Are you ready for the 2008 fantasy football season? KFFL is and we are here to help you dominate your fantasy football draft on the way to bringing home a fantasy league football championship this season.

Knowing the latest surrounding each fantasy football pick is essential in having a strong fantasy football draft. The following is KFFL's breakdown of draft-worthy tight end options.

Be sure to check back often, as KFFL's free fantasy football coverage is updated weekly until the start of the 2008 fantasy league football season. For your fantasy football rankings and fantasy football cheat sheets, look no further. You can access those through KFFL's free fantasy football draft guide!

Editor's note: All average draft position figures are based on 12-team leagues.

Tier 1

1) Antonio Gates | San Diego Chargers | 6-foot-4, 260 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Gates' (toe) combination of size, speed and leaping ability make him one of the toughest matchups in the league. With a new offensive coordinator, not to mention battling injuries at the tail end of the 2007 season, Gates still finished with 984 yards and nine touchdowns - his fourth straight season with 900-plus yards and nine-plus touchdowns. No tight end has been more consistent or reliable over those last four years. Gates is capable of putting up huge points any given week and produces like a No. 2 fantasy receiver.

CONS: Even if his numbers were among the best in the league, Gates failed to reach 1,000 yards or double digits in touchdowns for the second straight year. He did not have a great finish to the season with only 150 yards and one touchdown in his final five games, which allowed a few others to move ahead of him on the stat sheet. A serious toe injury has the potential to limit his effectiveness. Gates could be ready for training camp, but we wouldn't bet on it. While we don't consider it to be a huge worry, quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) underwent knee surgery in January. They could be rusty heading into the regular season if both miss time together in training camp.

FANTASY TIP: Gates likely will be one of the first tight ends off the board in most drafts, though he might not be his usual self early on if his toe injury is not fully healed. He is going around the middle of the fourth round in most drafts. A deep class of tight ends this year means Gates might not be worth a pick that high, but if you can snag him in the early fifth round he would provide fair value.

Tier 2

2) Tony Gonzalez | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-foot-5, 251 Pounds | 12th Year

PROS: At 31, and following two subpar years, it looked as though the writing was on the wall for the Chiefs' top receiving option. However, Gonzalez bounced back with another outstanding season, finishing with 1,172 yards but only five touchdowns. This came despite the team regularly trotting out the underwhelming quarterback tandem of Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. Gonzalez's size and leaping ability make him a tough matchup down the seam. As well, aside from wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, the team lacks any other dependable targets.

CONS: As good as Gonzo was last year, tight ends typically regress after the age of 30 - he will be 32 entering this season. Croyle appears to be the primary signal caller in Kansas City, so don't expect Gonzalez to get much help from outstanding quarterback play. Running back Larry Johnson (foot) missed half of last season with a foot injury. If he doesn't return healthy, it means opposing teams could find it easier to leave men in coverage to disrupt Gonzalez. A patchwork offensive line could lead to Gonzalez being forced to block more frequently. New offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's offense is also typically run first, pass second, which could limit Gonzalez's targets.

FANTASY TIP: Gonzalez is a big-name player that could go earlier in the draft due to his name value. His average draft position suggests he is a late fifth-round pick. It might be best to avoid him at that spot. He possibly is slightly overvalued, and his advancing age means he could be in for a decline sooner than later. If you must, draft him in the sixth round with the mindset that he isn't likely to touch last year's yardage figure but could rival the touchdown production.

3) Jason Witten | Dallas Cowboys | 6-foot-5, 266 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: It wasn't wide receiver Terrell Owens who led the Cowboys in receptions last year. Instead, it was Witten, who surprisingly led the team with 96 receptions for 1,145 yards and seven touchdowns. Witten possesses great hands, and his size makes him a tough matchup for defenders. The presence of Owens and wide receiver Patrick Crayton open up the middle of the field for Witten to work. The running game is another strong point for Witten as it keeps teams from dishonestly covering him; they have to respect the tough running of back Marion Barber III. Solid offensive line play means Witten does not have to stay in as much to aid with blocking.

CONS: Owens, Crayton and Co. might open up the field, but they also take targets away from Witten. This could be a bigger problem if Crayton is able to emerge even further from Owens' shadow this season. Witten is coming off the kind of career season that he may never replicate. His production for the two seasons before last year was solid but not spectacular; he averaged just 65 receptions per year.

FANTASY TIP: On average, Witten has been drafted near the end of the fourth round. With a deep class, this could be a bit high for him. However, if you are looking for a consistent tight end with potential, Witten could be your man if you are willing to risk the pick. Too many other options in the offense could lead to a substantial downturn in production - in other words, was last year legit?

4) Kellen Winslow | Cleveland Browns | 6-foot-4, 250 Pounds | 5th Year

PROS: The 2004 fifth overall pick finally put it all together in 2007, finishing the season with 1,106 receiving yards and five touchdowns - both career highs. Winslow (knee) is a quick tight end that provides quarterback Derek Anderson with a big target. He is also one of the team's primary targets, and can get it done all over the field, in what has developed into a potent offense in Cleveland. Great hands and an outstanding athleticism mean he can overcome tough matchups.

CONS: Winslow has been absent thus far at the voluntary OTAs and is not expected to return until they become mandatory. It is believed that Winslow - who has three years left on his contract - wants a new deal. He was not expected to practice much after offseason knee surgery, but his absence is still something to note. The knee surgery is another reason to worry. He missed most of his first two years with injuries, but this is one of what is expected to be annual cleanup surgeries. Finally, there is no guarantee Anderson will be anything more than a one-hit wonder in Cleveland. He had shown little before 2007 to suggest he would be a Pro Bowl player.

FANTASY TIP: Winslow has the potential to move further up this list, which could be why some owners are taking him as high as the middle of the fourth round. Due to his injury history and a lack of a track record with Anderson, Winslow could be considered a medium-risk/high-reward player in fantasy drafts, safely chosen in the early fifth round in most formats.

5) Chris Cooley | Washington Redskins | 6-foot-3, 249 Pounds | 5th Year

PROS: One word to describe Cooley is consistency. He has yet to miss a game due to injury, and he has averaged 6.8 touchdowns per season in his four-year career. His rookie year aside, Cooley has averaged 765 yards per year. He is one of the top receiving options in the team's offense, especially in the red zone, where he ranked third in the league in targets. His presence could be a good safety blanket for inexperienced quarterback Jason Campbell (20 starts). Despite the Redskins shifting to a West Coast offense, Cooley expects to remain a focal point within the system.

CONS: Campbell is expected to be the team's signal caller this year, and though he has potential, Campbell has yet to put it together in the NFL. With a new offense in place, Cooley could see fewer targets if he or Campbell struggle to pick up the offense. It is believed that new head coach Jim Zorn is planning to implement a run-heavy West Coast offense.

FANTASY TIP: Cooley seems to be a lock for production after three straight years of quality play in what was an ever-changing offense in D.C. We aren't worried much about his transition to a West Coast system after picking up Al Saunders' complex schemes last season. Cooley's average draft position suggests he should go around the end of the sixth round. This is fair value for a tight end that has recorded three straight seasons with at least 700 yards and six scores. He likely doesn't have much potential to do better, but he should be consistent.

Tier 3

6) Jeremy Shockey | New Orleans Saints | 6-foot-5, 251 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS: If you were going on potential alone, Shockey likely would be further up this list. He has great size for a receiving tight end, he plays with an edge, he has solid speed for a man his size and his leaping ability allows him to beat smaller defensive backs. He is a former Pro Bowler entering a pass-first offense with a Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees. When Shockey is on, he is also one of the team's best receiving targets, especially in the end zone. He is familiar with head coach Sean Payton's offense from their time together in New York.

CONS: Shockey, who is injury prone to begin with, suffered a broken leg in December. Before the injury, he totaled just 619 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The University of Miami (Fla.) product has yet to really live up to his potential and has been plagued by a lack of concentration during his pro career. After being traded to the Saints, Shockey has to gain chemistry with his new teams, specifically Brees.

FANTASY TIP: In most early drafts, Shockey is falling to near the end of the eighth round, which is fair value for someone of his talent level. You must be wary of his injury history and draft accordingly. Securing a top-flight backup to cover for a chance of injury is essentially a must if you snag Shockey to be your No. 1, so keep that in mind when you opt for the verbose tight end.

7) Todd Heap | Baltimore Ravens | 6-foot-5, 252 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS: Heap has all the physical tools to put together a Pro Bowl season, but he was not able to do that last year. Even before he went down, Heap was struggling with just 239 yards receiving and only one touchdown. Things could change this year, however. With inexperience at quarterback, the team could also need someone to give the youngsters a checkdown receiver. When he is on, Heap can put up great numbers, much like he did in 2005 with 855 yards and seven touchdowns.

CONS: The biggest issue with Heap is his durability since he has played in only 71 percent of possible games in his career. One major problem working against Heap is the offensive line. If they can't give the quarterback much protection, head coach John Harbaugh might have to increase Heap's blocking plays. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has said he is not going to use Heap as he did tight end Antonio Gates when Cameron was the coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, noting how a tight end's job is to block first and receive passes second. Could this be foreshadowing a down year for Heap?

FANTASY TIP: Heap's injury problems and a weak Ravens offense could have him drop him some drafts. With his past history, and a lack of other options in the offense, Heap could be a value pick as a low-end No. 1 tight end. For what it's worth, Heap posted career numbers when he returned in 2005 after an injury-filled 2004 campaign. He is going, on average, around the turn at the eighth round. Take a wait-and-see approach to better gauge how Cameron actually intends to use Heap this season. In other words, don't over-react to his comments. Cameron's blocking talk may simply be that - keep an eye on this situation throughout the offseason, especially during preseason contests.

8) Tony Scheffler | Denver Broncos | 6-foot-5, 250 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Scheffler (foot) was a great pick down the stretch as he had his best months in November and December. In his five December games, he totaled 237 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the year with 549 yards and five scores in 12 games worth of meaningful play. With quarterback Jay Cutler continuing to develop, he appeared to strike a rapport with Scheffler. Scheffler is a solid pass-catching tight end that is a decent deep threat down the middle of the field. It seemed as though Scheffler was running out of games last season, finally hitting his stride in Weeks 15-17 by catching 19 passes (two for scores) in those three games. The loss of wideout Brandon Marshall (suspension) for up to three games should make Scheffler the No. 1 receiving option.

CONS: Scheffler is out of his walking boot but seems more susceptible to injury than most. The tight end position hasn't been a staple in Denver's offense since the days of Shannon Sharpe. Scheffler is still learning and has a ways to go before he is considered a sure thing for fantasy footballers.

FANTASY TIP: Fantasy owners do not have much faith in Scheffler in early drafts; he is going near the early 12th round. This would be great value for a tight end whose slow start last year could be chalked up to a missed training camp. If Scheffler is available this late, you should definitely consider snapping him up as a top backup or weak No. 1. Don't be afraid to take him nearing the 11th round if you are in a quandary after losing out on any of the safer tight end commodities.

9) Dallas Clark | Indianapolis Colts | 6-foot-3, 252 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: As far as end zone threats go, Clark is among the best in the league. He was tied with San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates for the league lead in red zone targets with 23. Clark plays in a dangerous Colts offense that opens up the field for him to create mismatches against slower linebackers. Quarterback Peyton Manning is also among the best in the game, and the Colts always seem to have the best line protection, which frees up Clark down the middle of the field. Having as many weapons as the Colts have in their offense prevents defenses from constantly keying in on any one player.

CONS: He may have been great in the red zone, but outside of the danger area, Clark did not do nearly as much damage. Last season was by far his best in the pros, but he still finished with just 616 yards on 58 receptions. Those are solid numbers but are still below the top-tier tight ends. There might not be much more room to improve on those numbers, as well. Clark has to share targets with three wide receivers: Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne, emerging Anthony Gonzalez and future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (knee). Clark's value largely hinges upon what happens with Harrison's recovery.

FANTASY TIP: Clark's association with the Colts' high-powered offense could have him going earlier then expected. On average, he is being taken around the beginning of the sixth round, which seems a bit early for a tight end that has only topped five touchdowns and 500 yards once in his career. Clark could very well have another strong year - perhaps even improving upon last season's stats. However, you don't want to bank on that by taking a chance on him before the seventh round. He has just as many negatives working against him as he does positives working in his favor.

Tier 4

10) Owen Daniels | Houston Texans | 6-foot-3, 246 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Daniels is a relatively young tight end who showed signs of breaking out during his 2006 rookie campaign. He finished last season with 768 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 63 receptions. Who knows what he could have done if the team had a running game or some decent play from their offensive line. Daniels great hands and could be a capable red zone target if the team were to make more trips inside the 20-yard line. Quarterback Matt Schaub is a very accurate passer, and the attention wideout Andre Johnson garners helps free up Daniels over the middle.

CONS: The team will need to get better play from their line, or else they will have to keep the tight end in close to help with protection. The downside of having Johnson on the field is that he takes away targets for Daniels, who is the team's No. 2 option in the passing game. Was last year a fluke or a byproduct of Johnson being out for several weeks? Daniels wasn't very consistent. He posted a string of five quality games early (Week 2-6) in the year that were followed by sporadic showings. He didn't even score a touchdown until Week 12.

FANTASY TIP: Despite putting up solid numbers, Daniels has not been considered by many in fantasy drafts. He is going, on average, around the end of the 13th round. He would be considerably undervalued if that is where he drops. View him as an ideal No. 2 tight end with huge potential, but he needs to improve his touchdown output (three last season after five as a rookie). Daniels has the upside to be a really weak No. 1 if you are the type of owner that waits on the position. He could be better if the team can establish any sort of a running game to keep defenses honest.

11) Heath Miller | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-foot-5, 256 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS: The fourth-year player set career highs in receptions (47), receiving yards (566) and touchdowns (seven) last year. He is a big target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and is used extensively in the red zone. Of his 62 targets, 18 of them came in the red zone - the highest percentage of any tight end on this list.

CONS: His lack of targets outside the red zone hurts his value. He was tied for fourth in red zone targets, but he drops to 20th if you look at overall targets. The Steelers could favor a run-oriented offense, especially after the drafting of running back Rashard Mendenhall. The drafting of another player - wide receiver Limas Sweed - could impact the red zone targets as Sweed's size should make him a tough matchup down in the end zone.

FANTASY TIP: Miller is generally going at the end of the late stages of the 10th round. This is right on-par for a tight end in Miller's situation. He might not have much potential because of the Steelers' system, but there shouldn't be much of a decline in his numbers, especially his touchdowns.

12) Randy McMichael | St. Louis Rams | 6-foot-3, 255 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS: His first season with the Rams did not go as planned, but there is reason to believe he could be better in 2008. The team was forced to keep him at the line of scrimmage on a lot of plays as the offensive line struggled because of injuries and poor play; this kept him from being a threat in the passing game. If they can get better play in this area, McMichael could be freed up to actually provide some offense. The addition of offensive coordinator Al Saunders should help McMichael as the tight end generally plays a bigger role than normal in Saunders' offense. McMichael averaged 65 receptions year season from 2004 to 2006 with the Miami Dolphins.

CONS: McMichael put up the worst numbers of his career in St. Louis, catching just 39 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns. The University of Georgia product declined tremendously last season - a sign of things to come? Entering a new, complex offense could take an adjustment period that fantasy owners may not have the patience for. The offensive line is still a concern in St. Louis, especially if All-Pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace (shoulder) is slow to recover from a torn rotator cuff. McMichael has not proven to be a goal line threat in his career, catching no more than five touchdown passes in a single season.

FANTASY TIP: McMichael could be a decent sleeper pick based on the Rams' system and his past production. He is going, on average, in the 17th round of standard fantasy drafts. As long as you have a top tight end secured, McMichael could be an option at this spot as a backup with moderate upside.

13) Alge Crumpler | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot-2, 264 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS: Crumpler should have another chance to work with a running quarterback as he joins quarterback Vince Young in Tennessee. Crumpler is a former Pro Bowler that could be the type of receiving target Young needs. He is a big body that has shown he can react to a mobile quarterback in the past. He is just one year removed from an eight-touchdown, 780-yard season, so he does have a history of success. Tennessee's offensive line is a lot stronger than the one he worked with in Atlanta, so less blocking should be in Crumpler's future.

CONS: Young is anything but a passing quarterback, and the team managed just nine receiving touchdowns last year. They did not make much use of position, with tight end Bo Scaife leading the way with 421 yards and just one touchdown. Scaife, who formed a rapport with Young during their days together at the University of Texas, still remains in Tennessee, so there is a chance he will take some targets from Crumpler.

FANTASY TIP: So far in fantasy drafts, Crumpler has been drafted, on average, in the early stages of the 11th round of fantasy leagues, which could prove to be a bargain in Young can mature as a passer. Crumpler has to learn a new offense and adjust to his fifth quarterback in three seasons, which makes him a risky pick. If you get the right value on him as your No. 2 tight end, feel free to take the chance that he returns to form.

14) Donald Lee | Green Bay Packers | 6-foot-4, 248 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Lee showed great consistency during the first half of last season; 38 of his 48 receptions came during his first 10 games with at least four receptions in seven of those games. He proved to be both a capable end zone threat with six touchdowns as well as someone that can pick up yardage outside of the red zone. The Packers offense finished sixth in the league in pass attempts and first the year before, showing a strong commitment to the passing game.

CONS: Lee's numbers tailed off down the stretch with only one game registering more than 35 yards during his final six games played. During that stretch, he finished two games with just one reception each. The much-publicized retirement of quarterback Brett Favre has left the Packers with the untested Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. If Rodgers can't provide a smooth transition at signal caller, the passing game could struggle to overcome Favre's retirement. The Packers also sport a healthy stable of wide receivers – Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Ruvell Martin and Jordy Nelson; each could take away targets from Lee. Finally, prior to last season, Lee had accomplished little in limited opportunities during his five years in the league. He might turn out to be another one-hit wonder.

FANTASY TIP: There are enough reasons for fantasy owners to judge Lee as nothing more than a weak No. 2 tight end. He should provide consistency but likely won't do much in the way of big games. Look to take him near the end of fantasy drafts.

15) Vernon Davis | San Francisco 49ers | 6-foot-3, 253 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Davis, the team's first-round draft choice in 2006, gives the team a good blend size, speed and strength at this position. Despite missing two games last year, Davis still finished second on the team in receiving with 509 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Delanie Walker is Davis' backup, so there is no real threat to his starting job. The team does not have any great threats in the passing game, and Davis gives them one of their best mismatches on offense.

CONS: Offensively, the team sported the worst passing game in the league last year, ranking dead last with just 145 passing yards per game. If quarterback Alex D. Smith can show signs of improving, this number could be better. However, they do not have the type of offense, nor do they have the weapons to really open up the field for Davis. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has no track record of boasting strong fantasy production at the position, either. Davis is slightly injury prone as he has failed to play in all 16 games in either of his two seasons.

FANTASY TIP: Without much of a proven track record, fantasy owners are usually taking Davis in the late eighth or early ninth round. If you like selecting players based on potential, Davis could be your guy. However, his production versus average draft placement - combined with Martz's history of ineffective fantasy tight ends - indicates Davis may be overvalued. He is a risky player that should be left for another owner to take a chance on. If you choose to select him, draft Davis as nothing better than a midrange No. 2.

