2003
Player Rankings: Tight Ends
Updated: August 24, 2003
|
| |
| TIER 1 - The Studs |
NFL |
Bye |
Upside |
Risk |
Ht |
Wt |
Age |
Exp |
|
Auction % |
| |
1 |
Gonzalez, Tony |
KC |
9 |
|
|
6-4 |
248 |
27 |
6 |
|
14 |
| |
Over the past four seasons,
no other tight end can touch what Gonzalez has done. In
that time span, Gonzo has never fallen below 773 yards
or six scores. He numbers were down ten passes and about
140 yards from 2001, but Tony also elected to play the
contract waiting game last season. Last year, Gonzo had
eight games over 50 yards and scored in five of them.
In 2002, he had the same consistency. In 2000 - his big
career year, he had nine games of 50 yards and scored
in eight games. In light of Holmes rushing the past two
years coupled with the lack of any significant wide receivers
to defend, Gonzo was still third best in the league for
tight end yardage and tied for the lead for TE touchdowns
(seven). The worst you are going to get with Tony is maybe
second or third best in the league and for a position
with little consistency, Tony is the lock pick. |
| |
2 |
Shockey, Jeremy |
NYG |
4 |
|
|
6-5 |
252 |
22 |
1 |
|
14 |
| |
Shockey is close behind Gonzalez
and a case could be made to prop him past. Shockey not
only played superbly last season, he was a rookie and
represents the only tight end that you actually want to
sit down, get comfortable and watch him catch passes.
To say that Shockey plays with reckless abandon is like
saying Kurt Warner was disappointing last year. Jeremy
is exciting to watch because when he has the ball, you
can almost sense he wants someone to try to tackle him.
Shockey led the NFL in TE catches and yards even though
he missed a game. He had over 50 yards in nine games and
even managed two 100 yard weekends. Shockey loses out
to Gonzo for two reasons - first he does play like it
was professional wrestling and they forgot to tell him
it's supposed to be fake. He had a turf toe injury last
year and he is slightly more likely to be injured than
most tight ends considering the number of passes he gets
and how many end with an echo. The second realization
is that the Giants do not throw many touchdowns. Kerry
Collins has thrown for over 3700 yards the past two seasons
and never exceeded 19 touchdowns. Shockey only had two
last year. His touchdown potential is not as high as Gonzalez.
Still, he is hands down the most entertaining tight end
around and a fine pick as the #1 or #2 tight end. He will
definitely get yards and catches and has become an integral
part of the Giants offense in only his first season. |
| |
3 |
Heap, Todd |
BAL |
5 |
|
 |
6-5 |
252 |
23 |
2 |
|
10 |
| |
In only his second season,
Heap turned in a banner year for the Ravens, catching
68 passes for 836 yards and six touchdowns. Another 30
yards and he would have been their lead receiver. Todd
had eight games over 50 yards and scored in four games
as well. Twice he had double touchdowns in one game. While
Chris Redman locked onto Heap during the first seven weeks
of the year, he did not increase his yardage. Under Redman,
Heap only averaged 42 yards a game and only twice had
over 50 yards. Heap did have his two double score games
in that time. Under Jeff Blake, Heap actually averaged
58 yards a game with six of ten above 50 yards. Redman
loves Heap but locking onto to his tight end did not boost
Heap's numbers as well as a better quarterback did. Heap
is a great receiving tight end in an offense that uses
the position heavily. Heap's numbers may decline under
Redman and if Boller plays even more risk is introduced.
In a position so under used, Heap still makes the Big
3 as a consistent receiver with a good touchdown potential. |
| TIER 2 - Best Bets |
NFL |
Bye |
Upside |
Risk |
Ht |
Wt |
Age |
Exp |
|
Auction % |
| |
4 |
Pollard, Marcus |
IND |
7 |
 |
|
6-3 |
247 |
31 |
8 |
|
8 |
| |
While Pollard's numbers fell
from his career best 2001, he still turned in a solid
478 yard, six touchdown effort in 2002. Pollard's yardage
fell from 739 because he was less involved in the passing
game with the loss of Ken Dilger. The Colts prefer a two
tight end package and there was no viable complement to
Pollard. He still was involved in the red zone, catching
six scores and his numbers should see an increase this
season if rookie TE Dallas Clark can meet his expectations.
