Our final installment of fantasy football offensive tier rankings see us take a look at the tight ends. A productive tight end can make the difference between glory and disappointment, so hopefully you use these rankings as a guide to help ensure you pick wisely.

Tier One (Rounds 4-7)

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1. –

With the departure of Terrell owens, it’s arguable that Tony Romo’s fantasy value could fall. Wittnen’s however, can only go up.

He was Romo’s favorite target even with T.O. around, and now that he’s not, Witten should easily lead the team in catches, and a repeat of 2007′s 1,000-yeard season is likely.

Witten has scored at least sic touchdowns in three of his past five seasons, while notching over 950 yards three of five seasons, as well.

Yeah, he’s the best tight end.

2. –

While the evidence is in support of Jason Witten as the first tight end off the board, Antonio Gates isn’t far off.

Not just that, but a healthy toe and an increased role in the offense could see him surpass Witten if everything goes according to plan.

Gates failed to produce the yardage we’ve grown accustomed to, (only 700, compared to 900+), but was still a touchdown machine.

With five straight seasons of at least eight touchdowns, Gates is still an elite tight end, and very arguably in contention with Jason Witten for the top spot in the rankings.

3. – Indianapolis Colts

With Marvin Harrison gone, Clark will be relied on even more in the passing game, as he is likely to line-up as a receiver in three wide receiver sets, operating out of the slot.

Clark can have suspect hands at times, but saw his catches climb from just under 60 in 2007, to 77 in 2008.

He saw his touchdown total drop from 11 to 6 last year, but should only see that number rise with Manning having to rely on him more this year.

4. –

Daniels is having contract issues currently, but things should be resolved for the most part before the pre-season. Even if it leads up until the first game, you shouldn’t be worried.

Matt Schaub loves throwing to Daniels, as the tight end as seen his catches and yards climb for three straight seasons.

5. –

The early word from Atlanta’s coaching staff is Gonzalez will be used more as a blocker than as a receiver. I wouldn’t count on it.

If Atlanta is serious about developing Matt Ryan, they’ll use Gonzalez close to as much as he was used in Kansas City.

Age is clearly just a number, as Gonzo is still at the top of his game. However, the running game does come first for the Falcons, so meeting last year’s numbers of 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns is quite unrealistic.

6. –

If you can find it in your heart to forgive Cooley for scoring one measly touchdown all season in 2008, you’ll be able to notice his awesome 83 receptions and 849 yards.

The fact is, 2008′s touchdown total is a blip on the radar, rather than a trend. Considering Cooley had scored at least six touchdowns in all four of his previous seasons, we think you can let 2008 slide.

7. –

Winslow’s weak stats last year are best described as a direct result from injury and an ineffective offense. Winslow and the rest of the offense was hampered by Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey’s ineptitude for the quarterback position, while Braylon Edwards (the supposed star receiver) was killing drives with drops.

Winslow is still a good athlete with play-making ability. However, he’s again in a situation with questions at quarterback.

He’s a definite risk, but as the first or second option in the air attack (possibly second to Antonio Bryant) he should be able to get back to 2007′s numbers of 82 catches, 1,106 yards, and five scores.

Tier Two (Rounds 8-12)

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8. –

Miller is a fantastic tight end being held back by an average system and a woeful quaterback. The effective ground game is the only thing that backs him, allowing him to get open looks from time to time.

As long as Jamarcus Russell is behind center and playing well below average, Miller only had moderate value, despite having a great season last year.

He isn’t a touchdown machine or a reception king, but Miller is still the Raiders’ best receiving option. That has to count for something, right?

9. –

Carlson’s rookie season was sensational-especially in the second half of the year, as he and Matt Hasselbeck established good chemistry.

With Hasselbeck and the rest of the offense at full strength, Carlson should easily get back to his rookie numbers of 55 catches, 627 yards, and five touchdowns.

Carlson is the tight end Seattle wished Jerramy Stevens could have become.

10. –

Shiancoe was a nice surprise for Minnesota last season, as he built on his moderate 2007 success and jumped to 596 yards and seven touchdowns.

