Posted by Mike Caprio April 30, 2009

Yesterday we highlighted the 2009 Rookie Wide Receivers you need know for your upcoming 2009 Fantasy Football draft.  Today, we highlight the Tight Ends—easily the most overrated position beyond Kickers—in fantasy football.

The Tight Ends

As I mentioned last week, after the trade of Tony Gonzelez to Atlanta, Tight Ends are like the “Catcher” of Fantasy Football.  Outside of the Top 4 or 5, they’re all the same—and the Top 5 are not usually worth the draft premium they traditionally command.   This year’s draft class won’t inspire comparisons to Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Dallas Clark or Antonio Gates, but there is some “sleeper” talent as the 4 of the top 5 drafted project as pass catching TE’s.

 

 

1. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions (Oklahoma State University)

 The Falcons were rumored to be “high” on Pettigrew before the Tony Gonzalez acquisition, and as such, the Lions landed the top TE at 20th overall.  After 4 TD’s in each of his Sophomore and Junior seasons, Pettigrew didn’t catch a single TD last season for the Cowboys in his 42 receptions.  Pettigrew profiles as a prototypical Tight End at 6′5”/260lbs with soft hands and powerful at the point of attack.  He will present Matt Stafford (or whomever is under center in ‘09 for the Lions) with a big target, specifically in the red zone or when the pocket collapses.  While he has a “motor” that NFL scouts love, he has the tendency to “take plays off”, and his top-end speed is a concern when he gets into space.  According to most scouts he will not be able to out-run an LB, nevermind a corner or safety.  There are some character issues that should not be ignored as well.  However, if he can keep himself clean, stay focused and provide a target for Stafford, et al., he could be a valuable draft pick this August.

Pettigrew is a must-own in all Keeper Leagues; and could be a valuable starter in traditional fantasy football leagues in 2009—depending on his role.

2. Richard Quinn, TE, Denver Broncos (University of Noth Carolina)

Quinn may turn into a valuable Fantasy Football Tight End, but it won’t likely be this season.  His skills, in addition to the “glut” of TE’s on Denvers’ roster make him the 3rd/4thTE in Josh McDaniels’ system.  Quinn profiles as solid blocker, with excellent strength and adequate hands for a big man.  He won’t outrun any defender in the open field and with only 8 receptions in 2008, will need to learn the “art” of route-running to be an effective receiver in the NFL.

Quinn is an option in Keeper Leagues; and could be a waiver wire opportunity in traditional fantasy football leagues in 2009—depending on his role.

 

3. Jared Cook, TE, Tennessee Titans (University of South Carolina)

Cook profiles as a potential “Fantasy Sleeper” at the TE position.  While Quinn profiles as a traditional blocking TE, Cook profiles as a pass catching TE that has the skills to make safeties pay for “jumping” a route.  Cook caught 37 balls last season (3 TD’s) and has the size, frame, speed, and hands to provide a valuable “red zone” target to Kerry Collins (or Vince Young) in Tennessee.  Scouts view him as a “tweener” in that he has the toughness to take a hit, but needs to be more aggressive at the line of attack.

Cook is an must-own in Keeper Leagues; and could be the top rookie fantasy tight end in 2009—depending on his role.

 

4. Chase Coffman, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (University of Missouri)

Many pundits have praised the Bengals for their 2009 draft.  One of the fruits of their haul includes Chase Coffman, the Division I record holder for career receptions by a tight end.  Coffman’s game is similar to that of Cook, profiling closer to an “H-Back” than a typical TE. He is quick off the line, with good hands, and field vision.  He lacks “bulk”, and his “top-end” speed won’t have him outrunning DB’s, but he could serve as a pass catching threat for Carson Palmer in Cincinnati.

Coffman is an option in Keeper Leagues; and could be a top performing fantasy tight end in 2009—depending on his role.

5. Travis Beckum, TE, New York Giants (University of Wisconsin)

Beckhum profiles almost exclsuively as a pass catching TE for the New York Football Giants.  Jerry Reese does a good job of building depth behind his talented starters—perhaps to prepare for injuries, or more likely to provide leverage with potential free agents.  Though he doesn’t possess the blocking skills that Kevin Boss has developed over the two years in the league, he does provide a mismatch element with soft hands and deceptive top-end speed for a tight end.  He has had some durability issues, which contributed to his “fall” to the 3rd round.  Look for Beckhum to be a waiver wire option, based on how his role evolves in New York.

Beckhum is an option in Keeper Leagues; and could be a top performing fantasy tight end in 2009—depending on his role.

Tomorrow and this weekend…IDP’s, starting with DL.

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