I have already given you quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs and now I have had a request to do tight ends. Tight ends are a little more difficult due to how rare elite ones are. Unlike every other position I have talked about, there are not as many tight ends that are consistent. This makes it hard to come up with the top 20 for this upcoming year, but I'm up for the challenge.
Remember, some of these rankings will probably get moved around the closer we get to week 1. Sit back, read and enjoy the information and predictions that are coming your way.
Top 20 2015 Pre-Season Tight End Rankings
1. Jimmy Graham (Seahawks): Jimmy Graham is the most dominant tight end in the NFL and everyone was shocked to see him being traded to the Seahawks from the Saints. Yes, he did have an off year, but so do most players in the NFL. Graham might not have Drew Brees anymore, but he has an elite quarterback in Russell Wilson and a running game in Marshawn Lynch. Having another elite quarterback and finally having a great running back on his side of the field, you will see Graham make catch after catch and dominate the red zone. Graham should have around 1,000 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns.
2. Rob Gronkowski (Patriots): GRONK! He has been one of the best ever since Tom Brady discovered him. After fighting several injuries, Gronkowski is back to his normal dominant self. He is and will remain Tom Brady's number 1 target. The only question I have is, how will he produce without Brady under center the first 4 games? If you are a fantasy player and you see him struggling the first 2 weeks, trade for him because he will blow up when Brady returns. Gronk should end the season with 1,050 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.
3. Eric Ebron (Lions): Say what? Yep this is my bold predictions at this position. He might have struggled his rookie season, but Ebron has not yet hit his peak. With one year under his belt, you should see him become Stafford's 2nd or 3rd target every down. Look for Ebron to have 925 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
4. Martellus Bennett (Bears): Where did Martellus come from last year? He was the only offensive player that was consistent last season. He had the best season he has had since he joined the NFL. Having that performance with the Bears offense being awful, he should at worst repeat his numbers last year. I predict that the Bears offense will be more efficient and Bennett will have 850 yards receiving with 10 Touchdowns.
5. Delanie Walker (Titans): Delanie Walker had a great season last year and now he has a much better quarterback this year. Look for Walker, if he can stay healthy, to have a great season and be a big red zone target for the rookie. Delanie Walker should have 750 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns to tag along with that.
6. Antonio Gates (Chargers): I am not the biggest fan of Gates due to him making me lose in my Fantasy Final last year on his Thursday night 3 touchdown performance. Putting that aside, he is Philip Rivers number one target everywhere on the field. The only downside to him is his age and his consistency. It seems he has 3 great games and 2 bad or okay games. Look for Gates to have 775 yards receiving and 8 Touchdowns if he plays a full role in the offense.
7. Jordan Cameron (Dolphins): Cameron was a top 5 tight end just 2 seasons ago in Cleveland when he recorded over 900 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. Now with Miami, he should go back to his dominant self. I see Cameron surprising owners with 800 yards receiving and getting in the end zone 8 times.
8. Zach Ertz (Eagles): If Ertz can stay healthy all season, he should have a great year with the Eagles. Had over 700 yards receiving with only 3 Touchdowns last season. I see him matching those yards and putting up 7 touchdowns this season with Bradford under center.
9. Julius Thomas (Jaguars): Thomas is no longer a Bronco. He could be the biggest bust on this list for two reasons. First, can he ever stay healthy? He seems to always be hurt and tight end is a physical position. Second, can he put up the same numbers he did without Peyton Manning? I think he can put up decent numbers but is a high risk/high reward draft pick. I see Thomas, if healthy, getting 750 yards receiving and adding 5 touchdowns.
10. Travis Kelce (Chiefs): Kelce has a big upside in Fantasy this year. He had 862 yards receiving last year and added 5 touchdowns. He had all that and was fighting injuries. If Kelce is healthy all season I see him getting 800 yards receiving with 6 touchdowns.
Just Outside the Top 10
11. Greg Olsen (Panthers)
12. Larry Donnell (Giants)
13. Jason Witten (Cowboys)
14. Jordan Reed (Redskins)
15. Owen Daniels (Ravens)
The Rest
16. Dwayne Allen (Colts)
17. Mychal Rivera (Raiders)
18. Josh Hill (Saints)
19. Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
20. Vernon Davis (49ers)
I hope everyone enjoyed this post. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at ffltalk@gmail.com.
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Cheers!
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