It’s the topic everyone wants to talk about, fantasy football. Our Sundays simply are not complete without fantasy football. With everyone’s draft set to take place soon, let’s take a look at the top 10 tight ends for the upcoming season. For the record these are fantasy rankings people, NOT overall rankings on ability!
- Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Gronk owners know all to well the more he spikes the ball the better result for your fantasy team that Sunday. With Martellus Bennett in town it may limit his fantasy upside but there is no questioning that he is the top tight end option (unless you believe in the madden curse). Gronk probably isn’t a first round option but he is a very good round 2 option.
2. Jordan Reed (Redskins)
Jordan Reed is the epitome of what Aaron Hernandez should have been in the NFL. Reed’s 2015 season was highly productive that including 87 catches, 952 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Heading into year two of the Kirk Cousins era one should think those numbers have the potential to improve. The Skins could be headed to the postseason again with a great offensive supporting cast around Reed.
3. Greg Olsen (Panthers)
Olsen is Cam Newton’s most reliable target in Carolina. Olsen had over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2015. The intrigue does remain however if Kelvin Benjamin might take away from some of the red-zone targets. Having Newton alone cements a top 3 status here. Not many guys you would rather have regardless.
4. Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Eifert was a touchdown scoring machine in 2015 hauling in 13 of them. Despite the fact that he may miss 1 or 2 games early in the season due to knee surgery, this guy is still one of the best. Having A.J. Green on the outside absolutely makes life easier for the big tight end. Don’t worry about the Dalton factor, this guy scores….. a lot.
5. Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Everyone knows that one crazy stat that shows Alex Smith never throws a touchdown to his wide receivers prior to Maclin coming over last season. Kelce is poor man’s Gronk and rounds out the top 5. The Chiefs will compete for the AFC West title again this year and there is no reason to think this offense can’t put up points. It’s Andy Reid people, he is one of the best coaches in football.
6. Delanie Walker (Titans)
It is clear that quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn’t trust any of his pass catchers besides for Delanie Walker. The Titans tight end had 94 catches in 2015 and may have a similar stat line this year. Unlike most teams the Titans are really committing to the run this season because they know they have to. Don’t break the bank for Walker but he is a solid fantasy option.
7. Coby Fleener (Saints)
The Drew Brees factor increases Fleener’s fantasy potential two fold. Fleener split time with Dwayne Allen in Indy a year ago. Now as a full time tight end Fleener cements himself as a top 10 option. The dinosaur Ben Watson was a solid option in the Saints option a year ago. That tells you all you need to know here.
8. Clive Walford (Raiders)
Walford is set to have a breakout season for the Raiders. Clive is a bit of an unknown by many fans but maybe you should get yourself more familiar. Walford, 24, was my top rated tight end in the 2015 NFL Draft despite being selected in the 3rd round. Walford came on strong towards the latter end of his rookie year and will claim the starting role full time this season. On a team that has a ton of young talent, Walford adds a nice pass catching piece in the middle.
9. Ladarius Green (Steelers)
Green is currently on the P.U.P. list for his ankle but when this guy finally gets on the field he is going to be dominant. For the first time in what seems what forever the Steelers finally have a pure pass catching tight end. Green spent 4 years in San Diego being groomed and learning from one of the best to ever do it in Antonio Gates. Green, 6’6″ will become the red-zone guy gobbling up a large number of touchdowns in a dynamic Steeler offense. It is just a matter of when the German born tight end gets on the field.
10. Gary Barnidge (Browns)
After toiling away for 10 years in obscurity, Barnidge had a renaissance season for the Browns in 2015. Even after putting up 1,043 yards and 9 touchdowns a year ago, this man is still being disrespected in fantasy rankings. Once the top 4 or 5 guys are off the board Barnidge becomes as good of a bet as any. He also has a capable coaching staff and improved quarterback situation on his side this time.