16) Kevin Boss | New York Giants | 6-foot-6, 253 pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: Boss has soft hands and good size. He was impressive in his limited work last year - two starts worth - by catching nine passes for 118 yards and two scores in recently traded tight end Jeremy Shockey's (leg) stead. After Shockey was traded to the New Orleans Saints, Boss likely became the No. 1 tight end in an offense that loves to utilize the position.

CONS: The Western Oregon product has almost no experience. He doesn't have the track record you would like to see when considering someone at the position. There is some concern about Boss' blocking skills, which could lead to him coming off the field at times. Despite the Giants' affinity for using the tight end, they remain a run-first team. The Giants have a group of young tight ends that could cut into his playing time.

FANTASY TIP: Boss is a risky fantasy pick as your backup tight end. His average draft placement is in the early 16th round, a number that should be on the rise. You could do worse with a backup option, but don't hold your breath that Boss will break out this year.

17) Desmond Clark | Chicago Bears | 6-foot-3, 249 Pounds | 10th Year

PROS: Always a good blocker, the still-capable Clark caught at least three passes in eight of his 15 games played last season, finishing in the club's top-three in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. The 31-year-old Clark inked a two-year extension, which indicates that talented second-year tight end Greg Olsen probably won't monopolize all the starting duties. Clark should contribute somewhat regularly, because Chicago's wide receiver corps looks putrid.

CONS: Olsen is expected to Clark's looks, so Clark's production could drop noticeably across the board. Clark has posted his best numbers with quarterback Rex Grossman under center, but quarterback Kyle Orton may get the starting nod for 2008. During Orton's three 2007 starts, he targeted Clark just 1.67 times per game. Chicago's offensive line is relatively weak, which points to Clark likely being called in to block more often.

FANTASY TIP: With Olsen starting and Orton under center, Clark does not look draftable in standard formats. If Grossman starts, Clark would rate as a solid bye week or injury replacement. If Olsen misses time with an injury, Clark's fantasy stock would jump to solid No. 2 fantasy tight end status - regardless of who starts at quarterback. Clark has regularly gone undrafted in early leagues polled.

Tier 5

18) L.J. Smith | Philadelphia Eagles | 6-foot-3, 258 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Smith is completely healthy following a miserable, injury-plagued 2007 campaign. He possesses the necessary speed and athleticism to make big plays over the middle, making him a valuable goal line target for quarterback Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia lacks a bona fide go-to wide receiver, so the 28-year-old Smith should play a major role in the passing attack. Smith was franchised during the offseason; he is playing for a 2009 contract.

CONS: Smith has never achieved elite status at his position. Despite playing on a pass-first team, his fantasy production has rarely been consistent week to week. Smith dropped more passes than usual last season, but trying to play through an assortment of injuries probably had something to do with that. The Eagles are expected to give tight end Brent Celek more playing time.

FANTASY TIP: While Smith may not top his solid 2006 season numbers, he has a great chance to reestablish himself after a disappointing 2007. Smith has strong sleeper potential as a No. 2 tight option to grab in the latter rounds. Don't worry about Celek dramatically cutting into Smith's looks. Feel free to take a chance on Smith in the final few rounds of your draft.

19) Zach Miller | Oakland Raiders | 6-foot-5, 255 Pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: The 22-year-old Miller is expected to start this season. He enjoyed a solid 2007 rookie campaign, catching at least three passes in 10 of 16 games played. During the second half of the season, Miller averaged 3.4 receptions, 38 receiving yards and 0.25 touchdowns per contest. He already seems to have a good rapport with new starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell; Miller caught eight passes for 84 yards during Russell's lone 2007 start, which can likely be attributed to a young passer relying heavily upon his chief checkdown option.

CONS: Miller doesn't have a ton of help around him to take pressure off of him. Despite young quarterbacks often relying on the tight end position, Russell could struggle while acclimating himself to the pro level. The offense is a run-first system, so Miller may not necessarily see much of an improvement in Year 2.

FANTASY TIP: Miller looks like a decent late-round No. 2 tight end sleeper pick. The Arizona State product could produce better than expected if he continues to click with Russell. Miller has a little more value in leagues with point-per-reception scoring.

20) Benjamin Watson | New England Patriots | 6-foot-3, 255 Pounds | 5th Year

PROS: The speedy and athletically gifted Watson is a starter in one of the most prolific passing attacks in the league. He scored an average 0.55 touchdowns per game in 12 games played last season, which ranked No. 3 among all tight ends.

CONS: The 27-year-old has missed games due to injury during each of his five pro seasons and had ankle surgery during this past offseason. Playing in a spread-the-wealth offense that features wide receivers Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney, Watson's number of targets dropped into the basement last year. The Georgia product also had a case of the dropsies late in the season, and it looked like quarterback Tom Brady may have lost some confidence in him.

