TIGHT END RANKINGS

Tier One

1. Jason Witten, DAL, Age:27
With TO gone, Witten becomes the top target in this offense. Check that. He already was. Probably the safest bet this year.

2. Antonio Gates, SDG, Age:29
Will have a bounceback year in 2009, with double digit touchdowns.

3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL, Age:33

05-06-09 Update: Switch from Cassel to Ryan is upgrade, however that is negated by a probable decrease in targets. Value stays the same.
Future HOF still going strong, but will new QB Matt Cassel look his way as much as Thigpen did last year?

4. Dallas Clark, IND, Age:30
When Manning is your quarterback you automatically get ranked. Capable of double digit touchdowns.

Tier Two

5. Kellen Winslow Jr., TB, Age:26
Great bounceback candidate in 2009. The Bucs will learn how to implement tight end this year.

6. Chris Cooley, WAS, Age:27
Number two option in Redskins offense. Last year’s touchdown total a fluke. He’ll get his 6-8 scores.

7. Owen Daniels, HOU, Age:26
Great safety valve for Matt Schaub. Not really a candidate for huge touchdown totals, but yardage will remain consistent.

8. Greg Olsen, CHI, Age:24
How’s this for instant fantasy analysis? Olsen is the biggest winner in the Cutler deal. Was ranked #11 before the trade.

9. Zach Miller, OAK, Age:23
Might be the best receiver on the Raiders right now, and Russell will continue to look for him.

10. Dustin Keller, NYJ, Age:24
High upside tight end, but question marks regarding offensive scheme and quarterback hold him down for another year or two.

11. John Carlson, SEA, Age:25
Showed great promise last year with 55 catches. But Houshmandzadeh, playing out of the slot, could eat into some of his targets.

12. Vernon Davis, SF, Age:25
Last Ranking: N/A

05-06-09 Update: I think Vernon Davis has learned his lesson, and I think this year he becomes a viable option in the 49ers offense and could present draft day value as a guy to get after everyone else has taken their tight end earlier.

Others: Bo Scaife, Marcades Lewis, Jeremy Shockey, Heath Miller, Tony Scheffler 

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Tier One

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Seventy one bonus plays (sacks+interceptions). ‘Nuff said.

2. New York Giants
Forty two sacks last year without Umenyiora. Could actually see increase this year.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway is rising star, and Jared Allen should be fully healthy in 2009.

4. Tennessee Titans
05/15/09 Update: No movement, as Titans solidified this ranking by addressing Haynesworth departure early in the draft, taking potential stud Sen’Derrick Marks. Marks will likely have little fantasy value, but he’ll do the dirty work that allows the other defensive players show out.
How much will Haynesworth departure hurt team? This ranking could go down some.

Tier Two

5. Philadelphia Eagles
They don’t have anyone that truly stands out individually. But collectively they had 63 bonus plays last year.

6. Miami Dolphins
Respectable sack numbers, but secondary gives up too many yards. But Gibril Wilson should provide instant improvement.

7. Baltimore Ravens
Had 60 bonus plays last year, but 26 interceptions will be hard to duplicate.

8. Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware puts the defense here with his sacks. But only 8 interceptions, which was third worst in the league.

9. New York Jets
Solid in every aspect on defense with room for upside. Question marks are on the offensive side of the ball.

Tier Three

10. Houston Texans
 05/15/09 Update: Loved the drafting of Brian Cushing, as he should start immediately, and give the defense another explosive playmaker to go along with Mario Williams.
Just a player or two away on defense. Amobi Okoye and Mario Williams will be monsters this year.

11. New England Patriots
05/15/09 Update: Really addressed their defense in the draft, taking safety Patrick Chung, DT Ron Brace and defensive back Darius Butler in the second round.
They are in a transition stage right now, replacing older players with good young talent like Mayo and Meriweather. Could surprise in 2009.

12. Washington Redskins
 05/15/09 Update: No change in ranking, but Redskins doubled down on the defensive line by drafting physical freak Brian Orakpo. Orakpo will get plenty of one on one matchups with Haynesworth demanding most of the attention
The Redskins weren’t that good in 2008. Haynesworth alone pushes them up to this spot. Even if he only plays two downs.

Others: Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers,

KICKER RANKINGS

 

Tier None

1. Rob Bironas, Age:31
Nobody attempts more 40-49 yard field goals than Bironas.

2. Nate Kaeding, Age:27
Straight up perfect last year from 40 yards in.

3. Stephen Gostkowski, Age:25
Highest scoring kicker last year. But Brady may convert a couple of those field goals to touchdowns this year.

4. Kris Brown, Age:32
With Texans projected to have offensive breakout this year, someone will have to collect the extra points and field goals, no?

5. Mason Crosby, Age:24
Streaky kicker. Can make a 50 yard bomb one kick and then shank a 35 yarder the next. Needs more consistency.

6. David Akers, Age:34
Like Kaeding, extremely accurate inside the 40. Outside the 40, it gets dicey.

7. Nick Folk, Age:24
Only missed one field goal last year. Could see increase in attempts.

8. Josh Brown, Age:30
If he played for any team other than Rams, would be top-5 pick.

9. Neil Rackers, Age:33
Rackers field goal attempts down last year as Cardinals converted. I see slight downtick in Warner’s play this year, but that could open up more opportunities for Rackers again.

10. Rian Lindell, Age:32
With better offensive talent around him, steady Lindell should have plenty of opportunities.

11. Robbie Gould, Age:27
Should see an increase in opportunities this year with Cutler leading drives.

12. John Kasay, Age:39
Would be higher, but he’s old. Better make sure you have WD-40 on hand if you draft him.

Others: Garrett Hartley, Shaun Suisham, Jason Elam, Jeff Reed