With Brett Favre almost certainly in town (he loves his tight ends) expect to see at least a small rise from last year’s numbers.

Shiancoe is an athletic tight end with solid hands. Reaching 700 yards and seven touchdowns again is very likely.

11. –

Miller is vastly overrated as a legit fantasy tight end, while rarely dropping in performances worthy of a TE1.

He puts up solid production overall, but considering Pittsburgh’s offense leans on the run, he is used very sparingly, despite having the ability to be a top-5 tight end.

Miller still has the potential to crack 600 yards and get anywhere from 5-7 scores, which keeps him just one spot out of the top ten.

12. –

Sure, Keller put up fine numbers in his rookie season. But after hitting the “rookie wall” his overall production is in slight question, as his full-time on-field availability, due to his lack of elite blocking skills.

While not having Brett Favre could drop his value a bit, the fact that he’ll have an inexperienced quarterback throwing him passes almost helps him.

Either Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez will need to find a safety net to rely on, and that will likely end up being either Keller or Leon Washington-or both.

13. –

I’m keeping Olsen at 13, simply because it’s hard to know what to expect with Jay Cutler coming in, and Desmond Clark is still the technical starter.

Olsen still isn’t a very good blocker, so he’ll won’t be used quite as often as the regular starting tight end. However, he has great speed and reliable hands, and has seen his production rise every year since he entered the league.

Jay Cutler could easily make him a top-10 tight end.

14. –

Shockey definitely has the ability to get back to his old elite status, not to mention one of the best quarterbacks and systems in the league.

All eyes will rarely be on him, which will leave him open all day to do what he does best: catch passes over the middle and abuse linebackers and safeties.

His attitude, injury history, and ultimate role in the offense are still big questions, but his potential in the offense could be too tempting to pass up.

15. –

While Scheffler’s looks will go down a bit in the new offense, his production probably won’t.

He did a lot with his catches last year, and as long as he can build some chemistry with Kyle Orton, he should provide solid stats as a top-end TE2.

16. –

Fasano took the league by surprise last year, as he scored seven touchdowns and racked up over 400 yards.

As he improves as a receiver, he’s sure to get more looks, and has a decent chance at matching last season’s touchdown total.

However, Miami isn’t a pass-first offense, so his potential is somewhat limited.

17. –

Former Texas tight end appears to be hot on Lee’s trail, so even if he does hold onto the starting job, it may not be his for long.

Lee was a solid tight end with Brett Favre at the helm in 2007, but regressed considerably with the newbie Rodgers hooking up with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.

He could see a rise in production with a more comfortable Rodgers, but it also seems like the coaching staff is pulling for Finley to make a move.

18. Benjamin Watson –

Waston is a good athlete who can make plays from time-to-time, but he doesn’t play in a system that caters to tight ends-not in the least.

A healthy Tom Brady should give Watson an honest crack at at returning to almost 400 yards and six scores (2007 numbers), but anything more than that is almost impossible.

19. Brent Celek – Philadelphia Eagles

Like him or not, Celek is the starter in Philly, and should still get a good amount of looks. Donovan McNabb loves to spread the ball around, and the Eagles offense is somewhat tight end-friendly.

He’s a big target with average athleticism, but should be able to get over 400 yards receiving as the top tight end in their system.

20. –

Lewis can have cases of the “dropsies” at times, but his production still warrants him a spot on someone’s team, especially in deep leagues or leagues with two startign tight ends.

The Jaguars are getting better at passing the ball than they have been in recent years, and Lewis has steadily improved every year.

There is reason for optimism, as Lewis could crack 500 yards and close in on five scores.

21. –

Boss scored six touchdowns last season, but wasn’t used nearly as much as the Giants would have used Jeremy Shockey, had he still been with the team.

However, with few proven receiving options left on the team, Eli Manning should look to confide in Boss more and more as the season goes on.

A slight increase in stats is likely.

22. –

It’s hard not to like Davis’s speed and play-making ability, but his role on the team, as well as his supporting cast, keep him out of the top-20.

