Fantasy Rankings: Tight end
by Josh Gaier
1) Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Since 2003, Gates has been the most valuable and consistent tight end in fantasy football. He’s usually the only tight end drafted with aspirations to get top-tier receiver numbers. Although he failed to reach double-digit touchdowns last season, you can almost bet that’s sure to change this season. Fully healthy after a nagging toe injury last year, Gates should see his numbers rejuvenate. Without question, Gates is the most dominant tight end in the game and should definitely be the first tight end taken in your fantasy draft.
2) Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Witten has quickly emerged as a favorite of fellow star, quarterback Tony Romo. This is evident by Witten’s 96 receptions. The Cowboys’ offense is still intact and Witten is a key part of what makes the Cowboys one of the most explosive offenses in all of football. Although it’ll be tough for him to find the end zone with touchdown hogs Terrell Owens and Marion Barber alongside, Witten should put up at least seven touchdowns this season. When you draft Witten, two things are for sure: you’ll get plenty of yards and receptions.
3) Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns
Now that’s he finally been healthy, Winslow has become what the Brown’s envisioned when they drafted him – a dynamic tight end. Winslow looks on pace to again eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark and will try to battle his way to double-digit touchdowns. The Browns’ offense finally has some life in it, and Winslow, Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson are leading the way. Winslow should look to continue to develop as a red-zone tight end this year and provides the position with a valuable every-week player.
4) Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Although Clark struggled in the yards and receptions categories last season, his touchdown numbers are too great to ignore. Last season, Clark led all tight ends in the NFL with 11 touchdowns. Harrison’s age presents possible declining, and Clark looks to assume the duty as the second touchdown leader behind Reggie Wayne. Peyton Manning loves to spread the ball around and Clark has been a commodity to him over the years. When you draft Clark, you’re drafting him for his nose for the end zone.
5) Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
Gonzalez has been a stable point for the Chiefs organization as long as anyone can remember. However, the combination of a woeful team and lackluster quarterback play leave you weary when drafting Gonzalez in fear of him not finding the end zone. For certain he’ll catch a lot of balls and rack up a ton of yards, but the upside to do more isn’t there. Gonzalez is still an extremely solid, reliable fantasy tight end, but in leagues where scoring is based primarily around touchdowns, you shouldn’t expect much. Nevertheless, this savvy fantasy tight end makes a solid every-week starter.
6) Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Every year, people always seem to underrate the Redskins tight end. However, Cooley is always consistent and bodes to get you at least six touchdowns, 60 receptions and more than 700 yards. Cooley may not be an every-week starter, but he’s sure close to it. Regardless of whom the Redskins’ quarterback is, Cooley always manages to put up solid numbers. This year, when people make the mistake of passing over Cooley because he doesn’t present “upside”, don’t make the same and draft one of the most consistent, reliable tight ends in football.
7) Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last season, Miller started to show why the Steelers drafted him in the first round. As Ben Roethlisberger continued to progress as a quarterback, Miller quickly followed in his footsteps. Miller recorded seven touchdowns last year, but there’s a good chance he surpasses that number with all the new weapons the Steelers will employ in their offense. His yards aren’t up to par with the rest of the elite tight ends yet, but entering his fourth year Miller can establish himself an identity as a top NFL tight end. The upside on Miller is extremely high, as he’s likely to find the end zone and surpass his 566 yard total from last season.
Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens
9) Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints
10) Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
11) Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos
12) Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans
13) Ben Watson, New England Patriots
14) Donald Lee, Green Bay Packers
15) Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
16) Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders
17) LJ Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
18) Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears
19) Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams
20) Ben Utecht, Cincinnati Bengals
21) Dustin Keller, New York Jets
22) Kevin Boss, New York Giants
23) Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
24) Alex Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
25) Leonard Pope, Arizona Cardinals