Tight end is a weird position when it comes to fantasy. One year a player can do great and then the next never be heard from again. The top receiving tight ends put up great numbers but after that it is who is playing hot type situation.
1. Antonio Gates Chargers: I know Witten and Clark caught more balls than Gates did last year so the top 3 are all number 1 to me and can be interchangeable. I put Gates at number one just because of his athleticism. He runs great routes has soft hands and Phillip Rivers loves throwing to him.
2. Dallas Clark Colts: Maybe the best hands in the game. He catches everything that comes his way and is quick enough that he gets open on deep routes. Peyton Manning loves throwing to him and he should get close to 100 receptions again.
3. Jason Witten: Miles Austin became as close to Tony Romo’s favorite receiver last year but Romo still relies on Witten and throws his way often. He should have close to 100 receptions this year as well.
4. Vernon Davis 49ers: Davis has all the skills in the world to be a top tight end. It took him some maturing and tough love from Coach Mike Singletary but he seems to have matured and it showed last season. If Davis has a season like last year with close to 80 catches and 13 tds fantsy owners will love him. Davis will probably be around 80 catches with 10 tds.
5. Brent Celek Eagles: Celek came on last year with close to 80 receptions. In Andy Reid’s offense tight ends are an important piece and Celek should have close to 80 receptions and 10 tds.
6. Jermichael Finley: Finley was banged up a little last year but when he played he had huge numbers. If Finley stays healthy through the whole season he has the potential to be the best receiving tight end in the game. Hopefully he stays healthy because he is fun to watch.
7. Tony Gonzalez Falcons: Gonzalez still caught 80 plus balls last year but his yards were down a little. Gonzalez is getting older and probably will not catch as many balls. He still will put up good fantasy numbers and will be a good starting tight end.
8. Owen Daniels Texans: Daniels would be up higher but he had knee surgery last year and missed half the season. If you project his numbers he would have caught over 80 balls. If healthy Daniels would be a nice tight end to have.
9. Zach Miller Raiders: When Jamrcus Russell was benched last year Miller shined. Miller is an excellent route runner with good hands. Without Russell this year Miller should be even better. Miller has the potential to be listed with the top 5 after this season.
10. Kellen Winslow Buccaneers: Winslow had a nice year with a rookie qb and no other weapons. He is an athletic tight end who is very good. I would be interested to see him play with a team and qb who is good. If so he could put up huge numbers.
11. Visanthe Shancoe Vikings: Shancoe had come into his own the last few years and blossomed when Brett Favre came to Minnesota last year. Favre love throwing to tight ends so Shancoe should have another big year if Favre decides to come back.
12. Chris Cooley Redskins: Cooley got hurt last year and the Redskins missed him. With Donovan McNabb at qb Cooley sgould have a good bounce back year. McNabb loves throwing to the tight end and h-back and Cooley plays both those positions. If Cooley and McNabb stay healthy this could be a nice addition for fantasy owners.
13. Jeremy Shockey Saints: Shockey is ranked higher than some other tight ends because of the offense and team he plays with. If healthy Shockey can put up real good numbers for a fantasy tight end.
14. Dustin Keller Jets: Keller is a big athletic tight end. In the playoffs last year he became Mark Sanchez’s favorite target. In Keller’s 3rd year in the Jets offense he should be able to get more balls thrown his way. Two things that knocks Keller down a little is that he is on a run first team and a team with weapons at the wr position so he might not get as many balls thrown his way. That being said because of the receivers the Jets will put out there it will allow for match up nightmares for teams going against Keller so he may have a bigger year. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
15. Greg Olson Bears: Olson had a nice year with the Bears last year. He is a good athletic tight end who brings a lot to the position. Unfortunately for him Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator with the Bears and Martz does not use his tight ends much. So it will be interesting to see what Martz does with the best receiver on the Bears.
16. John Carlson Seahawks: Carlson had a great rookie season but struggled in his second season. That is partially due to the fact that his qb was injured. Carlson is a good player and has the potential to be a good tight end in this league.
17. Heath Miller Steelers: Miller is Ben Rothelisberger’s favorite receiver. Miller has rewarded him with great hands and shown he can make a big play when needed. That being said with Big Ben out for at least 4 weeks it could hurt Miller this season. Miller will still put up big numbers but they may not be as good as previous seasons.
18. Kevin Boss Giants: Boss had a big year for the Giants before he got injured. He had offseason surgery and should come back healthy and ready for a new season. I expect Boss to put up big numbers this year.
19. Jermaine Gresham Bengals: Gresham is a rookie coming in with high expectations. He is a big guy who is athletic and gets to the ball. In the Bengals offense he could be a nice addition and I expect him to come in and contribute right away.
These 19 tight ends will have big fantasy impacts the rest of the rest will be nice bye week replacements and used in case of injuries.
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