FANTASY TIP: Many fantasy owners will overvalue Watson. With Moss, Welker and Gaffney in the fold, it's hard to see Watson producing consistently. While he looks like a good choice for a touchdown-only league, Watson is barely draftable as a No. 2 tight end in other league formats and rates as a bye week or injury fill-in, at best, if you draft him in the final few rounds of your selection process.

21) Anthony Fasano | Miami Dolphins | 6-foot-4, 265 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Miami traded for Fasano, reuniting him with new head coach Tony Sparano, who was Fasano's position coach when they were both with the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old Fasano has good hands and is an outstanding blocker. The former Notre Dame star will get a chance to start, assuming he beats out tight ends David Martin and Justin Peelle.

CONS: Fasano, a former second-round draft pick, is a complete mystery from a fantasy perspective. He racked up just 28 career catches during his short stint as a backup in Dallas. The Dolphins' quarterback situation does not look promising, and the entire Miami offense is full of uncertainty.

FANTASY TIP: Fasano has a chance to be mildly productive if he lands the starting gig, because the only other notable pass catcher on the club is wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. Fasano is not draftable in standard formats as, but he may be worth a look as a backup in deep leagues that have point-per-reception scoring.

22) Jeff King | Carolina Panthers | 6-foot-3, 260 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: In his first season as the full-time starter, King became the first Panthers tight end to amass at least 40 catches and 400 receiving yards since 2001. The 25-year-old King also quietly finished second on the club in receptions and third in receiving yards. In addition, he averaged 4.33 catches, 43 receiving yards and 0.33 touchdowns per contest in three games played with quarterback Jake Delhomme (elbow) under center.

CONS: With Delhomme out of the lineup, King's production turned erratic and faded down the stretch. The Panthers tried to land tight end Alge Crumpler (Tennessee Titans) during the offseason, which obviously suggests they have some doubts about King's ability. He will lose some looks to wide receivers D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad, as well as backup tight end Dante Rosario.

FANTASY TIP: Lacking a definitive major role in the Carolina offense, King is not draftable. However, he has some deep sleeper potential as a so-so No. 2 tight end, especially in leagues with point-per-reception scoring, if he and Delhomme are able to pick up where they left off last season.

Tier 6

23) Greg Olsen | Chicago Bears | 6-foot-5, 254 Pounds | 2nd Year

PROS: Most stud tight ends usually break out during their second season, and the speedy, multi-talented Olsen is a prime candidate to do just that as the tight end gains a larger role in the offense. The 23-year-old Olsen enjoyed an overall solid 2007 season statistically, catching at least four passes in five of his 12 games played. To help compensate for an extremely weak wide receiver corps, the Bears will likely try to make Olsen a main cog in the passing game.

CONS: Olsen will share some snaps with still-effective veteran tight end Desmond Clark. The Bears struggled to get Olsen involved in the offense during the second half of the 2007 season (he received an average of just four looks per game), which is puzzling on a team that has a glaring shortage of playmakers. With the same quarterbacks and offensive coaches returning, this could happen again.

FANTASY TIP: Olsen looks like a high-risk/high-reward No. 2 fantasy tight end to select in the lower rounds. The University of Miami (Fla.) product has the talent and opportunity to succeed, but playing in a less-than-stellar situation may hold his numbers down.

24) Marcedes Lewis | Jacksonville Jaguars | 6-foot-6, 270 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: After playing very little during his 2006 rookie season, Lewis made a few positive strides with a competent 2007 campaign and will likely start in 2008. Lewis' second-year numbers were hardly impressive, but the 24-year-old looked a lot more comfortable in the offense. Relying on his great hands, as well as athleticism, Lewis notched two four-catch games and two five-catch games.

CONS: Lewis still does not resemble the big-play guy that the Jaguars thought they were getting. The former UCLA standout's speed is in question; he has struggled to get separation and run away from defenders. Jacksonville is a run-first team and does not feature a prolific passing attack (No. 27 in pass attempts last season). Lewis will likely have to share snaps with tight ends George Wrighster and Greg Estandia on occasion.

FANTASY TIP: A small uptick in Lewis' numbers is likely, but there are too many things working against him for a major breakout season to happen. Lewis does not look draftable but may have value as a backup/fill-in in deep leagues with point-per-reception scoring.

25) Chris Baker | New York Jets | 6-foot-3, 258 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS: Baker ranked in the top-10 in red zone targets (16) and converted 10 of them last season while catching at least three passes in eight of 15 contests played. The 28-year-old Baker's reception and receiving yardage numbers have improved each year since 2002, and he is coming off a career season.

CONS: Baker is not a big-play threat. His future with the team is a major question mark. Baker is angry because the Jets have refused to renegotiate his contract and to let him seek a trade. The team's decision to draft speedy rookie tight end Dustin Keller in the first round speaks volumes about Baker's future. If Baker stays, he would have to share snaps with Keller and tight end Bubba Franks, who was acquired via free agency.

