Football Memo

Fantasy Breakdown TE

There has been a lot of talk this draft about the tight end position. The current trend of WR/TE has made the transition to a receiver-based fantasy draft almost a necessity. Tight ends are the sexy position to drop a stud that no one has heard of but “they’re playing the Cardinals” ( Cardinals gave up more points to tight ends than any other defense in 2013) so they wind up scoring 20 points on you. Unfortunately that will happen, but making sure that you have a good tight end is paramount now: So I have laid out a couple of suggestions from early- to late-round payoffs.

Top Tier

1. Jimmy Graham-New Orleans didn’t do themselves any favors by franchising him, but if he looks at it as a blessing, he just made a boatload of money to showcase his talents to every team at least 16 times in 2014. That could mean a possible points windfall for Jimmy G. owners.

2. Rob Gronkowski- You know it. If he is healthy he is absolutely worth  a top-3 round selection, especially with the way the league is passing wise … and the fact that if he is on the field, Tom Brady will get him the ball. I truly believe if he played a 16-game season, it would go down as the greatest season for a tight end in NFL history. Problem is: he won’t. Now they are saying that he might be in the same boat as last season, so plan for option No. 2 here. If he is available in the 7th or lower, you should probably take him. He can score more points for you in nine games than 90% of the other tight ends will give you all season.

3. Julius Thomas- Thomas busted onto the scene in 2013 for the Broncos in Week 1. Those of you who scooped him up before Week 1, had to be pretty happy. Thomas was one of the most reliable TE plays last season and there is no reason that he doesn’t take another jump forward in 2014. As long as Manning is throwing him the ball, he will be productive for you. Look for him in the 5th to 6th round and be happy, because now all you have to do is find a replacement for him during their bye week. He must get better at run blocking so he can be on the field when Peyton audibles out of a run.

The Next Guys

4. Vernon Davis- Davis is on the Tier bubble, It really all depends on his the 49ers red-area opportunities. He is not a yards-per-receptions monster like he used to be, but with 12 TD’s last season he proved he still knows how to box out defenders in the end zone. Also stay tuned to the progress on Kapernick’s legal issues, which could have a lasting effect on Davis’ effectiveness in ’14. Although a young QB’s best friend is usually the athletic freak of a tight end like Davis. Feel safe drafting him in the 9-11 round range.

5. Jordan Cameron-Cameron should be higher than this, but shaky QB play in Cleveland has hindered his stud potential. Don’t expect that to be the case going forward. I like Hoyer to get him the ball, if he gets the start at QB for the Browns. With all likelihood the Browns will draft a young QB in May, but I still think Hoyer will start Week 1 if his knee is ready. This is a big season for Jordan, as he needs to make the next step. If he does: look out NFL, because I don’t know if its possible to cover both Gordon and Cameron week in and week out. Look for Cameron to go earlier than Davis; probably round 6-8; for me that seems like a heavy investment and I would rather take another option a little later.

6. Charles Clay-Clay is the Aaron Hernandez-type athlete ( hopefully without the homicidal rage). Clay is a superb athlete that can line up at H back, on the line, or in the slot. We expect a big jump for CC this season with the Dolphins addressing the pass protection problems early in free agency. Tannehill will have Clay as a nice option alongside of Moreno, and Wallace. You will most likely be able to grab him in the 11-12 round range, which would be amazing value for you.

7. Jason Whitten- Is Tony Romo still the QB in Dallas? Oh he is, OK. Witten won’t be there after round 9. Although he seems to be slowing down drastically, he is still a favorite for Romo. He should not go that high … but he will. If Witten  is on your wish list, expect to take him higher than you would a Clay, or Davis. I don’t want him unless it is round 10 or later, but Dallas homers will jump up for him.

8. Colby Fleener-Fleener is one of the most targeted receivers in the NFL. Andrew Luck loves him and you have seen him make strides toward a top-tier TE. He will not change your championship destiny, but he is a great option in the later rounds. Lots of targets, plus Andrew Luck = break out potential. I could see him going as high as 7th, but he should be around 11th if you want to play it safe. The frustrating part is: he drops a lot of passes. Hopefully that stops. He really reminds me of a young Dallas Clark.

9. Antonio Gates- Every year someone takes him way too early, and this year they will cite the resurgence of Phillip Rivers in Saint Diego. If that is the case, then why in 16 games was he outscored by Greg Olsen? I will not draft him out of spite. but if he is there in the 12th, he is a good option if you play the match-ups for the tight end position.

10. Josh Reed-Reed was on his way to a breakout season before he was bit by the injury bug. Concussions cut his season far too short to get a good read on where he should go this season. For that reason alone he dropped to No. 10. He has the ability to be a top-5 tight end, but I live by the motto “prove it” before I jump high up. Th way he plays in the preseason will determine if he goes higher, or drops off the map.

Never fear the next 10 will be out on Monday so don’t forget to check back.

 

 

 

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