Posted by Mike Caprio July 17, 2009

Tight End is a difficult position to handicap in Fantasy Football—it’s kind of like a Catcher in Fantasy Baseball—a premiere player is nice to have, but hardly a necessity—and one you should not overpay for on draft day.

However, especially in a Dynasty League, getting a solid Tight End, and keeping him, can create maximum value out of a “low value” roster spot.

Finally ready to live up to expectations? (Icon Sports Media)

1. Antonio Gates (Age: 29)-2008 Stats-60 Catches, 704 Yards, 8 TD, 11.7 Avg., 34 Long, 1 T.O.

Gates, the perennial TE du jour in Fantasy Football, took a big hit last season, as he was invisible in weeks 11-14 last season.  Look for a rebound, and for Gates to again lead all TE’s in TD’s.  KUBIAK has him projected at 9 scores–if Rivers has his way, Gates will be in double digits.

2. Jason Witten  (Age: 27)-2008 Stats-81 Catches, 952 Yards, 4 TD, 11.8 Avg., 42 Long, 0 T.O.

What happened?  I suspect that the injury to Tony Romo + the “not enough football to go around” (ie-T.O./Roy Williams) impacted the number of red zone touches for the young tight end.  I expect his red zone opportunities to increase, with his yards remaining the same.

3. Dallas Clark (Age: 30)-2008 Stats-77 Catches, 848 Yards, 6 TD, 11 Avg., 33 Long, 1 T.O.

You really cannot complain about 6 TD’s from the Tight End position.  It will be interesting to see where the pass distribution will go this season in Indianapolis.  I suspect that Clark will be the recipient of additional opportunities—both in the red zone and in possession.

4. Tony Gonzalez (Age: 33)-2008 Stats-96 Catches, 1,058 Yards, 10 TD, 11 Avg., 35 Long, 0 T.O.

Gonzalez finally got his change of scenery in an off-season trade to Atlanta.  Gonzalez gives young Matt Ryan yet another weapon, and could anchor an explosive offense if Michael Turner and Roddy White remain healthy.  Here’s our perspective on the trade from the Keeper League GM archives.  At 33 don’t keep him too long, but for a one year rental, he could be special.

5. Kellen Winslow (Age: 25)-2008 Stats-43 Catches, 428 Yards, 3 TD, 10 Avg., 30 Long, 0 T.O.

Winslow is only 25 years old—with his four motorcycle mishaps, a two staph infection incidents—he seems like a veteran already.  To me Winslow has all the talent in the World and definitely needed a change of scenery.   He has the opportunity to be a break-out star on a rebuilding Bucs team.  If he can keep his “nose clean”, and stay on the field, he could put up some gaudy numbers this season.  Honestly, there’s no reason why he couldn’t top this list next season.

6. Greg Olsen (Age: 24)-2008 Stats-54 Catches, 574 Yards, 5 TD, 10.6 Avg., 52 Long, 2 T.O.

Jay Cutler + no WR’s =Excellent Season for Olsen.  Olsen should be the featured Tight End after splitting time with Desmond Clark over his first two seasons in the league.  The Yards may be low, but KUBIAK has Olsen with 7 TD’s.  I think that might be low.

7. Owen Daniels (Age: 26)-2008 Stats-70 Catches, 862 Yards, 2 TD, 12.3 Avg., 35 Long, 1 T.O.

Daniels is a great Fantasy Player.  While he won’t “blow the doors” off your projection, he’s consistent, and in Houston, in an ideal spot for another great season.  TD’s should go up this season, while maintaining 850-910 Yards receiving.  Solid.

8. Brandon Pettigrew (Age: 24)-2008 Stats (NCAA)-42 Catches, 472 Yards, 0 TD, 11.2 Avg.

Who?  Most Fantasy Football GM’s may not have seen Pettigrew at Oklahoma State last season.  Here’s the scouting report on Pettigrew (and all Rookie Tight Ends) from the Keeper League GM archives.  Don’t be alarmed by his lack of scores last season, he will be Matthew Stafford’s best friend in 2009.

9. Chris Cooley (Age: 27)-2008 Stats-83 Catches, 849 Yards, 1 TD, 10.2 Avg., 28 Long, 2 T.O.

Umm…I look Cooley, but 1 TD?  Look for his yards to go down and his scores to go up.  If Jim Zorn is going to make it work in D.C., it will start with his receiving corps—and Cooley should play a large role in the middle.

10. Zach Miller (Age: 23)-2008 Stats-56 Catches, 778 Yards, 1 TD, 13.9 Avg., 63 Long, 0 T.O.

Our football expert Joe Buccellato said more than I could about Zach in his Reach vs. Value piece this past week.  Could be a very nice sleeper pick.

Next week we begin our IDP Rankings.  Ready?

Share this Post: