| Tight
End Rankings - Dynasty |
| Rk |
Player |
Seasons |
Position
Rank '08 |
Yrs in Top 12
(Since 2000) |
Yrs in Top 24
(Since 2000) |
Projected Top 12
Seasons
(Next 3 Yrs) |
| 1 |
Jason Witten, DAL (27) |
6 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
3 |
| Witten’s
been among the better tight ends to own since his second
year in the league. His value has risen even further
though with Romo under center. The loss of Owens should
allow for just as many looks, if not more, to continue
coming his way. |
| 2 |
Antonio Gates, SD (29) |
6 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
3 |
| Like Witten,
Gates continues to impress year after year. His numbers
dropped a bit last season, but were impressive enough
to squash any concerns stemming from an injured toe
suffered during the 2007 playoffs. His touchdown production
is among the best in league at tight end along with
his yardage and receptions. |
| 3 |
Chris Cooley, WAS (27) |
5 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
| Cooley’s
touchdown production slipped last season, but he set
career highs for himself in both yardage and receptions.
Look for him to find the end zone more often in ’09
while he improves upon his fantasy rank from a year
ago. |
| 4 |
Greg Olsen CHI (24) |
2 |
10 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Olsen’s
only entering his third season, but his progression
suggests he’ll quickly be among the best tight ends
in the league. With Jay Cutler’s arrival in Chicago,
look for his numbers to continue rising in the years
ahead. |
| 5 |
Tony Gonzalez, ATL (33) |
12 |
1 |
9 |
9 |
3 |
| There’s
nothing not to like about Gonzalez, accept for his age.
At 33 he is nearing retirement, but he continues to
rank among the best at his position year in and year
out. He likely has another 2-3 seasons left in him with
Atlanta. |
| 6 |
Dallas Clark, IND (30) |
6 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
| Clark’s
last two seasons are his best in the league. Prior to
that he was a known talent, but injuries always derailed
his outings. With the injury bug behind him, he’s
now become a significant part of the Colts passing attack. |
| 7 |
Owen Daniels, HOU (26) |
3 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
| Owens
has quickly made himself known as one of the better
pass catching tight ends in the league. His touchdown
count could use some improvement, but nonetheless his
production is hard to overlook. |
| 8 |
Kellen Winslow, TB (26) |
5 |
21 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
| Based
on talent alone, Winslow is one of the best receiving
tight ends in the NFL. Injuries cost him a fair bit
of playing time in ’08 however, and his change
of address doesn’t help his value any. He’s
produced with less than stellar QBs in Cleveland, but
it’s doubtful he’ll match his career highs
anytime soon in Tampa Bay. |
| 9 |
John Carlson, SEA (25) |
1 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Injuries
to the Seahawks receiving core last season forced Carlson
to become a primary target for QB Matt Hasselbeck. He
responded with 5 touchdowns and 627 yards on 55 receptions.
The addition of Houshmandzadeh should help open things
up more for him this year. |
| 10 |
Zach
Miller, OAK (23) |
2 |
11 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Oakland
doesn’t have much of a passing game, but Zach Miller
tends to be JaMarcus Russell’s favorite target. He’ll
post good yardage and reception totals, but his touchdowns
aren’t likely to climb very high. |
| 11 |
Dustin Keller, NYJ (24) |
1 |
14 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
| Keller’s
production as a rookie last season wasn’t much
of a surprise. The only question surrounding his productivity
this year is how he’ll perform with an inexperienced
QB under center. With Coles no longer a Jet however,
Kelly should get more looks this season. |
| 12 |
Jeremy Shockey, NO (29) |
7 |
26 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
| Shockey’s
style of play leaves him vulnerable to injuries, and
he’s had his fair share throughout the years.
His value is on the decline, but if he can stay healthy
with the Saints in the years ahead he may have a few
surprise outings left in him. |
| 13 |
Heath Miller, PIT (26) |
4 |
15 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
| Miller’s
been productive for the Steelers since being drafted.
Playing on a run first offense though makes it hard
for his numbers to rise any higher than he’s already
posted. He’s become a familiar red zone target for Ben
Roethlisberger, and that’s what makes Miller a worthwhile
option in fantasy leagues. When he fails to reach the
end zone frequently though, like last season, it really
drops his value. |
| 14 |
Bo Scaife, TEN (28) |
4 |
16 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| Scaife
has been talked about in fantasy circles for a few years
now, but he never really had a breakout performance
as expected. With Kerry Collins under center in Tennessee
his value is on the rise a bit. The concern is what
will happen once Collins is no longer taking snaps for
the Titans. |
| 15 |
Tony Scheffler, DEN (26) |
3 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
| Scheffler’s
been a nice receiving option from the tight end position
for the Broncos since they drafted him. His main issue
has been dealing with injuries on a regular basis. The
loss of Cutler however, along with the coaching change
in Denver, may cause his numbers to drop a bit though
even if he remains healthy throughout the year. |
| 16 |
Brent Celek, PHI (24) |
2 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Celek’s
made the most of his opportunities in Philadelphia whenever
he’s been placed on the field. He now has the chance
to start for the team following the departure of L.J.
Smith this offseason. Expect him to post some pretty
solid numbers, although he’ll have to fend of Cornelius
Ingram in the years ahead. |
| 17 |
Todd Heap, BAL (29) |
8 |
22 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
| Heap’s
value took a steep dive last season and it would appear
his most productive outings are now behind him. Injuries
are always an issue with the veteran tight end as well.
