond's Scouting Report
He is one of the great tight end teases - sounds like a porno come
on. Each year we expect more than he can give. Part of the problem
is that with Peyton Manning at the helm, we figure all around him
will succeed. And while Dilger does put forth a decent effort -
top-10 last season and in 1996 - he never quite drops into the elite.
At this point in time, we shouldn't expect him to either. He is
what he is and that is a player that will catch about three passes
a game and lugs the acorn past the stripe every fourth game. That
is what to expect and anymore is being silly. We don't think you
should take him unless you are getting him cheap, as there could
be other fish in the sea. Or you could take a tight end very late
and put more effort into other positions.
Bellinger's Scouting Report
As long as Marcus Pollard is around, fantasy football owners will
be wondering how many catches, yards and touchdowns will Pollard
vulture from Ken Dilger and vice-versa. Dilger had his best year
in 2000 in terms of catches and yards. Since Dilger is labeled one
of the better blocking tight ends in the league, he will always
have job security but that label will also hurt his production numbers.
Dilger has the obvious talents to grab 70+ catches and 7-8 touchdowns
but as long as Pollard is still around and the Colts insist on using
him primarily as a blocking tight end, Dilger will be held to around
500 yards and 4-5 touchdowns a season. If you draft Dilger, be aware
that while you will get consistent production from Dilger, you should
never consider him more than your backup tight end.
Fantasy Rating: 84.5
I hope you enjoyed the top ten tight ends and the rest of the tight
ends can be found at Fantasy
Forecast Tight Ends.
:: comments to tim
ludwig
|
|
|
 |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
