By Rob Shaw
SPORTSNET.CA
In fantasy football, the value of a tight end can vary. In leagues that require tight ends to start each week, they are as important as any position. On the other hand, in leagues that count tight ends as receivers, only the elite tight ends carry any fantasy value. On that note, there are only a handful of elite tight ends. These talents often struggle to reach 1,000 receiving yards or double-digit touchdowns. In fact, the best tight ends in the game have a great deal of parity, which explains why the position is not targeted in the early rounds of fantasy drafts. This past season, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jason Witten joined perennial stars Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates in the elite class, while Jeremy Shockey and Alge Crumpler struggled. Here’s a look at the top 20 fantasy stars at the tight end position.
1. Jason Witten, Cowboys
We have a changing of the guard in the top spot thanks to Jason Witten’s youth and durability. While the Chargers have a wide array of passing targets and the Chiefs have an unproven quarterback with an aging tight end, the Cowboys are a team that will target their 26-year-old tight end plenty. Expect another 1100-plus receiving-yard season with close to double-digit touchdowns from Witten.
2) Antonio Gates, Chargers
Once again Antonio Gates was the top of the class last season at the tight end position. However, it seems like Gates has been banged up a great deal lately. In addition, with Chris Chambers on board for a full season, Gates will have to fight for looks from Philip Rivers. He should be great, but a missed game will end his reign on top.
3. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
While Dwayne Bowe is the Chiefs lone deep threat, Tony Gonzalez is the main target for the short gain. Last season, Gonzalez led all tight ends in the NFL with 1,172 yards. Unfortunately, the Chiefs offense is not known for their scoring, which will once again hurt Gonzalez due to limited red zone opportunities.
4. Kellen Winslow, Browns
For those willing to roll the dice, Kellen Winslow is a fine option after a breakthrough season. Unfortunately, Winslow has been injury-prone in his career, and not as experienced as the higher-ranked tight ends.
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins
An underappreciated tight end for the Redskins, Cooley is incredibly consistent with three straight seasons of 700-plus yards and 6 or more touchdowns. With Jaon Campbell improving, Cooley should reach 800 receiving yards for the first time in his career.
6. Jeremy Shockey, Saints
There is once again plenty of hype surrounding Jeremy Shockey, however, Eric Johnson was expected to play a large role last season at tight end for the Saints and he proved to be a bust. In addition, Shockey is not the most durable or the most consistent tight end as he found the end zone on just three occasions last season.
7. Dallas Clark, Colts
Peyton Manning’s tight end enjoyed a career season with 11 touchdowns in 2007. Considering he never surpassed five touchdowns in any of the previous three seasons, Clark should not be expected to repeat his success this season. He’s better than average, but far from a top-five talent.
8. Vernon Davis, 49ers
The goods news is that he has made strides in recent seasons and now has Mike Martz in charge of the offense. The bad news is that his athletic ability has not translated into stardom, plus his quarterback is first time starter J.T. O’Sullivan. Davis is a high-risk, high-reward fantasy pick.
9. Tony Scheffler, Broncos
This is my pick for a breakout season, a talented tight end who has already formed a great rapport with quarterback Jay Cutler. Last season, the Broncos brought in Daniel Graham, but midway through the season it became clear that Scheffler was the better receiving option. With Brandon Marshall out the first two or three games of the season, expect an extended role for Scheffler.
10. Todd Heap, Ravens
Don’t let last year’s injury make you forget about Heap. He’s a talented receiver who racked up more than 1600 yards between 2005-06. At the age of 28, Heap is young enough to bounce back and return to productivity.
11. Owen Daniels, Texans
A 25-year-old talent, Owen Daniels broke through in 2007 with career highs across the board. Daniels stepped up when Andre Johnson was down, finishing the season with 763 yards and three touchdowns. While I’d like to see him step up more in the red zone, Daniels consistent yards makes him a decent selection.
12. Heath Miller, Steelers
With 18 touchdowns over the past three seasons, Heath Miller is one of the best red-zone options in the NFL. Unfortunately, consistency is an issue as he is often ignored when out of the red zone.
13. Alge Crumpler, Titans
The former Falcons fantasy star fell on hard times last season. However, he now reunited with a mobile quarterback who could use the steady Crumpler as a safety valve.
14. Donald Lee, Packers
Fresh off a breakout season, Donald Lee will now have to acquaint himself with a new quarterback. Considering he’s just 28-years old, Lee should have no problem repeating is success this season.
15. Benjamin Watson, Patriots
The Georgia alumnus has enjoyed fantasy significance as a red zone target. Last season, Watson missed four games, yet still established a career high with six touchdowns.
16. Greg Olsen, Bears
The former Miami Canes star drafted in the first round of the ’07 draft remains out of the top 15. Veteran Desmond Clark will limit Olsen’s fantasy value as he also vies for receptions from the tight end position.
17. Zach Miller, Raiders
Fresh off a fine rookie season with 444 receiving yards, Miller should form a solid rapport with JaMarcus Russell. At 6’5″, Miller has the size and natural talent to help as a safety valve for the second-year quarterback.
18. Ben Utecht, Bengals
After starring as a second tight end option for the Colts the past few seasons, Utecht now hopes to change the culture of the Cincinnati Bengals. So far in preseason, Carson Palmer has relied on Utecht as a crutch.
19. L.J. Smith, Eagles
After back-to-back seasons with greater than 600 receiving yards, Smith missed time last season due to injuries. This year he should return to form as a up-the-middle threat for Donovan McNabb.
20. Randy McMichael, Rams
A popular pick last season, McMichael was one of the many Rams disappointments in 2007. Injuries to Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson certainly played their role, as McMichael became a forgotten target in the second half of the season.
The Best of the Rest:
Leonard Pope, Cardinals
Dustin Keller, Jets
Kevin Boss, Giants
Mercedes Lewis, Jaguars
Desmond Clark, Bears