He’ll need to bounce back in a big way if he’s
to ever reclaim the elite status he once held. |
| 18 |
Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (29) |
6 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Shiancoe
had a career year for himself last season, but I wouldn’t
get too carried away with raising his value in dynasty
formats. He may have another productive outing in ’09,
but it’s doubtful he’ll make for a long-term
solution at the position in fantasy leagues. |
| 19 |
Kevin Boss, NYG (25) |
2 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Boss is
still young and working on establishing himself as a
fixture at tight end for the Giants. With the loss of
Burress and Toomer in recent years for the G-men, he
may become a more frequent option for QB Eli Manning.
He tends to snag a fair share of passes in the end zone
as well. |
| 20 |
Anthony Fasano, MIA (25) |
3 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| Fasano
was a productive fantasy option last season, but it
was mainly due to his seven touchdown receptions. It’s
hard to predict he’ll accomplish that feat again, and
with David Martin still getting looks from the tight
end position it’s doubtful Fasano’s receptions and yardage
will be on the rise anytime soon. |
| 21 |
Marcedes Lewis, JAC (25) |
3 |
20 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Lewis
had a decent season last year, but in terms of fantasy
value he didn’t accomplish much. If he doesn’t
begin catching passes in the end zone he won’t
be much of an option for owners. |
| 22 |
Vernon Davis, SF (25) |
3 |
27 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Fantasy
owner’s patience with Vernon Davis has got to
be wearing thin at this point. He remains a tremendously
talented athlete, but until he transfers his abilities
into production on the field it won’t matter any.
Maybe new head coach Mike Singletary can get into his
head, but its nearing put up or shut up time for Davis
in San Francisco. |
| 23 |
Brad Cottam, KC (24) |
1 |
UR |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Many felt
Cottam could be the best all around tight end to come
out of last year’s draft. Few knew he would be
getting the opportunity to start this soon however.
With the trade of Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta this offseason,
the second year product out of Tennessee will have to
learn on the field quicker than expected. He’s
worth keeping an eye on. |
| 24 |
Chase Coffman, CIN (22) |
R |
* |
* |
* |
1 |
| The Bengals
tight end position hasn’t produced for fantasy
owners in recent years, but if it’s going to anytime
soon it will be via Chase Coffman. He’ll need
to acclimate himself to playing at the NFL level early
on, but he should get the chance to start within the
next 2-3 years. |
| 25 |
Donald Lee, GB (29) |
6 |
23 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
| Donald
Lee was a somewhat productive option for the Packers
last season, but he didn’t come close to matching his
2007 output. His numbers may rise a bit this year, but
sooner or later he’ll get pushed for playing time by
Jermichael Finley. |
| 26 |
Randy McMichael, STL (30) |
7 |
UR |
5 |
6 |
0 |
| McMichael
was a solid fantasy option during his days with the
Dolphins, but his two seasons in St. Louis haven’t
been impressive. His outing last year was cut short
after four games due to injury. He’s a vet that
may get you by if you need him, but he shouldn’t
be a fixture on any fantasy rosters. |
| 27 |
Jermichael
Finley, GB (22) |
1 |
UR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Finley
is still stuck behind Donald Lee at the moment, but
within the next few seasons he’ll likely get the
chance to start in Green Bay. His skill set suggests
he’d make for a great receiver at the tight end
position in the NFL once he gets the opportunity. |
| 28 |
Brandon Pettigrew, DET (24) |
R |
* |
* |
* |
0 |
| Pettigrew
was the top tight end taken in this year’s draft,
but it had as much to do with his blocking capabilities
as it did with anything related to his skills as a receiver.
I wouldn’t expect too much from him in fantasy
leagues right away, though he could prove to be a solid
target in the end zone. |
| 29 |
Martin Rucker, CLE (24) |
1 |
UR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| With the
offseason trade of Kellen Winslow, Rucker’s opportunity
to start in Cleveland has come quicker than expected.
He’s still stuck behind Steve Heiden on the depth
chart, but if any Browns tight ends prove to be useful
in fantasy leagues it will be Rucker. |
| 30 |
Cornelius
Ingram, PHI (24) |
R |
* |
* |
* |
0 |
| Injury
caused Ingram’s value to drop in the draft this
offseason, but the Eagles were happy to snag him in
the fifth round. If he can make a full recovery from
a torn ACL that cost him his senior year in college
he may push Brent Celek for the starting job in years
ahead. |
| 31 |
David
Martin, MIA (30) |
8 |
19 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| Martin
isn’t going to help any owners win a championship,
but he still has a role in the Miami offense even with
Anthony Fasano around. Use him if you must, but don’t
expect much. |
| 32 |
Martellus Bennett, DAL
(22) |
1 |
24 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| Bennett’s
considered a very talented tight end to come out of
last year’s draft. Playing behind Jason Witten
leaves him with little chance to showcase himself though.
He did haul in 20 receptions for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns
as a rookie however. |
| 33 |
Fred Davis, WAS (23) |
1 |
UR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Davis
is another talented player at the position from the
2008 draft. Like Bennett though, he is also stuck playing
behind one of the better tight ends in the league. It
remains to be scene when, or if he’ll ever get
a chance to start in the NFL. |
| 34 |
Richard Quinn, DEN (23) |
R |
* |
* |
* |
0 |
| Quinn
didn’t produce much in college, but his pre-draft
workouts encouraged the Broncos to select him in the
second round this year. He’s known to be a good
blocker, and if he proves he can catch the ball as well
he may someday replace Scheffler as the starter in Denver. |
| 35 |
Desmond Clark, CHI (32) |
10 |
30 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
| Clark’s
nearing retirement and has fallen behind Greg Olsen
on the Bears depth chart, but he still has a little
bit of punch left in him. You may be able to get another
year or two of back-up productivity out of him in fantasy
leagues. |
