How many times have you gone into your Fantasy Football draft thinking “I don’t need a tight end, I can just pick one up towards the end.” Undervaluing your fantasy tight end can be a devastating mistake that sinks your fantasy football season. The difference between a top tight end and a scrub in the 11th round, can be the difference between “Championship Glory” and “Last Place Sorrow.” So while your opponents are scoffing when you pick up a tight end in between the second and fifth round, you will be celebrating your championship.
Don’t Undervalue The Fantasy Tight End Position
By The Numbers
- Nine tight ends eclipsed the 100 targets mark (four went over 120 targets)
- Eight tight ends had 75+ receptions
- Three scored more than 10 TDs
- Four had over 1,000 yards
- Only two tight ends accomplished all of the above stats
Summarizing what you see in the numbers, select tight ends can truly give you an edge on a week by week basis.
Fantasy Tight End Rankings
Top Tier
- Rob Gronkowski, NE: (One of the Tight Ends that accomplished all of the milestones above) ADP- Round 2 pick 2. Target- Perfect spot, if you can do it. Although, if you take him in the first, I can’t blame you.
- Jordan Reed, Was: (The other TE to accomplish all of the milestones) ADP- 4th round, 6th pick. Target- 4th is ok, I would prefer him in the 5th due to injury concerns, if you do pick him in the 5th follow it up with your 2nd TE in the 7th or 8th.
- Greg Olsen, Car: ADP- Round 4, pick 12. Target- If Jordan Reed is gone, I like him at this spot. If not then wait until the 5th.
The Second Tier
- Coby Fleener, NO: ADP- 6th round, 12th pick. Target- I love him at this spot, I would even take him at the turn of the 5th and 6th round. He is ranked higher on my board then most. Drew Brees will throw 600 passes this year, and Fleener will be his second target, behind Cooks. Ben Watson had 110 receptions last year. Being a more reliable TE, Cody Fleener will probably get all of those targets plus more in this pass first offense.
- Delaney Walker, Ten– ADP- 6th Round, 7th Pick. Target- Mid to late 6th Round for me. Good option for the Reed insurance policy I mentioned above.
- Travis Kelce, KC– ADP 6th Round, 9th pick. Target- I like Kelce, I don’t love Kelce. Used predominantly between the 20’s, he had 103 receptions and 875 yards last year, but only had 5 TD’S. 7th round mid pick is my target.
- Tyler Eifert, Cin: ADP- 7th round, 10th pick. Target- 8th round. Eifert is the exact opposite of Kelce. He is really only used in the red zone. His 13 TD’s (most by a TE) is misleading, due to him only having 74 receptions and 615 yards. Fantasy wise, he is irrelevant outside of the red zone.
Late Round Value
- Gary Barnidge, Cle: ADP- 8th round, 10th pick. Target- I love him here. He is sneaky good, probably too good for where he is ranked. He is a victim of the Cleveland Browns stigma, therefore he is probably undervalued. Last year he had 125 Receptions, 1,153 yards, and 9 TD. If he is anywhere around his ADP, scoop him up. I can’t blame you if you reached on him as well.
- Zach Ertz, Phi: ADP- 9th Round, 12th pick. Target- Anywhere in the 9th is great. He has been poised for that breakout year for what has seemed like forever, but the implementation of the West Coast Offense leads me to believe that this year is the year.
- Julius Thomas, Jax: ADP- 9th round, pick 1. Target- I like him mid to late 9th. If he can stay healthy he should finish at a much higher rank than I have given him, and turn out to be the steal of the draft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in a PPR format, the tight end is an even bigger force to be reckoned with. If you value this position appropriately it can lead you to glory in your fantasy league.
Lastly, if you have any fantasy football questions feel free to ask in the comments below.
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 16: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