Pollard is a solid choice this year and has upside to
return to loftier numbers of the past. |
| |
5 |
McMichael, Randy |
MIA |
4 |
|
|
6-3 |
247 |
23 |
1 |
|
6 |
| |
McMichael was so impressive
in his first ever NFL training camp that he won the starting
job and then delivered on his promise by averaging 47
yards a catch the first seven weeks with four touchdowns.
McMichael's numbers fell sharply after that, suffering
from a foot injury and missing one game. He only posted
on average 20 yards a game with no scores in the remaining
eight weeks. Playing in Norv Turner's offense that likes
TE's on third down, McMichael has big upside and is only
in his second season. If McMichael had sustained the pre-foot
injury numbers last year, he would have ended with 750
yards and eight scores. In a position of so little, McMichael
has the upside to make him worth strong consideration.
|
| |
6 |
Franks, Bubba |
GB |
8 |
|
|
6-6 |
263 |
25 |
3 |
|
6 |
| |
Only a fourth year player
this year, Franks comes off two seasons that he scored
nine and seven touchdowns. Franks had the fifth best number
of receptions for TE's last season with 54 which was 50%
higher than 2001's 36 catches. A solid threat in the redzone
and a favorite of Favre's, Franks still has room to grow
but needs more passes to do it since his 8.2 yards per
catch is the lowest of the good tight ends. Update (08/11/03)
- Franks drops one spot on the news that Wesley Walls
signed with the Packers. Most likely it will not affect
Franks, but with limited action received by any tight
end, even a little change makes a difference. |
| |
7 |
Miller, Billy |
HOU |
5 |
|
|
6-3 |
230 |
26 |
4 |
|
4 |
| |
After two years on the bench
at the Bronco's tight end factory, Miller made a splash
last season by hauling in 51 passes for 613 yards and
three touchdowns. That was good for the fifth highest
TE yardage and sixth best for catches. The Texans used
an early pick to grab Bennie Joppru in the draft, but
have made a point to say that Joppru will not get passes
at the expense of Miller. The Texans offense struggled
last season and Miller was likely a target so often because
he was closest to Carr who was about to be sacked. This
season the Texans will have a better running game with
Mack and a new receiver in Andre Johnson. But even with
an offense that is more diverse than "hit Billy or
die", Miller should post at least moderate numbers
again this season. |
| |
8 |
Sharpe, Shannon |
DEN |
10 |
|
|
6-2 |
228 |
34 |
13 |
|
2 |
| |
The Godfather of tight ends
will undoubtedly be taken earlier than this in most drafts
because of the very best reason - he has a name you know.
That alone is not enough and Sharpe mulled retirement
this season before opting back in to throw a little more
on his record. Sharpe's numbers have been declining the
past few years, down to 686 yards and three touchdowns
in 2002. He has also been getting dinged up more lately
and at 34, that is to be expected. With a new QB in Plummer,
yet another year older and considering his indecision
to even play, this ranking may be optimistic. |
| |
9 |
Clark, Desmond |
CHI |
3 |
|
|
6-3 |
255 |
26 |
4 |
|
2 |
| |
Clark ended his Bronco career
in 2001 with 566 yards and six touchdowns. Down in Miami,
he never got past McMichael and only had two passes all
season. Now in Chicago, there is renewed hope that Clark
can rekindle the numbers from 2001. The Bears are happy
to have him and are planning on making him their receiving
tight end. Last season, the Bears used an ever-changing
cast of tight ends and still had over 400 yards and five
scores from the position. Clark is certainly capable of
that but on a new team, he will need to mesh with Kordell
and the rest of the offense first. Update (08/15/03)
- Clark is looking sharp in Chicago and has the coaching
staff excited at the prospect of using an actual receiving
tight end. Clark warrants the bump up into the starter
range based on his great 2001 year and now looking good
in a new offense that wants to use him. |
| |
10 |
Becht, Anthony |
NYJ |
5 |
|
|
6-5 |
272 |
25 |
3 |
|
2 |
| |
Becht maintained his five
touchdowns from 2001 but fell last year from 321 yards
to only 243 yards. With the increased development of Lavernues
Coles and Chad Pennington, Becht saw his passes decrease
in the later part of the season and scored all five times
in the first nine weeks. With Coles gone, Becht in his
third season and Pennington more experienced, expect Becht
to improve both yards and scores this year. Update
(08/15/03) - Becht gets a move up one spot from looking
in synch with Chad Pennington and being a better bet at
a starting fantasy tight end. |
| |
11 |
Crumpler, Alge |
ATL |
8 |
|
|
6-2 |
262 |
25 |
2 |
|
2 |
| |
After only two seasons, Crumpler
is showing good "middle of the road" ability
as a fantasy tight end, rising from 330 yards and 455
yards last year and going from three scores to five. The
most encouraging thing about Crumpler was that four of
his scores came in the final six weeks but like most tight
ends, Crumpler was rarely good for more than 30 or 40
yards in a game and with Price and Jenkins added to the
receivers, he may not meet last year's numbers. (08/16/03)
- The absence of Vick will hurt Crumpler's numbers, but
only slightly as the offense will more likely need to
throw to stay in games and Crumpler is well suited to
the old Reeve's scheme before Vick came along. |
| |
12 |
Fauria, Christian |
NE |
10 |
|
|
6-4 |
250 |
31 |
8 |
|
2 |
| |
With only 253 yards last season,
Fauria was 26th best for tight ends in 2002. With seven
touchdowns, he was tied for first with Gonzalez and Franks.
Fauria had three games where he had less than 10 yards
receiving and topped out at 39 yards in a game. But scoring
in six different games is a difference maker and props
Fauria into a starting fantasy role. There is always less
consistency with tight ends that catch few passes but
several touchdowns, but getting a score from that position
in any week is a plus. |
| TIER 3 - It Could
Happen, Maybe. |
NFL |
Bye |
Upside |
Risk |
Ht |
Wt |
Age |
Exp |
|
Auction % |
| |
13 |
Jolley, Doug |
OAK |
8 |
|
|
6-4 |
250 |
24 |
1 |
|
2 |
| |
Jolley was worked into the
rotation in 2002 and showed a surprising spark for the
final six games when he recorded four games over 50 yards
and one 100 yard game. His yardage could improve next
season with a full 16 game start but he only had two scores
last season and Oakland drafted WR Teyo Johnson in the
second round this spring with the notion that he may be
converted to a receiving tight end. |
| |
14 |
Brady, Kyle |
JAX |
7 |
|
|
6-6 |
278 |
31 |
8 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Brady is no youngster, but
he has gained at least 300 yards every season for the
past five years and turned in 461 yards and four touchdowns
last year. Brady had two or three passes a game in 2002
and makes a solid #2 fantasy tight end. |
| |
15 |
Alexander, Stephen |
SD |
6 |
|
|
6-4 |
250 |
27 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Alexander had a good yardage
season in 2002, ending with 510 yards but only scoring
once in week 17. His numbers were boosted too by the week
16 overtime game against Seattle when he had eight catches
for 129 yards. Otherwise, Alexander exceeded 50 yards
only twice all year. Alexander has value because he is
capable of the odd big game. That must be tempered with
the fact he is injury prone, missing two games last season
with a concussion or a sprained right foot. He was placed
on IR for nine games in 2001 with an ankle injury. He
plays in an offense that will use a tight end, and can
turn in the nice game but more likely will have minimal
production or be injured. |
| |
16 |
Mili, Itula |
SEA |
4 |
|
|
6-4 |
260 |
30 |
6 |
|
Minimum |
| |
The Seattle offense produced
760 yards and six scores to the tight ends last season.
