Big Board Rankings 2008: Tight Ends
I’ve been playing Fantasy Football in one form or another since 1994 and I’ve never seen a TE pool quite so deep. I’m noticing the top Tight Ends in Fantasy drafts start going earlier and earlier every year (and with good reason). I’ve done a lot of number crunching over the past few years and having a Top 3 TE every year is like getting the output of a solid #2 receiver (and they’re often far more reliable). So basically, it’s like having an extra wideout every week you play someone whose TE sucks (scores 5 or less points per week). If you miss out on a Top 3 TE this year, there’s hope. There are bargains to be had until the 10th pick. I only ranked 20 this year because I don’t intend on drafting more than one. When the starter’s bye-week arrives, I’ll be hitting the waiver wire for a 1 week only replacement.
2008 Big Board Tight Ends
1. Witten DAL 10 4 (7th)
I like him better than Gates this year. So does the draft average. He’s never really been shut out and injuries aren’t a factor. He’s Romo’s 1st lookoff if TO is blanketed.
2. Gates SD 9 5 (2nd)
One issue with Gates is injury and not just his. Tomlinson, Rivers and Gates have all had moderate to serious injuries to deal with in the offseason. If any of those injuries bother any of those guys, Gate’s numbers will likely suffer.
3. Gonzalez KC 6 6 (6th)
He had 99 receptions with an awful QB. He was a bit streaky and he’s getting old. He’s a safe bet here.
4. Cooley WSH 10 6 (4th)
His numbers were worse than Winslow’s but he’s a heckuva lot healthier. Also, Zorn looks to include Cooley in a big way.
5. Winslow CLE 5 5 (6th)
Backed up his talk last year but struggled in December. Still an injury risk but had the 2nd most catches of TEs in 2007.
6. Clark IND 4 6 (11th)
Not many catches but had a ton of TDs last year. Very gaudy heaven/hell type weeks.
7. Shockey NO 4 8 (7th)
Had his best year when Sean Payton was his O-Coordinator. Hopefully he can avoid the injury bug. It’d be a first if he did.
8. Heap BAL 10 9 (2nd)
He’s a 70 plus catch/season guy when healthy. Top 5 ability here.
9. Miller PIT 6 9 (5th)
He’s never caught more than 50/yr and Roethlisberger has plenty of other weapons.
10. Boss NYG 4 13 (10th)
Excelled in replacing Shockey and could be a bargain.
11. V. Davis SF 9 8 (1st)
I expect a couple of flashy weeks under Martz. He’s a great TE but has done little to earn his hype.
12. Daniels HOU 8 11 (11th)
Impressive 63 catches last year. Doesn’t find the endzone much.
13. Scheffler DEN 8 11 (5th)
Lots of potential but a deep receiving corp in Denver has me worried. Less of a gamble than Crumpler.
14. Crumpler TEN 6 12 (4th)
Hoping Vince Young can be Mike Vick circa 2005. It’s a stretch.
15. LJ Smith PHI 7 13 (12th)
The last possible bargain out there. McNabb loves him but he’s so injury prone.
16. Olsen CHI 8 13 (3rd)
No one else to throw to and they love short yardage situations.
17. Watson NE 4 13 (4th)
Injury prone. May get an TD or 2 every month. Very few catches.
18. Pope ARZ 7 UND
May get red zone catches. Better chance with Warner.
19. Lewis JAX 7 UND
3rd year breakout potential. Maybe 50 catches?
20. McMichael STL 5 14 (7th)