With only around five “elite” tight ends in the league, and only another 10 that could be deemed “solid” fantasy starters, it’d be a waste of time to run through two separate conferences.
Here at The Red Zone Report, we’re all about delivering fast, accurate knowledge. We don’t beat around the bush.
Here’s a quick look at every team’s situation at the tight end spot, with some analysis on which “unheard-of” players could step up this year.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills - Derek Schouman, Shawn Nelson
It’s undeniable that there isn’t much to get excited about at the tight end position in Buffalo, but where there’s Terrell Owens, there’s hope. Maybe.
Schouman doesn’t offer enough buzz to get drafted, yet he’s still considered the starter if the season started today.
While rookie Shawn Nelson clearly has the speed and talent to be a great tight end, expecting him to realize his potential in year one could be a bit much.
He may be a bit too raw, and relying on Trent Edwards to make magic with Owens, Lee Evans AND Nelson is unrealistic.
Like usual, stay away from Buffalo tight ends.
Miami Dolphins - Anthony Fasano, David Martin
Anthony Fasano was a pleasant surprise last season, as he delivered six games with a score, and seven touchdowns on the season, overall. Considering he did so while sharing time with David Martin, and only on 34 catches, the future is bright for the 25-year old Fasano.
And while Martin is reportedly in danger of losing his roster spot due to surgery and poor blocking.
If this happens, Fasano jumps from a TE2 to a sleeper TE1. Still, draft with caution. Last year’s magic aside, this is the Miami Dolphins we’re talking about.
New York Jets - Dustin Keller, Bubba Franks
Bubba Franks is merely listed as a formality, simply for the fact that he’s on the field because of his blocking, and the slight possibility that his 6′6” “mass of a man” body could steal some red zone targets.
Realistically, though, this is Dustin Keller’s show.
He was very impressive as a rookie last year, and despite hitting “the wall” in week 13, he showed enough talent that it’s fair to assume the goods will keep on coming.
Unless the Jets go after Plaxico Burress or add a different star receiver, Keller doesn’t just walk into 2009 as the number one tight end. He’d be the number two receiving option on the team.
New England Patriots - Ben Watson, Chris Baker, Alex Smith, David Thomas
All four players aren’t listed because they have unbelievable talents or they put up insane stats.
They’re there for you to remember who NOT to draft.
New England tight ends are only good for headaches, as they always show promise, but never deliver the goods.
Tom Brady rarely likes them for anything more than a few red zone targets or a first down security blanket.
If you must take one, it’s a toss-up between Watson and Baker. Really, you won’t be winning with either one.
Baltimore Ravens - Todd Heap, L.J. Smith
Another toss-up in the making. Heap has all the talent in the world to silence the critics, but the injuries are taking their toll, and it’s anyone’s guess if he can ever survive another season for the entire schedule.
Regardless of Heap’s health, Smith wasn’t brought in for his looks.
This is officially a two-tight end group, ending any fantasy value that either was holding.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth
Everywhere I look, there’s a Pittsburgh Steelers supporter, and if they back the Steelers, they back Miller.
I’m all for a good “homer” argument, but as far as fantasy goes, Miller isn’t much better than a TE2.
He’s solid, but he’s not great.
With the inconsistency that continues to be Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers passing game (fantasy-wise), this is subject to change. Until further notice, however, wait to pull the trigger on Miller as long as you can. Kellen Winslow, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Greg Olsen all are much more valuable.
Cincinnati Bengals - Reggie Kelly, Ben Utecht, Chase Coffman
Reggie Kelly is old and unusable. Ben Utecht (at least so far) is a free agent bust.
And Chase Coffman has some big shoes to fill.
Coffman has excellent hands and size, as well as solid speed for the position. However, getting past a broken foot, as well as living up to his father’s name, are two things too many in a rookie season.
Unless Coffman blows everyone away and has a huge rookie year, you won’t be finding much to cheer about in Cincy out of the tight end position.
Cleveland Browns - Robert Royal, Martin Rucker, Steve Heiden
Upon the Kellen Winslow trade going through, there was officially an open competition at tight end in Cleveland.
Unfortunately on that same note, there also was very little talent.
If Robert Royal is in contention for your starting job, you know you’re hurting.
Indianapolis Colts - Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark continues his run in the top five tight ends in the league, as he has consistently found the end zone or racked up yards, while operating as a received in the slot.
Peyton Manning absolutely loves Clark, and has shown a knack for finding him late in games.
Clark may not be consistent week-to-week, but he’s one of the best tight ends at delivering huge games 5-6 times a season.
Tennessee Titans - Alge Crumpler, Bo Scaife
As long as Kerry Collins is throwing passes in Tennessee, that passing offense will stay grounded.
However, when Collins does go to the air, there is a strong possibility the ball will find its way to a tight end in Jeff Fisher’s conservative air attack.
Both Crumpler and Scaife have limited value, but both also have enough talent to develop into solid fantasy contributors if they (and Collins) get hot.
Neither project as a TE1, but could be serviceable down the line.
