Fantasy Tight Ends

We've been previewing different positions for fantasy football over the last month. Today, let's look at tight end. If there is one thing you should know about drafting tight end, you should be the first to draft one (Jimmy Graham) or wait until deep in the draft. In fact, in mocks recently I've taken Graham in the second round or I've waited to draft a tight end until the rest of my lineup and even a few bench spots were filled. Why? Jimmy is basically the only tight end without risk and can match production of top WR's. After him, 2-20 could be similar in production depending on how the season plays out.

Top 20 Fantasy Tight Ends

1. Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints

With Drew Brees throwing to him, Graham can go for 1,200 yards, 90 receptions, and 10 TD's easily. With any luck, those numbers will be even higher.

2. Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots

Injury is the only thing holding Gronk back from being #1 in these rankings. Keep in mind that drafting him brings huge rewards, but he could also sit over half the season due to injuries. Follow his progress.

3. Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers

With Crabtree out, Davis is now the best returning pass catcher on the roster. He is a great redzone target and can line up all over the field.

4. Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys

In PPR leagues, he's probably the 4th best TE. He caught 110 balls last year after all. But he doesn't catch a lot of TD's anymore so know your leagues scoring system.

5. Tony Gonzalez - Atlanta Falcons

I'm really not high on Gonzalez at all this year and won't draft him in any league. He's going WAY too high for me. He's pretty long in the tooth if you know what I mean.

6. Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers

With Steve Smith getting older, Olsen is arguably Cam Newton's top target. This is also his second season on the team so his comfort level should be greater.

7. Kyle Rudolph - Minnesota Vikings

He snuck into the Pro-Bowl last year and dominated in the game. He will catch a lot of TD's but won't get as many yards as the other guys here.

8. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers

I owned Gates last year and hated every second. He's old, injury-plagued, and is playing with a QB that's struggled in recent years. On the flip side, he offers great upside if he returns to his form from years ago.

9. Owen Daniels - Houston Texans

Now fully healthy after a nasty injury a couple years ago, Daniels is a guy that can put up big numbers.

10. Brandon Myers - New York Giants

Emerged as a threat on a terrible Raiders team last year. Imagine what he can do with Eli this season.

11. Martellus Bennett - Chicago Bears

He left New York to come to Chicago and will give Cutler another target outside of Marshall. With a struggling offensive line, Bennett could benefit on some of the quick routes that will be needed.

12. Fred Davis - Washington Redskins

Was supposed to dominate last year but never got healthy and in connection with RGIII. Now it's time to do that.

13. Jermichael Finley - Green Bay Packers

Has never lived up to his athletic ability, but he has Rodgers throwing the ball to him.

14. Brandon Pettigrew - Detroit Lions

The Lions still don't have a second WR so Pettigrew becomes a top target for Stafford each season.

15. Jared Cook - St. Louis Rams

Has teased fantasy players for years. Now with Sam Bradford, he finally is paired with a QB that can complete a pass.

16. Jermaine Gresham/Tyler Eifert - Cincinnati Bengals

Jermaine's been a decent option as of late, but with Tyler Eifert now in the mix, he's not the best Bengal to draft. Eifert won't begin the year as the starter, but he's the better value in drafts. He'll soon emerge as the top TE in town and the second best playmaker behind AJ Green.

17. Jordan Cameron - Cleveland Browns

Sleeper alert. He's a former basketball guy and should play in a similar manner to Gates, Graham, and other players like that.

18. Rob Housler - Arizona Cardinals

New coach Bruce Arians considers Housler a "big wide receiver." With Carson Palmer now at QB, there is a quarterback in town that can produce.

19. Dwayne Allen/Coby Fleener - Indianpolis Colts

Allen had a better year in 2012, but I lean towards Fleener this year. The new offense will be similar to what Luck and Fleener did at Stanford.

20. Zach Ertz - Philadelphia Eagles

I think Ertz could do a lot of good in his first season. If Chip Kelly can instill his offense like he'd like, Ertz can be tremendously productive in year one.

By: The Sports Guys