Mili had 508 yards and two of the scores and was slated
to swap places with Jeremy Stevens but potential legal
problems for Stevens may call Mimi back to the same role. |
| |
17 |
Wycheck, Frank |
TEN |
9 |
|
|
6-3 |
253 |
31 |
10 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Wycheck turned in his worst
season since 1994 last year and at the age of 31, may
very well have seen his best years gone by. Still good
for production every game, it is just very low and rarely
includes touchdowns anymore. |
| |
18 |
Stevens, Jerramy |
SEA |
4 |
|
|
6-7 |
265 |
23 |
1 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Facing sexual assault and
drunk driving charges, the jury is out on whether Stevens
contributes this year or not. Will rise or fall from here
depending on the outcome. Update (08/16/03) - Stevens
appears to be able to play this season but still will
share with Mili. |
| |
19 |
Lewis, Chad |
PHI |
3 |
|
|
6-6 |
252 |
31 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Like other Philadelphia receivers,
Lewis always seems more promising than he actually delivers.
With 398 yards and three touchdowns last season, Lewis
continued his slide in yardage, yards per catch and touchdowns.
Knowing that the 31 year old tight end will soon be spending
the fall eating cheesesteaks instead of playing, the Eagles
wisely drafted L.J. Smith as his heir apparent. But give
Lewis is due - he will still be there again this year,
declining slightly and still living off his fantasy name
from the big season in 2000. |
| |
20 |
Jones, Freddie |
ARZ |
7 |
|
|
6-4 |
271 |
28 |
6 |
|
Minimum |
| |
In the Huddle standard performance
scoring, Jones spent four years in San Diego finishing
8th, 6th, 3rd and 13th in fantasy scoring through 2001.
Then last year he went to Arizona and laid an egg with
only 358 yards and one score (31st). There's a decline
to compete with Martha Stewart stock. Although the Cardinals
ran out, literally, of receivers last year due to injuries,
Jones still was never used more than five passes a game
and never down the field. His high game was only 45 yards
and he averaged only 8.1 yards per catch on 44 catches.
With Jeff Blake at quarterback, it may get better or worse
but smart money says it remains the same play calling.
Jones had upside in the recent past and is only 28 years
old. But Arizona is looking like a fantasy desert this
year. |
| |
21 |
Ricks, Mikhael |
DET |
6 |
|
|
6-5 |
252 |
28 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Hidden somewhere in the Detroit
trainwreck last season, Ricks turned in a few nice games
enroute to his 339 yard, three touchdown year. He only
missed one game but was plagued with injuries most of
the season - rotator cuff, groin and knee. He had a 68
yard and a 79 yard game and caught at least one pass when
he played. The Lions signed him to a new three year contract
in January, so they have a commitment to Ricks. The offense
is bound to be improved, if only marginally, and may bring
Ricks along with their better production. |
| |
22 |
Dilger, Ken |
TB |
4 |
|
|
6-5 |
250 |
32 |
8 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Dilger is brought up into
the fantasy backup region as a veteran player on a team
that will throw to a tight end. About all you are hoping