Rookie Jared Cook’s speed and athleticism could make him a factor as well, but is currently listed as the third tight end, putting a halt on any fantasy value.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Mercedes Lewis
Despite their offense suffering from a patchwork offensive line, the Jaguars found they had a bit of a gem in Lewis in 2008.
Lewis has made solid strides in his three seasons in the league, upping his catches from 13 to 37, to 41 in 2008.
Lewis still doesn’t have great speed, but is a huge target at 6′6”, and figures to only grow in an offense that should be a lot better with new additions to their offensive line.
Despite contractual woes, Daniels should be starting for Houston in 2009, and we should see his play continue to rise.
The fact is, Houston’s offense is built to move the ball and score, and Matt Schaub loves Daniels.
He could stand to score some more, but his looks and yardage are hard to top.
Denver Broncos - Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham
Both Scheffler and Graham have the talent and athleticism to excel in the NFL. Unfortunately, neither play on a team that utilizes them to the best of their abilities.
Denver has a new coach, philosophy, and a new quarterback-which changes everything.
Despite putting up good numbers last season, Scheffler and Graham are both starting from scratch, and could prove to be risky selections.
San Diego Chargers - Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates may never be fully healed from his toe injury, but another off-season of rest an rehab should at least get him “close” to 100%.
Gates is entering his prime, and has a great friend in Philip Rivers who is entering Pro Bowl status, right along with him.
As long as LaDainian Tomlinson and the rest of that San Diego offense still has life in its legs, Gates should continue his dominance at the position.
Only Jason Witten should be argue over him as the top tight end.
Kansas City Chiefs - Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan
With Tony Gonzalez off to Atlanta, the tight end gig is up for grabs in Kansas City.
And considering the “tight end usage” history of both Scott Piolo and Todd Haley, it’s not one to be envied.
Neither Brad Cottam project as world-beaters right out of the gates, especially with very little supporting cast outside of Dwayne Bowe.
Oakland Raiders - Zach Miller
If Miller had even an average quarterback throwing him passes, he might be a top three tight end right now.
He can clearly run better than most tight ends, and is very dependable catching the ball in traffic.
If Jeff Garcia or Jamarcus Russell can get things going, Miller could put up close to 1,000 yards and five or more scores.
If not, the yards should at least still be there.
New York Giants - Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum
Travis Beckum was brought in out of Wisconsin to add speed and athleticism to the tight end position, and within the next two seasons, I’m sure he will.
However, he’s much too raw as a blocker to supplant Kevin Boss in one off-season, and as unspectacular as Boss is, he’s still effective enough to start in the NFL.
Boss isn’t a TE1, but considering Eli Manning doesn’t even have a legit number one receiver right now, he will have to do.
Philadelphia Eagles - Brent Celek, Matt Schobel, Cornelius Ingram
Brent Celek is the starter in Philly for now, while Schobel is an unthreatening back-up.
Cornelius Ingram has raw potential that could get him on the field in double tight end sets, but the fact that he’s still recovering from knee surgery (and that he can’t block worth a lick) should keep him from scaring Celek (or you) too much.
Celek may never be a TE1 candidate-especially with all of Philly’s weapons-but he can definitely fill-in for your starting tight end when he’s on a bye.
Washington Redskins - Chris Cooley
Cooley scores less than five touchdowns in a season for the first time in his career in 2008.
You can look at that in two ways.
Either it was because he was in a new offense that didn’t rely on him in the red zone -and it will change, or it was the offense and it won’t change.
Considering he’s one of the Redskins’ better talents, the odds are they’ll do what they can to use him to the best of his abilities.
Consider 2009 a likely rebound season for the man with the frizzy hair.
And quite honestly, if a tight end who just racked up over 840 receiving yards needs a “rebound season”, I’d be scared of what he’s capable of.
Dallas Cowboys - Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett
Regardless of what your feelings are on Terrell Owens and/or Tony Romo, the departure of the drama queen will mean only great things for Jason Witten.
Witten was already the second option in the passing game (many would say the first), and is now easily the top target.
Martellus Bennett will see more action with Witten used even more as a receiver, which gives him some low-end value as a TE2.
Witten could be the first tight end off the board.
Minnesota Vikings - Visanthe Shiancoe
Shiancoe burst onto the scene in 2008, racking up over 500 receiving yards, while also hauling in seven scores.
If Brett Favre signs with Minnesota, Shiancoe’s value rises, as Favre has a good history with his tight ends.
Shiancoe is still only 29, is entering his prime, and could be poised for another season of seeing a significant rise in his numbers.
Green Bay Packers - Donald Lee, Jermichael Finley
After Brett Favre spent much of 2007 making his receivers look like gems, along with Donald Lee, the tight end fizzled out of the Packers offense, leaving Lee in the dust.
With more confidence and experience, Aaron Rodgers’ ability to look down the field and connect on a variety of reads should allow Donald Lee to be more effective.
The athletic ability and size of second-year man Jermichael Finley should help in the same way, as the two could be used on the field at the same time frequently.
