No
Credentials has already told you when to draft your kicker and defense, and now
it’s time to talk about actual players. The sadness that is Deflategate is
still not resolved, so we’ll continue our fantasy football preview in reverse
order. We start with arguably the coolest person on planet Earth.
Tier 1 = Gronk
R.Gronkowski, NE
|
Gronk
surpasses Jimmy Graham as the lone tight end who warrants first round pick
consideration this season. We don’t believe he can stay healthy again, but the
chance he does is well worth the risk if you miss out on the top-tier
runningbacks. His per-game production is vastly superior to any other tight end
in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
Tier-2 = Best Guys That Aren’t Gronk
J.Graham, SEA
|
Z.Ertz, PHI
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G.Olsen, CAR
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M.Bennett, CHI
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T.Kelce, KC
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We were
ready to put Jimmy Graham in a tier by himself, but when he told the media that
75% of his job now is blocking, that gives us reason for concern. Seattle
doesn’t chuck the ball nearly as much as the Saints, and we don’t expect that
philosophy to change just because Graham is in the fold. His value will be much
more dependant on his touchdown total, which is always a risky proposition.
As for the
rest of the group, these are all very good starters who could chip in 70+ receptions
and 800+ yards. Zach Ertz is our favorite non-Graham tight end here, as the
loss of Jeremy Maclin should divert even more passes his way. We’re not as high
on Travis Kelce as most of the fantasy football community is, but we wouldn’t
be bummed out if he ended up on one of our teams.
Tier-3 = Low Ceiling Starters
J.Witten, DAL
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J.Cameron, MIA
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J.Thomas, JAC
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O.Daniels, DEN
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D.Walker, TEN
|
Here are
your options if you choose to wait on drafting a tight end. In PPR formats this
group isn’t that far off the second tier. In terms of raw talent Jordan Cameron
belongs in the second tier, but we’re not sold entirely on Ryan Tannehill’s
ability to utilize him. Julius Thomas also fits this description, but unlike
Cameron, doesn’t have a history of success without Peyton Manning throwing him
the ball.
Tier-4 = Lottery Tickets
D.Allen, IND
|
J.Reed, WAS
|
V.Davis, SF
|
L.Green, SD
|
L.Donnell, NYG
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A.Gates, SD
|
In 12-team
leagues, one of these guys will be a Week 1 starter, which is frightening. For
those of you that are bold though, there is tons of profit potential here.
Dwayne Allen racked up 8 touchdowns on only 29 receptions, and with all the
weapons at Andrew Luck’s disposal Allen could find himself with plenty of open
field to work with. Jordan Reed is a gifted receiver who just needs to stay
healthy. Vernon Davis is old, but if Colin Kaepernick straightens his issues
out, Davis stands to benefit the most. Antonio Gates shouldn’t be ignored
either, as he’ll only miss four games due to suspension. If Lardarius Green
doesn’t break out in September, Gates will deliver top-5 production the rest of
the way.
Tier 5 = Bye Week Subs
H.Miller,
PIT
|
M.Rivera,
OAK
|
T.Eifert,
CIN
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J.Cook,
STL
|
K.Rudolph,
MIN
|
C.Clay,
BUF
|
A.Seferian-Jenkins,
TB
|
C.Fleener,
IND
|
S.Chandler,
NE
|
J.Hill,
NO
|
J.Amaro,
NYJ
|
T.Wright,
TB
|
N.Paul,
WAS
|
When he
retires, we are going to name this group “The Heath Miller Memorial Tier”. You
shouldn’t target any of these guys in a fantasy draft, but keep them in mind
for bye week coverage. Mychal Rivera and Tyler Eifert have the best chance of
achieving weekly fantasy relevance.
When to Draft (or bid for) One
We
discussed Gronk a little but it bears repeating…he’s a reasonable draft pick
any point after the fifth pick. Especially if you’re in a standard scoring
league, his projected yardage and touchdown total is vastly superior to any of
his peers. If positional scarcity is your thing you won’t blink taking him over
the top-tier wide receivers.
Currently
going towards the end of the third round in Yahoo leagues, Jimmy Graham is one
tight end I will not draft. The rest of the tight end field is going in the
sixth round or later, and that’s a much more reasonable price tag. You can fill
all of your wide receiver and running back spots, and maybe even have QB filled
and still end up with a decent option at tight end.