here is that he scores a touchdown the week you want to
use him. |
| |
23 |
Kinney, Erron |
TEN |
9 |
|
|
6-5 |
285 |
25 |
3 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Kinney only had 173 yards
and no scores last season, but Wycheck is getting older
and less durable. The Titans have always used their tight
ends extensively, so Kinney gains value in keeper leagues
and may step over Wycheck this season. |
| |
24 |
Chamberlain, Byron |
MIN |
6 |
|
|
6-1 |
242 |
31 |
7 |
|
Minimum |
| |
Chamberlain fooled people
in 2001 by gaining 645 yards with three scores. Those
who thought the then 30 year old tight end was breaking
out were disappointed. The Vikings moved Jim Kleinsasser
back to his natural position of tight end instead of H-back
and had two tight end sets all year. Mostly that was for
blocking. Chamberlain had 389 yards to Kleinsasser's 393,
but had three touchdowns versus one. Chamberlain also
suffered last year from various knee and ankle sprains
and at 31 years of age will be no less susceptible. His
stock is higher than Kleinsasser only due to marginally
higher touchdown production. Chamberlain's ranking may
fall since he showed up to mini-camps overweight and the
Vikings are looking to use Kleinsasser more - primarily
as a blocker but for receptions as well. Dropped 16th
to 25th (7/11/03) - Chamberlain will be suspended
the first four games of the season due to testing positive
for ephedra. That makes almost a third of the fantasy
season but Chamberlain is little more than a fantasy backup
anyway - just pair him with higher ranked tight end that
has a later bye week. |
| TIER 4 - The Haystack
|
NFL |
Bye |
Upside |
Risk |
Ht |
Wt |
Age |
Exp |
|
Auction % |
| |
25 |
Cleeland, Cameron |
STL |
5 |
|
|
6-4 |
272 |
27 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
 |
26 |
Riemersma, Jay |
PIT |
7 |
|
|
6-5 |
252 |
30 |
8 |
|
Minimum |
| |
27 |
Conwell, Ernie |
NO |
10 |
|
|
6-2 |
265 |
30 |
7 |
|
Minimum |
| |
28 |
Dudley, Ricky |
TB |
4 |
|
|
6-6 |
255 |
30 |
7 |
|
Minimum |
| |
29 |
Seidman, M. |
CAR |
3 |
|
|
6-4 |
261 |
22 |
R |
|
Minimum |
|
30 |
Jed Weaver |
SF |
10 |
|
|
6-4 |
258 |
27 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
| |
31 |
Kleinsasser, J. |
MIN |
6 |
|
|
6-3 |
274 |
26 |
4 |
|
Minimum |
| |
33 |
Witten, Jason |
DAL |
3 |
|
|
6-5 |
264 |
22 |
R |
|
Minimum |
| |
34 |
Mangum, Kris |
CAR |
3 |
|
|
6-4 |
249 |
29 |
5 |
|
Minimum |
| |
35 |
Jopru, Bennie |
HOU |
5 |
|
|
6-4 |
272 |
23 |
R |
|
Minimum |
| |
36 |
Campbell, Mark |
BUF |
9 |
|
|
6-6 |
260 |
27 |
4 |
|
Minimum |
| |
37 |
Kelly, Reggie |
CIN |
6 |
|
|
6-3 |
255 |
26 |
4 |
|
Minimum |
| |
38 |
Manumaleuna, B. |
STL |
5 |
|
|
6-2 |
288 |
23 |
2 |
|
Minimum |
| |
39 |
Carswell, Dwayne |
DEN |
10 |
|
|
6-3 |
260 |
31 |
9 |
|
Minimum |
| |
40 |
Graham, Daniel |
NE |
10 |
|
|
6-3 |
253 |
24 |
1 |
|
Minimum |
| |
41 |
Johnson, Teyo |
OAK |
8 |
|
|
6-5 |
247 |
22 |
R |
|
Minimum |
| |
42 |
Shea, Aaron |
CLE |
9 |
|
|
6-3 |
250 |
26 |
3 |
|
Minimum |
| |
43 |
Weaver, Jed |
SF |
10 |
|
|
6-4 |
258 |
26 |
4 |
|
Minimum |
| |
44 |
Campbell, Dan |
DAL |
3 |
|
|
6-5 |
263 |
27 |
4 |
|
Minimum |
| |
45 |
Clark, Dallas |
IND |
7 |
|
|
6-3 |
257 |
24 |
R |
|
Minimum |
|
|
|
|
=
Falling |