FANTASY TIP: Last season was arguably Baker's last chance to emerge as a dominant player in the eyes of the Jets' brain trust, and it obviously didn't happen. With Keller and Franks in the fold and the uncertainly swirling around his future in the Big Apple, Baker is not draftable.

26) Leonard Pope | Arizona Cardinals | 6-foot-8, 258 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: Look at the height/weight combination above; Pope is a huge target for in the offense. His size helped him contribute five touchdowns last year, making him a solid end zone presence. His five touchdowns were tied for eighth most at the position. Another sign the third-year player might be adapting to the professional league, he caught 14 of his 23 receptions in the final five games of the season. Wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald also do a good job opening up the field.

CONS: Pope has never been much of a yardage threat, and he did not do much prior to his last five games in the way of pass catching (25 receptions in 24 games). Quarterback Matt Leinart remains a question mark at the position. He is seeing stiff competition from second-year tight end Ben Patrick for the starting job.

FANTASY TIP: Owners are avoiding Pope in fantasy drafts this year. If you do take him, view him as a strong No. 3 tight end with decent upside. If you are in basic scoring leagues, Pope's value increases because of his touchdowns.

Tier 7

27) Alex Smith | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6-foot-4, 258 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS: In each of the last three years, Smith has kicked his game up a notch in December, generally fantasy-playoff season. He was no different last year, catching 10 receptions for a month-high 147 yards. Smith is entering free agency after this year, which means he is playing for a future contract. The West Coast offense is generally tight end-friendly, and quarterback Jeff Garcia is competent with utilizing the position.

CONS: Ankle injuries have knocked Smith out of four games combined the last two years. He will have plenty of competition behind him with tight ends Jerramy Stevens and Ben Troupe on the roster. Stevens managed four touchdowns in the final four games last season. The Bucs passing game did not generate much in the way of scoring; they ranked 20th in the league in passing touchdowns. Smith finished with just three touchdowns. Head coach Jon Gruden, despite talking a big game about involving tight ends, has generally not found a way to make good use of the position.

FANTASY TIP: Consider taking Smith in the final round of most standard drafts, though you might want to hold off altogether on drafting him. He could have value as a stronger No. 3 tight end with upside.

28) Visanthe Shiancoe | Minnesota Vikings | 6-foot-4, 250 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Shiancoe turned in the three highest single-game yardage totals of his career last year, receiving more opportunities than he did during his four years with the New York Giants. The addition of wide receiver Bernard Berrian (Bears) and the emergence of wide receiver Sidney Rice could open up the field for the underachieving tight end. As well, the presence of All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson forces the opposition to play close to the line, opening up the field even further.

CONS: More often than not, Shiancoe was largely non-existent on game day last year. He turned in four games without any receptions and seven others with 20 receiving yards or less. Questions also surround quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and his ability to deliver the ball in the passing game.

FANTASY TIP: Shiancoe is going undrafted in most standard leagues. With questions surrounding his quarterback and little to no track record, avoiding Shiancoe on draft day is a recommended course of action. However, he is someone to keep an eye on as the season develops.

29) Bryan Fletcher | Indianapolis Colts | 6-foot-5, 230 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: In the one game tight end Dallas Clark missed last year (Week 10), Fletcher stepped up and caught eight passes for 55 yards. If Clark goes down with another injury this year, Fletcher likely would be the one to step up and replace Clark in the Colts' pass-heavy offense. Offensive coordinator Tom Moore loves to use dual tight ends in his standard packages, too. Tight end Ben Utecht, who accounted for 31 receptions last year, has left for the Cincinnati Bengals, which frees up more playing time for Fletcher.

CONS: Fletcher does not see enough targets in the games does Clark play in. He caught just 10 passes for 88 yards in all other games excluding his Week 10 effort. Fletcher is far down the pecking order in the Colts offense, likely sitting behind Clark, wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison (knee), as well as running back Joseph Addai.

FANTASY TIP: Fletcher is not being drafted in any fantasy leagues this year. The only owners considering him should be those looking to handcuff Clark. However, only grab him in deep drafts as he likely will be available on the waiver wire.

30) John Carlson | Seattle Seahawks | 6-foot-5, 251 Pounds | 1st Year

PROS: The expected starter at the position, Carlson has solid hands and will play in a pass-happy West Coast offense. In the past, Holmgren has utilized this position heavily with tight ends Brent Jones (on the San Francisco 49ers) and Mark Chmura (on the Green Bay Packers) both reaching the Pro Bowl under Holmgren. Tight ends Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili have been productive fantasy options in recent years, too.

CONS: Carlson has yet to take a snap in any kind of professional game; rookie tight ends rarely make a fantasy impact. With the extensive knowledge of blocking schemes required of this position in Holmgren's offense, Carlson could have trouble adjusting. If Carlson struggles, the Seahawks have veteran tight end Jeb Putzier waiting in the wings. It being Holmgren's final season, he might be less likely to put up with a struggling rookie.

