Staff rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of Fantasy Fanhouse. The rankings are based on standard leagues where you gain points for yardage and scores. Or something ...The tight end position has belonged to the either Tony Gonalez, Antonio Gates, or both for the better part of a decade. Well, now they have company ... and plenty of it. This position has gone from the most shallow to actually quite loaded at the top.
And neither of the aforementioned guys is our top TE. That distinction belongs to Jason Witten.
Of course, this changes strategy drastically in leagues of more than ten owners. You used to pretty much wait until the last three rounds to nab a TE if you didn't get one of the G boys. Now you can't afford to wait, given that there is a fairly steep drop after Heath Miller at number nine. You don't want to be one of the 3 or 5 guys with a decided disadvantage at this spot with your weekly starter in your free fleaflicker league.
The FanHouse Top Five
1. Jason Witten, Cowboys
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers
3. Kellen Winslow, Browns
4. Chris Cooley, Redskins
5. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
6. Jeremy Shockey, Saints
7. Dallas Clark, Colts
8. Vernon Davis, Niners
9. Heath Miller, Steelers
10. Tony Scheffler, Broncos
11. Alge Crumpler, Titans
12. Ben Watson, Patriots
13. Todd Heap, Ravens
14. Owen Daniels, Texans
15. Donald Lee, Packers
16. Greg Olsen, Bears
17. Kevin Boss, Giants
18. Ben Utecht, Bengals
19. Randy McMichael, Rams
20. LJ Smith, Eagles
21. Zach Miller, Raiders
22. Desmond Clark, Bears
23. Marcedes Lewis, Jags
24. Alex Smith, Bucs
25. Dustin Keller, Jets
26. Ben Troupe, Bucs
27. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins
28. Leonard Pope, Cardinals
29. Jacob Tamme, Colts
30. Eric Johnson, Saints
Notes: Deep leagues with multiple tight ends, keep an eye on Jacob Tamme. The Colts like to use two TE sets, and will spread the ball around in the red zone if they have to.
The late teens are much more draftable than the early teens for me, based upon value. Getting Greg Olsen or Kevin Boss four rounds later than Ben Watson or Todd Heap is a coup. This obviously has to be in a deep league.
Finally, keep an eye on Shockey ... he has all the tools in place to smash through the top five and even top three.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email us. We'll reply promptly.
