Sporting News: TE Rankings

wide right · Jul 7, 2007

Full TE rankings

You need not put much research into the tight end you draft this year -- you just need to be familiar with your choices. Nine of the top 10 players ranked in the top 10 in last year's owners manual return for an encore performance in 2007. The lone addition to this year's top 10 is Kellen Winslow, with Randy McMichael dropping down to No. 12. You want turnover? Go flip some pancakes.

Beyond the top 15 tight ends, the pickings get mighty slim. The only ones remotely interesting to me are Tony Scheffler (if he's fully healthy) and Marcedes Lewis, both second-year players who could take a leap forward. But really, how far up can they go? With nine of the top 10 tight ends younger than age 30 entering the year, this well-established pecking order shouldn't change much.

DRAFT STRATEGY

I'm one of those who advocates drafting a top five tight end. Some of my colleagues disagree, saying it's just as possible to win with a lower-tier starter. But I'll pump up my stance with one important thought -- getting a top-tier tight end gives you one more player in your lineup that you can rely upon consistently. If your running backs or wide receivers have a bad day, a top tight end can help make up the difference.

MEDICAL REPORT

A simple fact about Todd Heap: You'll see his name weekly on the injury report, but the guy just gets his weekly treatment for whatever injury he's battling and is ready to lace 'em up come Sunday. Don't be overly concerned about his susceptibility to injury.

In case you're counting, Alge Crumpler has had arthroscopic knee surgery in consecutive offseasons. However, he hasn't missed a game the past two seasons, so we don't think it should be a concern for '07.

What to think of Benjamin Watson now that Daniel Graham is gone? Well, realize that Watson has dealt with knee injuries in two of the last three seasons and now has second-year man David Thomas nipping at his heels. Oh, and did you happen to see the Pats have acquired Donte' Stallworth and Randy Moss? Given all these factors, Watson is more risk than reward.

AUCTION STRATEGY

In an auction I participated in last year, Antonio Gates went for $20, while Tony Gonzalez went for $6 and Todd Heap went for $5. Why? Because Gates was the only elite tight end brought up early, when many owners had money to spend. Gonzalez and Heap were brought up much later. I bet that will happen in your auction too, because owners typically focus on bringing up players at the more exciting skill positions earlier. If your draft follows this pattern, you will find a stud tight end for a bargain price.

DRAFT-DAY DECISIONS

Heath Miller vs. Dallas Clark. Miller is the only tight end option in Pittsburgh and is coming off a down season. Clark must battle Ben Utecht for receptions but does have the game's best passer throwing him the ball (Peyton Manning). Advantage: Clark. This is one of the few cases in which I'd choose a player despite competition on his own team for catches.

Tony Gonzalez vs. Todd Heap. Both are well-established players and the No. 1 receiving options in their respective offenses. Heap might have the quarterback edge with Steve McNair, but Gonzalez proved last season that his subpar 2005 campaign was just an anomaly. Advantage: Gonzalez. He has fewer health concerns despite being four years older than Heap and has a better track record.

Vernon Davis vs. Kellen Winslow. Both Davis and Winslow were top 10 overall draft choices in their respective classes. Winslow enjoyed his breakout season a year ago after battling numerous injuries. And Davis could be ready to break out after missing six weeks last year with a broken leg. Advantage: Davis. The prospects of having Brady Quinn under center are intriguing for Winslow's value, but I'd rather go with Davis, whose quarterback situation is a little more stable. Also, the 49ers are the better team.

SLEEPERS

Owen Daniels had five touchdowns in the Texans' first seven games last year before a shoulder injury down the stretch really hurt his production. The Texans' receiving situation beyond Andre Johnson is iffy, which figures to raise Daniels' profile in the offense. And hey, David Carr isn't in Houston anymore! Matt Schaub is an improvement -- because anybody is better than Carr. If you draft a second tight end, target Daniels.

After being somewhat of a forgotten man early in the 2006 season, Jason Witten had at least 50 yards receiving in six of the Cowboys' last nine games. As long as Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn continue pulling coverage away from Witten, Tony Romo will find ways to get Witten the ball. He also should score more than the one TD he had last year. I think he has a chance of cracking the top five.

THE STUD I WILL NOT OWN

Jeremy Shockey perennially deals with injuries, usually to his ankle, and has been sidelined during at least some portion of the fantasy playoffs the past two seasons. I love that he plays through most of his aches and pains, but I worry about their cumulative effect. And let's not forget that Tom Coughlin still is running the show in New York. No less an authority than Tiki Barber has said the Giants have been outcoached during Coughlin's tenure. Shockey will put up good numbers, but I'm staying away from this sinking New York ship.

BUSTVILLE, POPULATION 1

Owners had to appreciate Desmond Clark's breakout season last year, as he caught six touchdowns. However, except for one huge game last December, Clark was a non-factor the final two months of the season. Fear the Rex Grossman factor, folks.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING ...

26.6. The average age of tight ends ranked in our top 12. The elite guys will likely remain elite guys for some time.

Associate Editor Roger Kuznia
Click to expand...

Source: The Sporting News, Roger Kuznia

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Sporting News: TE Rankings

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Sporting News: TE Rankings

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