#1 most accurate TE Rankings in 2008 as published by FFLibrarian in the New York Times.
2009 F.F.T. Re-Draft Tight End Rankings (July. 1, 2009)
Note: Fantasy Points-based on 1 point per 10 yards receiving and 6 points for every touchdown. Adjust to your league accordingly. Auction values based on $200 budget.
1. Antonio Gates-San Diego Chargers
Auction Value: $16
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
It was clear last season that Gates was never 100% healthy and yet he still posted 60 receptions, 704 yards, and 8 TD’s, all his lowest totals since his rookie campaign in 2003. Philip Rivers is ever improving and Gates is still the Chargers #1 receiving option, couple that with the fact that his 2005-2006 tight end coach Rob Chudziniski returns in 2009 and there is no reason to think that Gates won’t return to Pro Bowl form.
(09’ Proj: 80 receptions, 950 yards, 10 TD’s) 155 Fantasy Points
2. Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys
Auction Value: $16
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 2
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 10
Witten’s numbers were solid last season, 81 receptions, 952 yards, and four touchdowns but after the 96 receptions, 1145 yards, and 7 touchdowns he posted in 2007 we expected more in 2008. I expect more in 2009 even without Terrell Owens on board there is enough talent that Witten will not always be the focal point of the offense thus avoiding many double teams.
(09’ Proj: 88 receptions, 960 yards, 9 TD’s) 150 Fantasy Points
3. Tony Gonzalez-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $14
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 2
Every year I think this will finally be the year that the great one takes a step backward and every year he is on the same even keel or even a step ahead. He was the Chiefs primary receiver for his entire career and for a number of those years he was the Chiefs only real receiving threat and he still put up big numbers. He just keeps Gonzoing along. Going to Atlanta gives him one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in Matt Ryan, one of the best running games in the league, and a capable receiving core lead by Roddy White. The bottom line is you know what you get with this guy and it is good.
(09’ Proj: 78 receptions, 950 yards, 6 touchdowns) 131 Fantasy Points
4. Dallas Clark-Indianapolis Colts
Auction Value: $14
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
Clark proved that his inflated 2007 numbers were no fluke last season as he posted 77 receptions, 848 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He is never likely to match the 11 touchdowns he put up in 2007 but he has become Peyton Manning’s go-to-guy and his numbers will again be among the best in the league.
(09’ Proj: 80 receptions, 880 yards, 7 touchdowns) 130 Fantasy Points
5. Chris Cooley-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $12
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 5
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 5
Somehow, Cooley posted career highs in receptions (83) and yards (849) last season but only managed to score one touchdown. Going into last year, he had never scored less than six touchdowns in any one season so there is reason to think it was just a fluke. With Jason Campbell improving and the cast around him, still solid I look for Cooley to put up similar numbers to last season with a touchdown resurgence.
(09’ Proj: 80 receptions, 800 yards, 8 touchdowns) 128 Fantasy Points
6. John Carlson-Seattle Seahawks
Auction Value: $12
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
How can you not like a rookie tight end that compiled 627 yards and five touchdowns on 55 receptions? At 6’ 5”, Carlson will remain a red zone threat and should quickly become one of the most reliable receivers this season and beyond. The addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh should free up the middle.
(09’ Proj: 70 receptions, 720 yards, 7 touchdowns) 114 Fantasy Points
7. Owen Daniels-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $10
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
I wanted to put Daniels higher than this but you just cannot ignore the fact that he has only posted five touchdowns combined over the past two seasons on 133 receptions after putting up five touchdowns on only 34 receptions in his rookie season. He has improved his receptions and yards each season but unless he finds the end zone, he just will not be as valuable as other players with less talent will.
(09’ Proj: 68 receptions, 800 yards, 4 touchdowns) 104 Fantasy Points
8. Greg Olsen-Chicago Bears
Auction Value: $10
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 16
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
Olsen had a decent rookie season compiling 39 receptions, 391 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He had an even better sophomore season with 574 yards and five touchdowns on 54 receptions. Desmond Clark is still good for 40+ receptions but with Jay Cutler now under center Olsen will quickly become a favorite weapon and red zone target.
09’ Proj: 60 receptions, 600 yards, 7 touchdowns) 102 Fantasy Points
9. Kevin Boss-New York Giants
Auction Value: $10
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 33
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 53
Boss looked like a fish out of water at times last season but in the end, he posted six touchdowns on just 33 receptions. The Giants cut ties with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer in the off-season and Boss becomes Eli Manning’s go-to-guy. The running game will continue to take pressure off the passing game and there is still enough receiver talent to open up the middle for Boss. He will not lead the league in receptions but he has the potential to lead tight ends in touchdowns.
(09’ Proj: 55 receptions, 590 yards, 7 touchdowns) 101 Fantasy Points
10. Kellen Winslow-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $8
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
Winlsow is a wildcard as he has the skills to end up as the number one tight end in any given season but he has a history of injuries and attitudes and now a new team that not known for targeting their tight ends. Winslow was targeted 82 times last season in just 12 games while the Bucs only targeted their entire tight end staff 118 times, of course none of them are as talented as Winslow. High risk/high reward is written all over Winslow.
(09’ Proj: 65 receptions, 700 yards, 5 touchdowns) 100 Fantasy Points
11. Dustin Keller-New York Jets
Auction Value: $6
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
Keller lacks ideal TE height at only 6’ 2” but makes up for it in athleticism. His rookie season numbers were solid, 48 receptions, 535 yards, and three touchdowns. I believe Keller has top five talents but I have concerns with the Jets quarterback situation being in transition. Keller should build on his rookie numbers but I think next year is when we really see him start posting top end statistics.
(09’ Proj: 60 receptions, 700 yards, 5 touchdowns) 100 Fantasy Points
12. Zach Miller-Oakland Raiders
Auction Value: $6
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 18
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 24
After a solid rookie season, Miller posted 778 yards on 56 receptions last season. The fact that he only scored one-touchdown concerns me but I believe that as JaMarcus Russell improves so will Miller’s touchdown production. Having Darren McFadden live up to his hype along with rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey would help as well.
Miller has already established a rapport with Russell that should continue to flourish.
(09’ Proj: 57 receptions, 700 yards, 4 touchdowns) 94 Fantasy Points
13. Jeremy Shockey-New Orleans Saints
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
It gets more difficult to predict this guy every season. He has never played in a complete 16 game season and he has seen his receptions, yards, and touchdowns go down each of the past three seasons. The Saints are loaded and if healthy Shockey has the potential to have a breakout season but you sure cannot count on it.
(09’ Proj: 60 receptions, 630 yards, 4 touchdowns) 87 Fantasy Points
14. Heath Miller-Pittsburgh Steelers
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
Miller IS Pittsburgh, a blue-collar man that will not wow you but at the end of the day he gets the job done. He is a suspect number one option but he is an excellent number two. He has never topped 50 receptions or 600 yards in his four-year career but he has found the end zone 21 times that is where his true value is.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 500 yards, 6 touchdowns) 86 Fantasy Points
15. Tony Scheffler-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 16
It is not that Scheffler is a bad tight end but it just seems like there is a lot of hype and not much substance after his first three years. He has yet to compile 50 receptions or more than 645 yards and for a 6’ 5” guy with a nose for the end zone you would hope for more than an average of four a season. Kyle Orton may not be Jay Cutler but he knows where his tight ends are at all times. It is difficult to predict exactly how Scheffler will do until we see the Broncos offense in work, but we will give it a shot anyway.