Detroit Lions - Brandon Pettigrew
It’s not so much that Pettigrew is NFL-ready. It’s simply that he has to be.
Pettigrew is a stout blocker with good hands, but still has a ways to go in polishing himself as a legit receiving option.
That, and there’s a ton of uncertainity surrounding the entire team, not to mention the quarterback situation.
Regardless, if you’re down to nabbing a tight end from Detroit, go with Pettigrew. You don’t want to be the guy who drafted Casey Fitzsimmons.
Chicago Bears - Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark
Greg Olsen is coming around, and Desmond Clark is slipping into old age as more of a blocker.
This could especially ring true with gunslinger Jay Cutler taking over behind center.
You thought Kyle Orton liked Olsen? Wait until Cutler gets a load of this guy.
If Devin Hester and co. don’t help Cutler get off to a big bang in the first few games, Olsen could quickly turn into a safety net for Cutler, which would propell him to fantasy stardom.
New Orleans Saints - Jeremy Shockey, Billy Miller
Shockey delivered an unimpressive 483 yards in his first season as a Saint, and was often out-played by Billy Miller.
Despite reportedly being “in the doghouse” Shockey is the superior talent, and remains the starter, as long as he’s healthy and actually trying to keep his job.
This offense doesn’t seem to be too tight end friendly, but if Shockey and Drew Brees can get on the same page, that could certainly change. Still, with Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Reggie Bush, and possibly even Devery Henderson as options ahead of Shockey, he may not be worth his usual rating.
Atlanta Falcons - Tony Gonzalez
Remember what Alge Crumpler was capable of every now and then back when Michael Vick wasn’t being accused of killing dogs?
Yeah, multiply that by ten.
Gonzalez should make Matt Ryan even more comfortable in year two of “shocking everyone”, while the Falcons make another run at a post-season trip.
Considering Atlanta has a much better offense than Kansas City did last year, you won’t be seeing Gonzo nab over 90 catches or 1,000 yards. His red zone targets shouldn’t dip, though.
Regardless, he should still be drafted as a top-5 tight end.
Carolina Panthers - Jeff King, Dante Rosario
Carolina is about three things. Running the ball, defense, and Steve Smith.
It’s almost always in that order, and I don’t recall seeing “tight end” in there anywhere.
Jeff King represents the intermediate receiver and solid blocker, while Dante Rosario offers spurts of “man he could be good if…”.
Yeah, don’t plan on relying on either of them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens
While the quarterback situation is up in the air, we still know Winslow is an elite tight end when healthy and getting looks. Considering he’s the next best option after Antonio Bryant, the latter shouldn’t be too difficult.
Even a Winslow at only 50% and with a bad quarterback is as good as most other tight ends, but a change of scenery looks to be a good switch for Winslow. Draft him a little higher than everyone else.
Stevens surprisingly has some value, despite Winslow coming in a trade. There are reports that the offense will run more two tight end sets, utilizing both tight end’s receiving skills and rout-running.
Stevens has always been inconsistent and never excelled as a blocker, but with Winslow taking attention away from him he could be a solid TE2 in most fantasy formats.
San Francisco 49ers - Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker
Head Coach Mike Singletary confirmed this week that despite a run-in with Vernon Davis last year, he’s still confident in his abilities, and that he still is the Niners’ number one tight end.
Oh, thank God. We were worried there for a minute. To lose another under-achieving athlete, would be such a shame.
Consider this the fire being lit under Davis. It’s now or never. Oddly enough, I like his chances.
Watch Delanie Walker as he waits for Davis to mess it all up. He wouldn’t be a horrible late-season pick-up if that happened.
St. Louis Rams - Randy McMichael, Daniel Fells
Randy McMichael returns from injury to assume his starting role, though with Marc Bulger still under center and an offense geared toward running the ball, no one should be getting too excited.
Still, St. Louis has been waiting for some time now for the McMichael signing to pay off, and this is undoubtedly McMichaels’ make-or-break year with the team.
Daniel Fells will ultimately only have value if McMichaels falters or gets hurt again (both very possible), and is currently ahead of the under-whelming Joe Klopfenstein. Quarterback Marc Bulger has been impressed with Fells, saying he has been playing, “lights out”.
I wouldn’t put too much stock in anything Bulger says these days.
Arizona Cardinals - Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick
Pope’s only real competition for playing time is Ben Patrick, and he’s been lost to suspension for the first four games.
Neither tight end will blow you away, especially considering they are the last resort in a pass-happy offense.
Regardless, trends do change in the NFL, whether you believe it or not, and if Pope can get back to his 2007 form, where he racked up over 200 yards and five touchdowns, he might be worth owning in deep leagues.
Seattle Seahawks - John Carlson
Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson formed a late-season bond, one that is likely to carry over into this season and beyond.
Carlson was very impressive as a rookie, notching 55 catches for 627 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also reportedly being inserted into the line-up at an aggressive rate, and considering his great size and solid athleticism, is a good candidate for a steady rise in production.
He could easily be a top-10 tight end by the end of the year, if he isn’t already.
