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Rookies: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Defensive Backs
Finding a consistent tight end in fantasy football can be the difference between winning your league’s championship and not making the playoffs. Over the past three years you can ask any owner of Antonio Gates or Jason Witten and they’ll tell you that their tight end was a key piece in their success. While the position doesn’t get as much spotlight as receiver or running back, the stats and the points are just the same for the tight ends.
The 2008 class of tight ends provided fantasy owners with the New York Jets’ Dustin Keller and the Seattle Seahawks’ John Carlson, while Dallas’ Martellus Bennett also showed promise for the Cowboys. Keller developed over the course of the season and became a very important part of the Jets offense last season as Brett Favre’s safety net. Carlson has shown that he has a chance to become a very reliable player and Bennett’s talent and athleticism provides him with excellent upside over the next few years.
The 2009 draft class was a good, but not great one. There was one elite prospect who made up a tier of his own with several other players that are on their own level. I’m not thrilled with this class, but these are the key players who I think that fantasy owners should keep an eye on.
 Brandon Pettigrew – Detroit Lions
After selecting Matthew Stafford with the first pick in the NFL Draft, the Lions decided to add another weapon on offense by drafting Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew is a unique prospect and who was one of the most complete tight end prospects to enter the draft in quite some time. He has outstanding size with a tall, lean frame and long arms. He has very reliable hands and is capable of making acrobatic catches. Brandon is a very strong player at the tight end position, which makes him good after the catch because he's so hard to bring down as a receiver. He finished his career at Oklahoma State with 112 receptions for 1,450 yards and nine touchdowns.
Pettigrew is a natural athlete who stretches the middle of the field and he has great experience, having been a four-year starter for the Cowboys. Pettigrew is also an outstanding blocker in the run game. His combination of size and strength essentially makes him another offensive lineman who is blocking on the edge on running plays. Thanks to his excellent blocking, Pettigrew likely will not leave the field while the Lions are on offense. He’s a large target in the passing game for Stafford and should be a reliable option in the middle of the field for the rookie quarterback. With Calvin Johnson on the outside drawing plenty of coverage, Pettigrew figures to receive a good amount of targets. Brandon is a sleeper to have a good season in 2009, however his potential will be highest two-to-three years from now when Stafford develops and the offense starts to click.
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