Even if his quarterback was settled on and what officially a “good” passer, his attitude and inconsistent play would still rise as red flags.

If you can get him late, he could be a steal.

Tier Three (Late Rounds)

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23. –

With 58 catches last year and over 40 two seasons in a row, it’s clear that Scaife is a solid receiving option, and now one of Kerry Collins’ safety blankets. Scaife isn’t the full-fledged starter, but he’s the best receiving threat the Titans have at tight end, as is on the field more for his blocking.

24. –

Pettigrew is known more for his blocking than his receiving, but should still be depended upon for some catches and red-zone targets in his first year.

The Lions offense can only get better, and if Pettigrew’s blocking can help the running game get to a reliable status, his looks in the red-zone and off of play-action plays could help his numbers.

25. –

McMichael has been an absolute bust with the Rams, and is one year away from being completely forgotten.

However, he still has some speed left over from his injuries, and still has the athleticism to be discussed in the top-15 of tight ends. Unfortunately, he also still has Marc Bulger throwing him passes, so his upside is extremely limited.

26. –

Heap has been battling injuries for the past few years, and honestly hasn’t been the same player.

If he can get healthy and get his speed back, he can still be an elite tight end. There might be too many questions for you to take that risk, though.

27. – Baltimore Ravens

Yes, Smith was brought in to compete with the often injured Heap, but if Heap is healthy and back to form, Smith will be relegated back to an after-thought.

Smith showed glimpses of his potential in Philadelphia, but never fully tapped into the player he could have become. It’s unlikely you see it happen during his first year in Baltimore, either.

28. – New Orleans Saints

Miller’s impact in 2009 will depend a lot on Jeremy Shockey, as well as the health of New Orleans’ receivers. When Marques Colston went down last year, the Saints used their tight ends a bit more, so with a healthy line-up, Miller (or Shockey) could see a dramatic decrease in looks.

Then again, if Brees is going to give Dan Marino’s single season yardage record another crack, Miller could be in line for 300-400 yards.

29. Alge Crumpler – Tennessee Titans

Crumpler used to be fantasy gold at tight end, but with his age (31) and reduced speed, he’s locked to the line as a blocker, these days.

He can still provide anywhere between 25-35 catches and somewhere around 300-350 yards, but he’s no better than a back-up on your roster.

30. – Denver Broncos

The system Josh McDaniels uses doesn’t put one tight end to good use, but usually splits up the looks between two or three tight ends.

Considering Tony Scheffler is the much better receiving threat, however, Graham is unlikely to even reach last year’s totals of 32 receptions, 389 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

31. –

King will battle for starting duties for Carolina, but will ultimately share time, and will probably be used in a lot of double tight end sets.

The Panthers love to run the ball, so neither tight end will make a huge impact in the passing game.

Believe it or not, but the days of Wesley Walls are long gone, my friends.

32. Jermichael Finley – Green Bay Packers

Finley makes the list due to his great athleticism for the position, and the rumors that Green Bay wants to get him on the field.

Due to Donald Lee’s less than spectacular 2008 season, Finley could be pushing for extra playing time, or at least a solid role in double tight end sets.

At the very minimum, he could be good for a few scores near the red-zone.

33. Dante Rosario – Carolina Panthers

Like his teammate Jeff King, Rosario’s upside is limited by his offense.

However, if he can be consistent and produce even half of what he did on opening day in 2008, he could earn a spot on some fantasy rosters.

34. – New York Giants

Beckum is an extremely athletic tight end with good speed and reliable hands. He’s fairly polished as a receiver, but probably won’t see the field a ton as a rookie, due to his lack of blocking skills, as well as not having a full grasp of the offense.

He has a ton of potential, and is more than likely the long-term answer at tight end ahead of Kevin Boss. He could be a solid pick-up late in Dynasty leagues.

35. –

Cottam is likely to be used more as a blocker in Todd Haley’s offense, as Haley rarely used the tight end while in Arizona.

However, with Cottam’s bohemoth size (nearly 6’9”), he could potentially develop into quite the target in the red-zone for Matt Cassel.

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