With OTA’s underway, and fantasy football fanatics gearing up for their respective drafts, it’s now time for true in-depth ranks. Today, we will take a look at the Tight End (TE) position. As you may or may not know, injuries seem to be the talk of the town for TE’s lately. Big names like Antonio Gates, Owen Daniels, and Kellen Winslow are all finding themselves on injury reports, which in turn seems to be having dramatic effects on rank boards. Some of these guys are IR junkies, but others are worth keeping an eye on.
D-Stud will continue to dominate the TE spot in 2010.
Antonio Gates seems to be the most closely watched due mostly to the fact that he has the most to lose! His nagging foot and ankle injuries are nothing new, and don’t seem to effect his time on the field, but he is getting older. Any extended time on the IR would certainly impact his draft position going into the 2010 season, and I would caution owners who are looking his way to fill a void at the TE spot. As you can see, he has dropped in my ranks due to this concern.
1) Dallas Clark – IND – TE
Rock solid! He’s as good as a WR1 in my book, as long as he and Manning are healthy.
2) Vernon Davis – SFO – TE
VD finally had a breakout season in 09. I expect more of the same this year as the veteran proves his worth.
3) Jason Witten – DAL – TE
Although he and Dallas struggled this past year, I expect that Witten will re-emerge in 2010 as a top 5 TE.
4) Tony Gonzalez – ATL – TE
Gonzo came alive late last season, and with Matt Ryan gaining confidence, the big guy should have a bulls eye on him at all times.
5) Antonio Gates – SDC – TE
With a recent trip to a foot specialist, missing training camp, and another year under his belt I say Beware! Gates has been one of the most consistent TE’s in football for the last several seasons, but he is overdue for a bad year. (Similar to Witten’s 2009 slump, Gates should have a tough season. Don’t be the guy that reaches for Gates early on the draft board. You will pay the price!)
6) Jermichael Finley – GRE – TE
Finley should be a strong play in 2010. He showed down the stretch in 09 that he has all the skills to be a top TE, and the QB to make it happen.
7) Brent Celek – PHI – TE
Celek surprised many owners in 2009 (not us.. he was one of our Super Sleepers) but the loss of Mcnabb will certainly hurt his numbers in 2010. I still expect him to be a top 10 guy, but don’t expect him to be an every week stud.
8) Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN – TE
Shiancoe also has alot riding on the QB position. Without Favre, his numbers will suffer, but all signs point to Brett returning in 2010 hence the number 8 rank for V-Shizzle.
9) Kellen Winslow – TAM – TE
Kellen earned my respect in 2009, but with off season knee surgery he dropped a few spots on my board. The sky’s nthe limit, but he is a risky pick until he proves that the knee is 100% healed.
10) Owen Daniels – HOU – TE
Another possible stud with injury concerns, OD is ncoming off of ACL surgery. He is expected to miss most of training camp, hopefully he can get back into 2009 form by Week 3 or 4??
11) Zach Miller – OAK – TE
Miller has a ton of upside in 2010 as Oakland finally rebuilds their offense. Look for a more balanced offense which should lead to a few more red zone targets for the big guy.
12) Chris Cooley – WAS – TE
The addition of Mcnabb gives Cooley a nice boost among the TE ranks. Mcnabb is known for his check downs to the TE (hence the Celek 2009 season) and that should continue in DC.
13) Heath Miller – PIT – TE
One of my favorite all around TE’s, Miller may pay the price for Big Ben’s continued ofseason stupidity. He will still have a few big games with multiple TD’s, but it’s not enough to crack the top 10.
14) John Carlson – SEA – TE
With a new coach and some potential offensive talent, Carlson could be a nice gamble in 2010.
15) Greg Olsen – CHI – TE
Olsen seemed to develop a nice rapport with Jay Cutler as the 2009 season progressed. Unfortunately Cutler’s continued struggles and INT’s proved to be costly for the Bears and their offense. Look for Olsen to be a nice target downfield in 2010, but Cutler may once again cap his production.
16) Dustin Keller – NYJ – TE
17) Kevin Boss – NYG – TE
18) Jeremy Shockey – NOR – TE
19) Todd Heap – BAL – TE
20) Fred Davis – WAS – TE
21) Brandon Pettigrew – DET – TE
22) Benjamin Watson – CLE – TE
23) Bo Scaife – TEN – TE
24) Anthony Fasano – MIA – TE
25) Tony Scheffler – DET – TE
26) Rob Gronkowski – NEP – TE
27) Jared Cook – TEN – TE
28) Donald Lee – GRE – TE
29) Marcedes Lewis – JAC – TE
30) Desmond Clark – CHI – TE
31) Anthony Becht – ARI – TE
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