Fantasy: Finding a second-tier TE who will make a difference

By Dan Davis  |   Friday, July 25, 2008  |  Comments( 7 )

Fantasy Football
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As a fantasy football owner, attempting to draft a tight end can oftentimes be more difficult than watching the Detroit Lions plays defense on a weekly basis. Only Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow II (if the Browns repeat their offensive success from last season) and Chris Cooley are worthy of a pick inside the first few rounds.

In AJ Mass' in-depth breakdown on ESPN.com, he suggests that no tight end should be taken before Round 7. However, if you wait too long to make your selection, you'll likely end up with an entirely unproductive fantasy starter and an ultimately wasted draft pick.

With that said, here's a look at a few tight ends with a chance to put up solid numbers for your fantasy team this year.

Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints:

This is pretty much a no-brainer because Shockey is an immensely talented player who should be grouped with the aforementioned top-tier tight ends. Although the ex-Giant is returning from a broken fibula, the change in scenery and offensive creativity of head coach Sean Payton should really revitalize Shockey after putting up a career-low three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Saints tight ends Eric Johnson and Billy Miller posted 75 catches, 706 yards and four touchdowns in 2007, while Shockey gained just 90 yards fewer on nearly 20 fewer catches. Payton will find ways to move Shockey around the formation and get the ball in his hands, particularly in the red zone. Furthermore, the Saints have a legitimate receiving threat in Marques Colston and a great quarterback, Drew Brees, who can certainly feed Shockey the ball. At just 27, it's foolish to assume Shockey's best football is behind him. Look for Shockey to have a big year and possibly drop in the draft because of injury concerns.


Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders:

After posting a solid rookie campaign of 44 catches, 444 yards and three touchdowns, there are a number of reasons to feel confident in Miller's continued success. At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Miller provides a huge safety net for young quarterback JaMarcus Russell as he continues to mature. Moreover, in the Raiders' final game last season, Miller and Russell connected eight times for 84 yards. When you glance at the Raiders' roster, the number of legitimate receiving threats seems terribly discouraging. Little is known about how much Javon Walker has left in the tank; Ronald Curry is a solid player, but he's not a big fantasy threat; and Johnnie Lee Higgins has the speed to be a true deep target, but he's still a bit of an unknown at this point. That all seems to point to Miller being the primary pass catcher for the Raiders, much like Gates in San Diego and Todd Heap in Baltimore.


Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars:

At 6-6, 270 pounds, Lewis has the speed and athleticism to be an absolute terror for opposing defenses. As a rookie last season, Lewis averaged 10.6 yards a catch, pulling down 37 balls for 391 yards and two scores. While he wasn't exactly lighting up the box scores, the numbers are respectable for a run-oriented Jacksonville offense. The Jaguars are looking to get more out of their passing game this year with the additions of receivers Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, and David Garrard -- who thrived in '07 -- should be an improved player with a full season now under his belt. Although Lewis may not put up major yardage, he should be a reliable red-zone threat for the Jaguars this year.


Some others to keep an eye on:

Leonard Pope, Arizona Cardinals: Low yardage totals, but he racked up five touchdowns last season, and the 6-8, 260-pounder, like Lewis, should be a decent red-zone guy.

L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles: Smith, despite his miserable, injury-plagued season last year, possesses great talent. Now healthy, Smith figures to be a major cog in an improved Eagles offense.

Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers: Davis has all the athletic ability in the world, and you'd better believe Mike Martz will draw up a billion and six ways to get him the ball.

Some to stay away from:

Any Chicago Bears TE: While Desmond Clark put up a respectable season and Greg Olson has plenty of upside, the Bears' running game was abysmal last season and could be even worse this year. With Adrian Peterson slated as their starting running back and Kyle Orton as their starting QB, the Bears' offense seems destined for the doldrums in '08.

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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ask.
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