(09’ Proj: 54 receptions, 600 yards, 4 touchdowns) 84 Fantasy Points
16. Visanthe Shiancoe-Minnesota Vikings
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 40
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
Shiancoe finally broke out of his shell last season putting up six-year career highs across the board. I struggled with predicting what he will do for an encore. Adrian Peterson is clearly the Vikings number one option but as far as receivers go, there are still question marks. Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice both appear capable of opening up the middle for Shiancoe but the bottom line is that is just difficult to envision another career year out of Shiancoe.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 500 yards, 5 touchdowns) 80 Fantasy Points
17. Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
On paper, he is as talented as any tight end in the league but after three years he has yet to compile more than 52 receptions, 509 yards, and 4 touchdowns, all of which came during the 2007 season. I am still waiting for the former top 10 pick out of Maryland to have his breakout season and it may very well happen this season but you cannot count on it and right now, you cannot count Davis as a fantasy starter. For the fourth straight season, Davis is high risk / high reward, hopefully.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 530 yards, 4 touchdowns) 77 Fantasy Points
18. Brent Celek-Philadelphia Eagles
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 44
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
At this point Celek is all hype, no substance posting 496 yards and two touchdowns on 43 receptions over his two-year career but L.J. Smith is in Baltimore, and Celek is the only tight end in town. Celek is a sleeper with nice upside that can be had for a fraction of the price of a number of guys with equal or less potential.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 520 yards, 4 touchdowns) 76 Fantasy Points
19. Bo Scaife-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 32
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
His receptions and yards continue to increase each season but he has yet to find the end zone more than twice in any season. The Titans will continue to pound the ball near the goal line again limiting Scaife will benefit from an improved receiving core and a small-armed Kerry Collins again under center.
(09’ Proj: 55 receptions, 520 yards, 3 touchdowns) 70 Fantasy Points
20. Randy McMichael-St. Louis Rams
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
Until last season, McMichael had never missed a game in the previous six seasons. It is difficult to predict how effective he will be this season but until last season, he had never put up less than 39 receptions, 429 yards, and two touchdowns so as long as he is 100 percent healthy I have to give him the benefit of the doubt and call for resurgence. I do not think he will return to his 2004-2006 number one fantasy option but he could be a steal if he comes anywhere near.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 450 yards, 4 touchdowns) 69 Fantasy Points
21. Desmond Clark-Chicago Bears
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 27
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 30
I speak for all Greg Olsen owners when I say just go away Desmond. Clark actually has more value than just deflating Olsen’s numbers. Clark has averaged 43 receptions, 513 yards, and 4 touchdowns over the past three years, which is a lot better than most players on this list are. Until a couple of Bears receivers step up Clark, will likely post similar numbers to those above.
(09’ Proj: 43 receptions, 500 yards, 3 touchdowns) 68 Fantasy Points
22. Anthony Fasano-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 48
After sitting behind Jason Witten for two seasons in Dallas Fasano got his shot to show what he could do last season in Miami and other than only collecting 34 receptions, he did not disappoint, posting 454 yards and seven touchdowns. As long as David Martin is around Fasano’s receptions may be limited and it is difficult to envision him gathering in seven touchdowns again but I think he will do enough to be a capable bye week play with upside.
(09’ Proj: 40 receptions, 440 yards, 4 touchdowns) 68 Fantasy Points
23. Marcedes Lewis-Jacksonville Jaguars
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 54
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
Lewis has improved his yardage and receptions in each of his first three seasons and while I would like to see him improve on his five career touchdowns. Lewis was third in times targeted last season for the Jaguars behind only Matt Jones and Maurice Jones-Drew but despite being 6’6” Lewis was only targeted four times in the red zone. I look for similar receptions and yards this season, now if he could only see some red zone opportunities.
(09’ Proj: 45 receptions, 500 yards, 3 touchdowns) 68 Fantasy Points
24. Todd Heap-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
Heap was one of the top ranked tight ends from 2002-2006 but after an injury plagued 2007 season Heap played in all 16 games last season but only posted 403 yards and three touchdowns on 35 receptions. He has the potential to return to top form but I would not count on it, especially since the Ravens brought L.J. smith on board.
