2008 Pre-Draft Rankings - Tight End

Tight End is always a position scarce with any real fantasy value. Unless you are in a point per Reception league then position hold slightly more value. Overall though, once the top 5 have come off the board, it almost doesn;t matter who you draft at that point. So why not go for a guy with some upside! OK, here is your Fantasy Sports Byte Top 15 Tight Ends:

1. Antonio Gates (San Diego) - This is pretty much a perennial ink in. Gates possesses oft hands from his basketball days, runs great routes as there is always numerous offensive packages featuring him and he is simply a very big target. Expect  numbers similar to a second tier WR.
2. Jason Witten (Dallas) - He has always been good and very consistent, but last season he was phenomenal (1100+ yards and 7 TD’s). If he improves on last season, we are going to have to bump Gates to the second spot. In fact, if you are in a PPR league, you take Witten over Gates as he had about 20 more catches last season and should continue to lead TE’s in that category.
3. Kellen Winslow (Cleveland) - This guy has the heart of a warrior. His plays like a throwback, but his numbers far than ordinary. Winslow earns this spot with 1100+ yards last season. Another guy who had nearly 90 catches last season, but only 5 TD’s. Although prone to injury, his return will far out weight and downside. If he can stay healthy and play all 16 games his number will improve more so.
4. Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City) - A proven tier one TE over his career. His TD count isn’t impressive at 5, but still 99 receptions, 1100+ yards speak for themselves. If you are second guessing pulling the trigger on Winslow take Gonzalez and feel confident in that choice.
5. Chris Cooley (Washington) - We’ve reached second tier type production. For 3 years now Cooley have put out very similar numbers (700+ yards and roughly 7 TD’s). So why expect anything less and with a new offense that will feature the pass, look for Cooley to benefit as he is one of the more athletic and sure-handed TE’s out there.
6. Dallas Clark (Indianapolis) - Last season was a breakout year. I have always hear that you never pay for breakout seasons. Still, he has one of the best QB’s in the league throwing to him and after last season success, I cannot see why they don;t do more of the same. Expect a slight drop off in TD production.
7. Jeremy Shockey (New Orleans) - Ta Da! The Saints just performed a major upgrade while giving up considerably less. This guy is a workhorse when motivated, and believe me he will be out to prove something. The Saints didn’t throw much to their TE in the last few seasons, but I have feeling they didn’t get Shockey for his blocking skills. He could easily outperform this ranking, granted the leg is sound and he clicks with his offense. Look for a return to his 2005 form. He will likely be the #2 option after Marques Colston in that pass offense.
8. Todd Heap (Baltimore) - Heap is a scary subject. He has a career of very good seasons, but last season was bad its hard to get excited. He already has reported a leg injury in camp. I don’t care what severity they say it is. Last year he was out 10 games with a leg injury as well. In his 8th season he may be wearing down a bit. Not to mention the QB situation is questionable at best and remember with the retirement of J. Ogden that O-line will be much more vulnerable. Draft with caution.
9. Heath Miller (Pittsburgh) - So many other rankings have him placed much lower. It doesn’t make sense to me. Big Ben will be passing more than ever, Hines is slowing down, he has great hands and very good speed and his numbers are reliable. He doesn’t get hurt and has played all but one game in 3 seasons. I’m banking on improvement on all his relevant fantasy stats.
10. Tony Scheffler (Denver) - With the emergence of Cutler as a quality QB, Scheffler’s value increases. The WR situation is dicey right now, so look for him to start off the season as a primary target. If he excels, Cutler may develop confidence in him as a big end zone target that he can trust.
11. Vernon Davis (San Fransisco) - We are still waiting for Davis to display all the skills he was hyped to possess. I know he is in a poor offensive situation, but sometimes you have to rise above all that and simply make plays. If you are a gambler, then this is the pick for you. All others wait for Ben Watson or Donald Lee.
12. Owen Daniels (Houston) - With a healthy Matt Schaub, Daniels might get a few more end zone targets, but we’ve reached that point where the next 10 TE’s fantasy points are negligable.
13. Alge Crumpler (Tennessee) - Finally a target with good hands for Vince Young to trust in. This should translate into more opportunities in the red zone.
14. Donald Lee (Green Bay) - He had some big games last season that boosted his numbers. He should maintainthe same line, bt it’s hard to say who Aaron Rodgers is going to favor.
15. Benjamin Watson (New England) - He had a good season, but Brady won’t throw 50 TD’s again. So expect a slight drop in that category.

Sleeper Pick

Dustin Keller (New York Jets) - He should be the starting TE for the Jets and with the addition of Brett Favre as the signal caller, Dustin may be the big TE target Favre has always enjoyed.

On the Cusp

Notable TE’s who could have easily been on this list: Greg Olson, L.J. Smith and Zach Miller. Miller has the most upside of the three.