Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The tight end position has been oftentimes overlooked, but not here. If you can land one of the top tight end targets in the draft -- but don't reach in straight drafts -- it's just like having another top-of-the-line wide receiver, production-wise, on your club. These top pick tight ends can even win you a week if they blow up for multiple scores and over 100 yards receiving.
While the tight end class if pretty deep, it does feature four outstanding players that head the class and guys that are can't miss pass-catchers.
If you get one of the top four, your championship chances go up that much more. Take a look at the Fan Fanatic Sports top 20 at the tight end position.
TOP 20
1. Tony Gonzalez -- Falcons
Eventual Hall of Famer Gonzalez finally got his wish to play for a contender when he was traded to Atlanta from Kansas City. Gonzalez is an absolute beast in the passing game, averaging 89 catches, 1,043 yards and 7 touchdowns in the last three years. Last year, he was the lone bright spot for the Chiefs with 1,058 yards, 96 receptions and 10 TDs. Gonzalez might not catch as many passes this season with the Falcons because of how many weapons they have, but there's not questioning that second-year QB Matt Ryan will now another go-to target in Gonzalez. He might be 33 and that might scare owners away, thinking he's going to decline, but Touchdown Tony just keeps getting better. He's the safest TE pick you can make.
2. Jason Witten -- Cowboys
Dallas QB just loves throwing the ball to Witten, even forcing it in when there's no room to fit a quarter. But that connection has shown chemistry and in fantasy football, that equals production and confidence. Witten had a down year with 81 catches for 952 yards and 4 TDs -- still a highly-productive year in my book. Remember Romo missed time last year and Witten was bruised and battered, so with better health expect the numbers to rise. But without Terrell Owens on the outside to take pressure off of Witten being double-covered, could Witten be a marked man this season? He's so talented, but I'm a little concerned that Dallas' wideouts won't be good enough to keep the heat off of Witten. I'd still draft him high, however.
3. Antonio Gates -- Chargers
Gates is sooooo good, but his numbers dipped last year (60 receptions, 704 yards, 8 TDs), and that should be a minor concern. Notice I said, minor, because even if Gates puts up those numbers again, you can't be upset at all. Gates, who scored nine touchdowns in 2006 and 07, is still a can't-miss TE on draft day. Plus the Chargers just love slinging the ball with Phillip Rivers, and we know he's got mojo with Gates. Fantasy bonus!!!
4. Dallas Clark -- Colts
Speaking of another TE that's got chemistry with his QB, that's Clark. The 6-foot-3, 252-pounder former first-round pick had a monster year in 2008 with 77 catches for 848 yards and 6 TDs. He found the end zone 11 times in 207. Besides WR Reggie Wayne, Clark is a constant threat to score, especially in the red zone. And with Marvin Harrison now gone, expect Clark to get even more looks, considering Peyton Manning has the utmost confidence in his tight end. Clark is the fourth and final top-tier TE to get on draft day.
5. Kellen Winslow -- Buccaneers
Winslow is a soldier, well, that's what he says. He's show flashes of brilliance (1,106 yards, 5 TDs in 2007 with the Browns), but Winslow just needs to shut his pie hole and play ball because he gushes with untapped potential. My question is: Why did the Browns trade him away if he's so good? Anyway, Winslow gets a new address and new start with Tampa Bay. The Bucs have issues as QB, but Winslow is a great check-down guy, and he could haul in over 80 passes if those QBs just get him the darn ball. Winslow has the talent, but the Bucs do not. He might just have to get his numbers during garbage time. Fantasy owners don't care, either, they only care about the points.
6. Greg Olsen -- Bears
Olsen has to be thankful that he's now got a quarterback that he knows will fire around the rock like a high schooler toying with middle school players. Jay Cutler is not at the helm and he's as reckless with the ball as Brett Favre, but we all know Cutler loves to throw the fastball and often. Olsen could be in for a gigantic year, considering he had a decent season in 2008(574 yards, 5 TDs) with Kyle Orton playing don't-make-a-mistake-football. Olsen should be on your rader, he could be a nice pick that produces big time in his third year in the NFL.
7. Chris Cooley -- Redskins
Cooly had a great year with 83 catches and 849 yards, but it was also lousy considering he only caught one TD pass. What? Yes, one TD. That's just not acceptable. Isn't this the same Cooley that had 8 TDs in 2007 and 6 in 2006? Yup, same guy. Don't think Cooley is in store for another one-TD season, he's just too talented not to score at least 5 times. But what should bother everyone is the QB in Jason Campbell. If he shows improvement, the Washington offense shouldn't have a problem with scoring points, and that means more fantasy production across the board.
8. Owen Daniels -- Texans
Isn't it amazing that some owners still don't know who Daniels is? I know he plays for the Texans and there's not too much to write home away with them, but this guy is good. While he's not flashy, he's still worthy of a starting spot on a roster, he's no fantasy backup in my book. Daniels had 70 catches for 862 yards and 2 TDs last year. We'd like to see the TDs rise (he had 5 in 2006), but he's still a guy that people will sleep on on draft day. Don't be that guy!
9. John Carlson -- Seahawks
It was a down season for Seattle, but don't blame Carlson for it. The rookie had 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 TDs, pretty impressive for the Notre Dame product. Carlson prospered since Seattle's WR corp was banged up, so temper expectations slightly with improved health for the weapons on the outside.
10. Jeremy Shockey -- Saints
J-Shock missed four games with various leg injuries, but he still managed to haul in 50 passes for 483 yards, but he didn't score. In New Orleans' offense, the balls do fly around but everyone enjoys a piece of the piece. In fantasy world, that means no one really has unbelievable stats. Shockey, when healthy, is still a threat, but he's not option No. 1 or even No. 2 in the Saints offense. But if he can rise up in the red zone, Shockey can make owners smile with 5-plus TDs. He'll come cheap on draft day, and the payout might be well worth it.
11. Visanthe Shiancoe -- Vikings
12. Zach Miller -- Raiders
13. Dustin Keller -- Jets
14. Heath Miller -- Steelers
15. Tony Scheffler -- Broncos
16. Bo Scaife -- Titans
17. Vernon Davis -- 49ers
18. Kevin Boss -- Giants
19. Brent Celek -- Eagles
20. Todd Heap -- Ravens
WATCH OUT FOR
Greg Olsen -- Bears
Chris Cooley -- Redskins
Owen Daniels -- Texans
Vernon Davis -- 49ers
BE WARY OF
Anthony Fassano -- Dolphins
Randy McMichael -- Rams
Benjamin Watson -- Patriots
Brent Celek -- Eagles
WORTH A FLYER
Todd Heap -- Ravens
Brandon Pittigrew -- Lions
Martellus Bennett -- Cowboys
Chase Coffman -- Bengals
(Coming tomorrow: Kicker rankings by Jim Ingram)
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