(09’ Proj: 40 receptions, 400 yards, 3 touchdowns) 58 Fantasy Points
25. Donald Lee-Green Bay Packers
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 36
Exit Brett Favre enter Aaron Rodgers equaled nine less receptions, 272 less yards, and one less touchdown for Lee. The truth of the matter is that Lee’s 2007 season was likely a ceiling that he will never again be able to touch. He posted 15 more receptions, 281 more yards, and 3 more touchdowns than he had in any of his previous five seasons while busting off seven 20+ yard runs and three of 40 yards or more, the only three of his career. Do not expect anything more than the comparable numbers to last season.
(09’ Proj: 36 receptions, 300 yards, 4 touchdowns) 54 Fantasy Points
26. Benjamin Watson-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
Mr. Watson has been more hype than substance for his entire five-year career, never playing a complete 16 games season, never posting more than 49 receptions, 643 yards, or six touchdowns. You never know what the Patriots are going to do but at this point, there is no reason to think much of their game plan goes through Watson.
(09’ Proj: 30 receptions, 350 yards, 3 touchdowns) 53 Fantasy Points
27. Daniel Graham-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 54
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
Graham has never caught more than 38 passes or gained more than 409 yards in any season of his seven-year career but he has scored at least one touchdown in every season and averages over three a season. Kyle Orton made both Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark viable fantasy options the past couple of seasons and should be able to do the same in Denver with Graham and Tony Scheffler. Graham is a potential bye week starter but nothing more.
(09’ Proj: 30 receptions, 350 yards, 3 touchdowns) 53 Fantasy Points
28. Robert Royal-Cleveland Browns
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 45
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 37
He is 31 and is going to a new team but Royal has increased his receptions and yards each year of his seven-year career to go along with 12 touchdowns combined over the past five years. Martin Rucker is the flashier player and Steve Heiden is in the mix but Royal is not a bad player and could be worth a bye week play in the right situation.
(09’ Proj: 35 receptions, 360 yards, 2 touchdowns) 48 Fantasy Points
29. Martellus Bennett-Dallas Cowboys
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 57
His value will always be limited as long as Jason Witten is in the lineup but a rookie the 6’6” kids out of Texas A&M posted 283 yards and 4 touchdowns on 20 receptions. There is no way you can start a guy that averages less than two receptions a game but I love his upside and if Witten were to be injured all of a sudden Bennett becomes a possible number one fantasy option.
(09’ Proj: 25 receptions, 270 yards, 3 touchdowns) 45 Fantasy Points
30. L.J. Smith-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
Year after year, we hear the L.J. hype and year after year, we see an average player putting up average numbers. Now he will be sharing time with Todd Heap. The Ravens love their tight ends but posting numbers any better than last season would be a surprise.
(09’ Proj: 33 receptions, 330 yards, 2 touchdowns) 45 Fantasy Points
31. Martin Rucker-Cleveland Browns
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 49
Rucker only pulled in two receptions for 17 yards in his rookie season but with Kellen Winslow, back home in Florida Rucker’s only competition is Steve Heiden and newly acquired Robert Royal from Buffalo. The Browns drafted Rucker last season with the thought that Winslow may not be in Cleveland this season so I expect him to be the starter when the season rolls around but it is difficult to predict his production at this point. I would not draft him but I would not hesitate to pick him up on the waiver wire if he is productive. Most likely, he looks like a rookie this season but I love his future upside.
(09’ Proj: 30 receptions, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns) 42 Fantasy Points
32. Billy Miller-New Orleans Saints
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 36
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 49
Miller posted the second most receptions and yards in his nine-year career but still only posted one touchdown. It is difficult to envision Miller putting up similar numbers again this season unless Jeremy Shockey is sidelined for a significant amount of time.
(09’ Proj: 30 receptions, 340 yards, 1 touchdown) 40 Fantasy Points
33. David Martin-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 35
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 20
Martin has never posted more than 34 receptions, 450 yards, or 3 touchdowns in any season of his eight-year career but he has scored at least one touchdown in every year except 2004 and has posted 10 combined over the past four years. The fact that Martin had eight runs of 20 yards or more last season and only combined for 11 in his career before last season makes me think it will be difficult for him to match last season’s 450 yards receiving.
