By Jeff Chudnofsky – Staff Writer
1) Antonio Gates– At this point, the man needs no introduction. After breaking into the league in 2003 with no college football experience, Gates has scored 23 touchdowns in his last 30 games. There is no debating his status as the No. 1 tight end, as he is head and shoulders above the competition. The only question mark surrounding Gates is how high are you willing to draft him? The effect of the QB switch from Brees to Rivers remains to be seen.
2) Jeremy Shockey– Some believe that Tony Gonzalez’s 78 rec. for 905 yards still warrants him a spot as the No. 2 tight end. Shockey scored a career-high seven touchdowns in ’05 and came close to Gonzo’s yardage total with 891. I do not believe Gonzalez’s skills are deteriorating, but would argue that Shockey is entering his prime and plays in a more balanced offense, with a quarterback who looks for him downfield. He is split wide more often than Gonzalez and his longest reception of 2005 was 59 yards compared to Gonzalez’s long of 39 yards. This is the year Shockey establishes himself as the clear-cut No. 2 fantasy tight end.
3) Tony Gonzalez– Gonzo was asked to pass block more than any time in his career, as RT Willie Roaf battled injuries early in the 2005 season. With the ultra conservative Herm Edwards in town, expect a continued dedication to the running game, with Gonzalez used primarily in intermediate routes. He will still rack up at least 70 catches, but his yardage totals could slip. Larry Johnson is automatic inside the 20, so don’t hold your breath on the fade routes you were accustomed to seeing Gonzo catch for the better part of a decade. Don’t get me wrong, Gonzalez is still a beast, but he no longer has the upside that Shockey is presenting.
4) Todd Heap– Heap rebounded well from an injury plagued 2004 season with a career high 855 yards in 2005. If (when) Steve McNair signs with Baltimore, Heap’s value will immediately rise, as McNair has always utilized his tight ends. As long as he can stay healthy, Heap should be a weekly fantasy stud.
5) Jason Witten– J-Dub saw his reception totals drop from 87 to 66 in 2005, much in part to the Cowboys’ inconsistency running the ball. With Terrell Owens in town, Witten should have more freedom to operate in the middle of the field. His touchdown totals are difficult to predict with TO around, but Witten is one of the few players that Bill Parcells is enamored with. Witten is one of the safest bets amongst the second tier tight ends.
6) Chris Cooley– Cooley provided great value to his 2005 owners with 71 receptions for 774 yards and seven scores. Washington primarily used Cooley as an H-Back (a modified fullback) and caught many passes out of the backfield after going in motion. With all of the offensive additions in Washington, expect Cooley to line up at tight end more often as the ‘Skins employ 3-WR sets. A great weapon at OC Al Saunders’ disposal, Cooley should benefit from constant single coverage on linebackers and should eclipse his 2005 totals.
7) Alge Crumpler– Crumpdeezy is another tight end that notched career highs in 2005, as he caught 65 passes for 877 yards. He is Michael Vick’s best target and is very reliable as he moved the chains 42 times last season. Although he is consistent on the receptions front, he has never scored more than six times in a season. This is not a knock on Crumpler, but illustrates Atlanta’s dedication to the run in the red zone, as Michael Vick is more likely to run close to the stripe. With plenty of talent on the tight end board, Crumpler is a fantastic value pick in the mid-rounds.
8) Randy McMichael– The Dolphins’ tight end saw his 2004 career high of 791 yards dwindle to a mediocre 582 in 2005, but don’t let that discourage you from drafting him in the mid-rounds. As long as he doesn’t catch a case from abusing his wife again, he should be a consistent weekly performer. The Miami passing game should grow in year two with Nick Saban, and McMichael should improve upon his 9.7 ypc.
9) Heath Miller– Although the rookie caught his six TDs in bunches, look for Miller to become more involved in the Pittsburgh offense in 2006. He will no doubt build a rapport with Roethlisberger and become a consistent red zone target in the absence of Jerome Bettis. My not-so-crystal ball says Miller should rack up around 600 yards and eight scores.
10) Vernon Davis– His value skyrocketed after running a 4.38 forty-yard-dash at the combine. The 6th overall pick in the draft, Davis will step in and immediately help the maturation process of QB Alex Smith. Expect solid numbers from Davis right off the bat. His production should grow as the season wears on and could be very valuable come fantasy playoff time, as Alex Smith could show some late season improvement. 600 yards and seven touchdowns is not out of the question considering his enormous potential.
11) Kellen Winslow Vol. II– The Ultimate Warrior is set to return from the ultimate injury. He is reportedly looking sharp and, if healthy, he won’t have to contend with too many players for catches. With his upside still intact, Winslow could be a steal in the event that owners in your league are hesitant to take a risk on him. In most leagues, he will be one of the last tight ends taken for the purpose of being a starter, so if you choose to take the gamble on Winslow, you will still have more options available as the rest of your owners are probably addressing reserve WRs and team defenses. I don’t think it would hurt to try.
12) Dallas Clark– Despite receiving passes from Peyton Manning, Clark has never caught more than 37 balls (2005) in any of his three seasons in Indianapolis. With Harrison and Wayne getting the bulk of the receptions, Clark is not a weekly jackpot. Despite his low outputs, it is hard to pass up on a Peyton Manning target when the rest of the quality tight ends are off the board. His 488 yards and four touchdowns will not make you do back-flips in your living room, but Indy starters warrant consideration, especially when they present the best value available. A spike in fantasy numbers is inevitable for Clark.
13) Ben Watson– With David Givens out of town, Tom Brady will lock onto Watson more frequently in the red zone. Entering his third year, Watson will be the best tight end in New England’s 2-TE base formation. Daniel Graham is in the final year of his contract and is used more often as a pass blocker. The only thing that grinds my gears is when Watson gets supplanted at the goal line for Mike Vrabel. Honestly Bill, is that really necessary?
14) Ben Troupe– Troupe notched 530 yards while only starting 11 games. Norm Chow loves to use Troupe lining up on the weak side of the goal line formations, as he was targeted a few times on shovel passes. Agile for a 270 lb tight end, he should become more involved in the 2006 passing game.
15) Jerramy Stevens– Let’s see how he recovers from a humiliating Super Bowl experience. In the 2005 regular season, Stevens compiled 554 yards and five scores. He is a huge target and a good fit for the West Coast offense but is a weekly hit or miss in fantasy circles. Although not a consistent contributor, he would make a fine fantasy backup. This is the perfect player to be your insurance policy for Kellen Winslow Jr.
15) Marcedes Lewis– Although I was disappointed that my league revoked Matt Jones’ tight end eligibility last season, it is good to see Byron Leftwich get another big body to throw to. Lewis has outstanding leaping ability and will help fill the void left by Jimmy Smith. Could have a breakout rookie season if he plays his cards right.
17) Zach Hilton– Like most famous Hiltons, Zach will burn you at immediate contact. At 6-8, 268 lbs, Hilton is mammoth with deceptive quickness and solid leaping ability. Like Antonio Gates did in 2003, Hilton performed well in the second half of the season when given the opportunity, averaging 46 yards per game despite only receiving five starts during that span.
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