Greetings, fellow fantasy enthusiasts. Now that we have covered the three major positions for our dynasty rankings (quarterback, running back and wide receiver), let’s cover the little-known position of the tight end. I would like to thank Ryan Brooks of FantasyFootball.com for showing us why the tight end is unpopular but important at the same time. Most tight ends are inconsistent, but those rare big games are enough to win fantasy games or lose them when they hang a big fat zero.
The evolution of the point per reception (PPR) leagues has made some tight ends much more valuable. For example, Owen Daniels only had two TDs last season, but he finished as the fifth best TE due to his 67 catches. Also, rookie John Carlson had 53 catches and finished number seven on the list of fantasy TEs. So before we look at the 2009 rookie tight ends, I want to remind you to know your scoring rules before you draft and remember that tight ends can often come later in the draft or even off the waiver wire.
Full-Time: Will be on the Field
1. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit — Obviously the best TE in the draft, but he went to a bad team in Detroit. The good news is Matt Stafford needs a security blanket, and Pettigrew can be that guy. He should catch a ton of passes this year and give the Lions a TE presence they haven’t had in years. Pettigrew has the size to be a tremendous red zone threat.
2. Travis Beckum, NY Giants — Beckum is very athletic and reminds me of Dustin Keller in some ways. He will not start because of Kevin Boss, but I could see the Giants using him in packages to use his speed down the field. Beckum is athletic and will be an effective fantasy player in time.
3. Chase Coffman, Cincinnati — Who was the last good TE in Cincy? It’s hard to remember the team having a threat, and that is why Coffman is an excellent fit. Coffman can catch and runs routes well. He will be a nice safety value for Carson Palmer this season and for several more years.
4. Shawn Nelson, Buffalo — The Bills needed a TE threat, and Nelson fits the bill in the passing game. However, he needs to work on his blocking skills. He can still make an impact this season for Trent Edwards, especially if T.O. is getting double teamed.
Part-time players: Will play some
5. Jared Cook, Tennessee — Cook has Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler in front of him, but he has something they don’t: speed. Cook will likely learn slowly and get on the field in special packages this season, but he is a tremendous prospect down the road for fantasy players.
6. James Casey, Houston — Casey could be the next Jason Witten in my opinion. He played seven positions in college, so he is versatile. He can catch and block and he is more mature since he played some professional baseball. Owen Daniels will keep him from putting up stats this season, but he is a nice sleeper for later in the dynasty drafts.
7. Davon Drew, Baltimore — Todd Heap is not getting any younger. Drew is a pass-catching tight end that will need to improve at blocking but may settle in nicely as an H-Back.
8. Cornelius Ingram, Philadelphia — Ingram is coming off an ACL injury, or he would have been drafted much higher. He is likely the most athletic rookie TE this season, and if it wasn’t for me liking Brent Celek so much, Ingram would be ranked much higher.
9. Zach Miller, Jacksonville — Miller was a QB then transitioned to TE in the past couple years. He comes from a small school (Nebraska-Omaha), so he will go under the radar. He is fast and doesn’t have a ton of competition at his position, so don’t be shocked if he surprises.
10. John Nalbone, Miami — Nalbone is one of the few TEs in this rookie crop that can block and catch. In the Miami offense he won’t get many looks so don’t expect much on the fantasy front.
Who cares
1. Cameron Morrah, Seattle, 12. Richard Quinn, Denver, 13. Anthony Hill, Houston, 14. Bear Pascoe, San Francisco, 15. Brandon Myers, Oakland, 16. John Phillips, Dallas, 17. Dan Gronkowski, Detroit, 18. Eddie Williams, Washington.
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