(09’ Proj: 30 receptions, 280 yards, 2 touchdowns) 40 Fantasy Points
34. Jared Cook-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
Rookie
He is 6’5”, runs a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, and has a 41” vertical jump. The Titans love tight ends and it is obvious that the Alge Crumpler experiment did not work. Bo Sciafe has been productive in this lineup and he does not have near the skills as Cook. There is upside to burn here but he could easily be the next coming of Ben Troupe as well. He is not worth taking a chance on in re-draft leagues but his upside is too great to ignore in dynasty leagues.
(09’ Proj: 25 receptions, 280 yards, 2 touchdowns) 40 Fantasy Points
35. Jermichael Finley-Green Bay Packers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 53
Finley was a skilled project when he came out of Texas early last season. His rookie season went about as expected, six receptions, 74 yards, and one touchdown. I like Finley’s upside and his red zone ability. Donald Lee will again be the starter in Green Bay this season but I like Finley’s upside more than Lee’s at this point. I do not expect Finley to be much of a fantasy factor again in '09 but in the next couple of years that could begin to shift.
(09’ Proj: 24 receptions, 270 yards, 2 touchdowns) 39 Fantasy Points
36. Shawn Nelson-Buffalo Bills
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
Rookie
The Bills cut ties with Robert Royal so Nelson will compete against the two Derek’s, Derek Schouman and Derek Fine for playing time. Nelson is better than the two Derek’s but must improve his route running and blocking to be on the field full-time. As long as he is on the field he could surprise since defenses will be concentrating on Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, and Marshawn Lynch.
(09’ Proj: 28 receptions, 330 yards, 1 touchdown) 39 Fantasy Points
37. Jerramy Stevens-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 43
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 29
Aside from 2005 when Stevens posted career highs in receptions, 45, and yards, 554, he has never posted more than 36 receptions or 397 yards. The one thing he does do well is find the end zone, 21 career touchdowns on 184 receptions. The addition of Kellen Winslow will not help his cause.
(09’ Proj: 25 receptions, 260 yards, 2 touchdowns) 38 Fantasy Points
38. Brad Cottam-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 48
As expected Cottam did not do much his rookie season posting 63 yards on seven receptions sitting behind Tony Gonzalez. With Gonzo now in Atlanta Cottam will compete with newly acquired Tony Curtis and Sean Ryan to fill the role. At this point, it could be a tight end by committee but I believe Cottam has the most upside. I see minimal value at this point but he could surprise.
(09’ Proj: 29 receptions, 300 yards, 1 touchdown) 36 Fantasy Points
39. Leonard Pope-Arizona Cardinals
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 24
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 31
Pope caught five touchdowns in 2007, the only touchdowns of his career. In 42 career games, he has 48 receptions and 476 yards. Now if only there was some good news to tell you about the Pope. I guess the fact that Ben Patrick is suspended four games will not hurt; too bad the signing of Anthony Becht will not help.
(09’ Proj: 20 receptions, 220 yards, 1 touchdown) 28 Fantasy Points
40. Travis Beckum-New York Giants
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 10
Rookie
Beckum will battle Darcy Johnson and George Wrighster to play in two tight end sets alongside Kevin Boss. Even with Boss being a possible top 10-fantasy player Beckum is intriguing to me because he is a special talent, he just needs to find a way to stay healthy. He has the potential to be a chain mover with possible fantasy value in the future.
(09’ Proj: 18 receptions, 200 yards, 1 touchdown) 26 Fantasy Points
41. Brandon Pettigrew-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
Rookie
Widely regarded as the best tight end in the 2009 draft, is 6’5” and went to a team where he should see the field from day one. I am not a big fan of his fantasy value but I do agree he will be a helluva NFL tight end, I just wonder how much value we should expect from a guy that caught 42 passes for 472 yards last season for Oklahoma State but did not find the end zone. Detroit is desperate for someone other than Calvin Johnson to be a red zone threat so he is at worst worth monitoring.
