Pre-Season Fantasy Football TE Ranks

           Last year was hyped as the deepest crop of useful fantasy tight ends in history. This year, not so much. Aaron Hernandez…well, I don’t need to tell you what happened to him (just know he was ranked second on this list before his legal troubles). Rob Gronkowski…I don’t have to talk about him either. Two thirds of the top tight end tier has been reduced to rubble (along with the dominance of the New England Patriots offense, but we will save that conversation for another day). We don’t need to publish a value adjusted ranking at the end here, as my personal values of players will not be impacted by the draft pick I need to spend on them.

Tier 1 – The Last Man Standing

1	J.Graham, Saints

This is a rule that if you have designs on winning your fantasy league, you have to live by…if you have the chance to draft Jimmy Graham in the third round, you do it. No questions asked. His average draft spot is 18.5, which puts him towards the end of the second in ten team leagues. If I still have a shot at a Tier 3 runningback with my third round pick, I’d make the plunge in the second.

            For those wondering why Graham is such a valuable commodity, you must consider two things. One, he’s going to produce like Tier 2 or 3 wide receiver. Secondly, there isn’t a safer bet at tight end to produce at that level than Graham. Getting the scoring output he generates on a week-to-week basis at a week position is a tremendous advantage.

Tier 2 – The Lottery Ticket

2	R.Gronkowski, Patriots

If healthy, there isn’t a safer bet for 15 touchdown receptions in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE than Rob Gronkowski. The problem is his bones are made of Swiss cheese. If you nail your first four picks, and one of them isn’t Jimmy Graham, I fully endorse drafting Gronk. Even if he doesn’t make his debut until Week 6, he can still win your fantasy league for you. If he isn’t healthy for the fantasy playoffs, there’s always next year.

Tier 3 – Old Reliables

3	J.Witten, Cowboys
4	T.Gonzalez, Falcons

These are you safe sixth round picks if you miss out on the Rob Gronkowski sweepstakes. Witten might be worth a fifth round pick if you’re playing in a PPR league.

Tier 4 – Solid Contributors

5	V.Davis, 49ers
6	D.Pitta, Ravens
7	G.Olsen, Panthers
8	A.Gates, Chargers

There’s a decent chance that one of these guys will end up as the second highest scoring tight end in fantasy this season, but good luck picking which one will do it. Davis presents the best opportunity for a monster year, as it looks like he’ll line up at wide receiver while Michael Crabtree is on the shelf.

Tier 5 – Inconsistent Commodities

9	O.Daniels, Texans
10	B.Myers, Giants
11	J.Finley, Packers
12	J.Cook, Rams
13	K.Rudolph, Vikings
14	M.Bennett, Bears

Just as likely to score you 15 points as they are to score 1, this group of tight ends will drive you absolutely bonkers if you own one of them.

Tier 6 – Sleepers and Bye Week Subs

15	J.Gresham, Bengals
16	B.Pettigrew, Lions
17	F.Davis, Redskins
18	R.Housler, Cardinals
19	D.Allen, Colts
20	J.Cameron, Browns
21	D.Keller, Dolphins
22	Z.Miller, Seahawks
23	H.Miller, Steelers
24	D.Walker, Titans
25	B.Celek, Eagles

 
          None of these guys should be drafted unless you are in a twelve-team league, and even then I don’t think I’d take the plunge. All of these guys should be considered as bye week pickups, but a couple warrant keeping tabs on early in the season. Fred Davis is always productive when he’s healthy, but the problem is he’s never healthy. Rob Housler has generated preseason buzz, and of all the Cardinals not named Larry Fitzgerald, should benefit the most from having an adequate NFL quarterback.