Tight Ends
By Michael Salfino
Updated 9/3
Key TE Stats
Tight Ends Targets/Red Zone Targets
About time I did these rankings. Sorry for the delay. And I'm going to do away with numbered rankings for two reasons: (1) they lead one to believe there is a greater difference in players than the tier grouping indicates and (2) they are a pain to update when I flip players around.
However, the players are listed in order of preference.
In a Class by Himself:
Antonio Gates, Chargers
Gates gets 10 targets a game, which is an amazing number for even a wide receiver. We wish they used him more in the red zone (just 12 targets in 14 games, with eight of those going for catches and seven for TDs).
Early-Round Consideration:
Jeremy Shockey, Giants
Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
Todd Heap, Ravens
Alge Crumpler, Falcons
I think Shockey is solidly atop this grouping, as I think he has a good chance for a 1,000-yard season if he can finally stay healthy. The Giants have a poor No. 2 receiver and a weak No. 1, plus Tiki Barber has to slow down at some point. Gonalez is in a run-oriented offense and I expect the Chiefs defense to be more sound against the pass, which means less need to throw. He’s also the only receiver that the defense needs to worry about near the goal line, which limits his effectiveness as he’s lost a little athleticism. I can see a scenario where Heap just explodes; it’s unlikely but possible. Heap might have the best hands in football and is an athlete, though lacking the elite speed of Shockey. Will McNair lock on to old buddy Derrick Mason? Crumpler is very good and extremely well-targeted (check our stats linked above), but Michael Vick misses too many open receivers for Crumpler to warrant a higher ranking.
Solid starters
Randy McMichael, Dolphins
L.J. Smith, Eagles
Chris Cooley, Redskins
Heath Miller, Steelers
Ben Watson, Patriots
Alex Smith, Bucs
Kellen Winslow, Browns
Jason Witten, Cowboys
I think you can get a couple of these guys relatively cheap in most leagues, especially Alex Smith. McMichael had the most red zone targets among TEs last year (19), but gets a new system, though Mike Mularkey also likes to emphasize the position. L.J. Smith is a hot player for good reason – he’ll likely pick up a fair share of T.O.’s targets, as was the case once Owens was booted in ’05. Trouble is, he didn’t do much with those opportunities. Cooley was third behind Crumpler and McMichael in red zone targets (15), but has to line up as a tight end this year after playing H-back all through his career. It’s a different game when you can’t get a clean release as a motion back. Watson could give Vernon Davis a run for his money in the speed and quickness department. Brady thinks he can dominate, but then subtly jabbed at his commitment and work ethic in the same quote. Watson also can't seem to stay healthy, as he might have exceeded the size, speed maximums of the human anatomy. Alex Smith is a major sleeper, but the birdies are chirping that Jon Gruden has BIG plans for him, meaning he’ll likely be on the field in all obvious passing situations and won’t be called upon to block because he can’t. But we don't like how much Anthony Becht has been on the field this preseason, especially on third downs. Miller is going to get 8-to-10 TDs this year. But his over/under for yards is still about 650, not enough to jump a level. Who knows if Winslow can ever come back or what he would have been in the first place. But at this point in the draft, it’s worth gambing that he can be a poor man’s Winslow Sr. Some are worried about the Cowboys Anthony Fasano supplanting Witten’s role in the offense, as Parcells has been using the “B” word as in “Bavaro” in describing Fasano to friends. Dallas will go two tight ends, but they don’t want to throw a lot and will likely be a very tough defensive team.
Best of the Rest
Vernon Davis, Niners
Marcades Lewis, Jaguars
Dallas Clark, Colts
Daniel Graham, Patriots
Ben Troupe, Titans
Erron Kinney, Titans
Chris Baker , Jets
Jermaine Wiggins, Vikings
Anthony Fasano, Cowboys
I loved Davis when the Niners took him. But he’s not even starting, as Eric Johnson is No. 1 on the depth chart. He’s been ignored early in the preseasonn because he's having trouble with the playbook. But Davis is the most athletic tight end to ever play football. So, if you’re a gambling type…. So much for Zach Hilton (cut by the Saints and signed by the Jets after a preseason where he wasn't thrown one pass). In his place now is first-round pick Marcedes Lewis, who is due back from his high ankle sprain that robbed him of most of the summer. Clark is a disappointment and just doesn’t get targeted enough as an afterthought in the Indy passing game. Troupe and Kinney would be great if the other would just go away, as no team throws to the tight ends more than the Titans. Troupe had a lot of red zone targets (15) and is an ascending player, so pick him. Baker has some solid receiving skills and a head coach and offensive coordinator imported from teams that really emphasized the position. Plus, he's a better blocker than Doug Jolley. Wiggins is a ham and egger, but makes the most of his chances and there should be plenty again in ’06. Fasano is a total flyer, but if you wait until your last pick, why not? Comparison's to Bavaro by the Tuna himself warrant the chance.
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