(09’ Proj: 20 receptions, 190 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
42. Alge Crumpler-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 10
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
As a big Alge fan it is sad to see how quickly he fell off the face of the earth last season but even his disappointing 257 yards and one touchdown on 24 receptions was better than a number of guys on this list. Bo Scaife is still around and the Titans drafted a potential star in Jared Cook so he may have trouble just making the team and if he does, I do not see much improvement on last season’s numbers.
(09’ Proj: 23 receptions, 200 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
43. Fred Davis-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 37
The highly touted rookie out of USC only had three receptions for 27 yards last season but the Redskins would love to get him the ball more this season. Chris Cooley is a premier tight end so Davis’s chances will be limited he has enough speed to stretch the field and has some nice sleeper potential. I am not expecting much again this season but I still like his upside.
(09’ Proj: 18 receptions, 190 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
44. Chris Baker-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 42
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
Considering the paltry career numbers he has posted it kind of amaze me how much hype he actually has received over the past few years. His career highs are 41 receptions, 409 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Any player that sees the field for the Patriots has potential value but it is impossible to know when it will happen and having to compete with Ben Watson and Alex Smith will not help.
(09’ Proj: 20 receptions, 190 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
45. Ben Utecht-Cincinnati Bengals
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 22
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 32
How can you truly predict a guy’s numbers who scored two touchdowns in the first 3 receptions of his career but only one in 84 receptions since then? Utecht was on everybody’s sleeper list last season but injuries took their toll and 123 yards on 16 receptions was his final lines. Reggie Kelly is still around and the Bengals drafted Chase Coffman to be their future, but I like Utecht slightly better than the other two this year but to be honest, I could see all three of them having very similar stats this season and that does not make any of them worth having on your fantasy team.
(09’ Proj: 20 receptions, 190 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
46. Dante Rosario-Carolina Panthers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 52
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
This could just as easily be Jeff King or Gary Barnidge but Rosario has the most upside in my book and the truth is that none of them should be on your fantasy team unless one of them shows dramatic improvement.
(09’ Proj: 19 receptions, 190 yards, 1 touchdown) 25 Fantasy Points
47. Delanie Walker-San Francisco 49ers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 41
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 63
Walker was rumored to be a bigger part of the 9ers offense last season with plays designed just for him, 10 receptions, 155 yards, and one touchdown in 15 games proved different. I still like his potential but the fact that he is only 6’0” and with Vernon Davis ahead of him, you cannot expect any fantasy value out of him.
(09’ Proj: 16 receptions, 160 yards, 1 touchdown) 22 Fantasy Points
48. Cornelius Ingram-Philadelphia Eagles
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
Rookie
Could end up being the best fantasy tight end in the 2009 draft or he could just fade away in a year or two, which is just the type of player Ingram is. He has had a history of major injuries and a reputation of not giving 100 percent all the time but if he can keep both in check, he may very well have a great fantasy career. I look for minimal statistics out of him this season with Brent Celek getting the majority of looks but do not sleep on this guy in the future.
(09’ Proj: 15 receptions, 160 yards, 1 touchdown) 22 Fantasy Points
49. James Casey-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
Rookie
Casey is undersized at 6’3” and may not even end up as the primary backup to Owen Daniels but I believe he has great upside. I compare him to a poor man’s version of Chris Cooley. He may be capable of putting up some very solid numbers if Daniels is ever out of the lineup.
(09’ Proj: 15 receptions, 150 yards, 1 touchdown) 21 Fantasy Points
50. Brandon Manumaleuna-San Diego Chargers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 50
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 43
Aside from 2003 when he broke out with 238 yards on 29 receptions, he has never had more than 15 receptions or 174 yards in other season. On the positive, he has scored at least one touchdown in all eight years of his career and has only missed two games. Even if Antonio Gates were to be out of the lineup for an extended amount of time Manumaleuna would not be worth owning.
(09’ Proj: 16 receptions, 140 yards, 1 touchdown) 20 Fantasy Points