FANTASY TIP: Carlson is being selected around the final rounds of most drafts. He has value as a weak No. 2 tight end with minimal upside. However, you would be well-advised to hold off selecting the first-year player. He has reasonable value in a full-retention keeper format.

31) Ben Hartsock | Atlanta Falcons | 6-foot-4, 264 pounds | 5th Year

FANTASY TIP: The expected starter, Hartsock doesn't figure to have much value. Atlanta has a new offense being installed, a new running game, a new quarterback and a host of question marks. Watch his production early in the season, but drafting Hartsock doesn't appear to be prudent.

Tier 8

32) Robert Royal | Buffalo Bills | 6-foot-4, 255 pounds | 7th Year

FANTASY TIP: Despite being the starter, Royal's primarily role is as a blocker. The Bills claim they are opening up the offense this season, but it is unlikely Royal will be included much in that mix. The departure of tight Michael Gaines (Detroit Lions) should give Royal more chances in 2008, but he is still not worth drafting in any format.

33) Ben Utecht | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-foot-6, 250 pounds | 4th Year

FANTASY TIP: Utecht figures to be the pass-catching tight end in Cincinnati's offense, which doesn't really say a heck of a lot. He could see a few solid red zone looks, but don't count on him for fantasy production in 2008.

34) Daniel Graham | Denver Broncos | 6-foot-3, 257 pounds | 7th Year

FANTASY TIP: Graham shouldn't be drafted in any format. He is the team's blocking tight end and averaged fewer than two receptions per game in 2007. Stay far away from Graham on draft day.

35) Matt Spaeth | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-foot-7, 270 pounds | 2nd Year

FANTASY TIP: In 14 games as a rookie last season, Spaeth caught five passes and three went for scores. With plenty of options to work into the passing game, Spaeth doesn't figure to be heavily relied upon. Stay away from him in all formats.

36) Michael Gaines | Detroit Lions | 6-foot-4, 277 pound | 5th Year

FANTASY TIP: Gaines comes in as what appears to be the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart, but he likely winds up as the No. 1 producer at the position for the Lions. With a new offense being installed and so many less questionable options available, steer clear of Gaines on draft day.

37) Reggie Kelly | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-foot-4, 256 pounds | 10th Year

FANTASY TIP: The starting tight end in name only, Kelly figures to lose receptions to backup tight end Ben Utecht. The team claims they will throw to the position more frequently, but that still isn't enough to make Kelly a draft-worthy player.

38) Jeb Putzier | Seattle Seahawks | 6-foot-4, 251 pounds | 7th Year

FANTASY TIP: Putzier is expected to back up rookie tight end John Carlson. Despite Seattle's love for the position, don't expect much more than a few red zone touchdowns from Putzier. Do not draft him in any format.

39) Daniel Wilcox | Baltimore Ravens | 6-foot-1, 250 pounds | 7th Year

FANTASY TIP: Starting tight end Todd Heap is often injured, so fantasy owners have seen Wilcox's name appear in the stat sheets from time to time. However, Wilcox (toe) himself is coming off an injury-shortened year and shouldn't be drafted in any format. 

40) David Martin | Miami Dolphins | 6-foot-4, 265 pounds | 8th Year

FANTASY TIP: Martin disappointed fantasy owners that pegged him as a sleeper heading into last year, despite a lot of signs pointing in his favor. Nonetheless, he is expected to back up tight end Anthony Fasano in 2008, which removes all potential fantasy value Martin could have had.

Tier 9

41) Bo Scaife | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot-3, 249 pounds | 4th Year

FANTASY TIP: Despite a respectable showing in 2007, the Titans signed free-agent tight end Alge Crumpler this offseason. The move likely pushes Scaife down to the No. 2 role, which makes him devoid of any tangible fantasy value in '08.

42) Joe Klopfenstein | St. Louis Rams | 6-foot-5, 262 pounds | 3rd Year

FANTASY TIP: Klopfenstein's role within the offense is yet to be determined, but new offensive coordinator Al Saunders has worked magic with the tight end position in past stops. Starting tight end Randy McMichael figures to benefit most from Saunders' arrival, and drafting Klopfenstein would be a waste of a pick.

43) Marcus Pollard | New England Patriots | 6-foot-3, 255 pounds | 14th Year

FANTASY TIP: Pollard signing with the Patriots is an interesting move, since he isn't much of a blocker and would be a backup to the injury-prone tight end Benjamin Watson. Pollard could score a few times this season, but sporadic production makes him impossible to start in fantasy leagues. Stay away.

44) Brandon Manumaleuna | San Diego Chargers | 6-foot-2, 288 pounds | 8th Year

FANTASY TIP: Manumaleuna is an interesting option since tight end Antonio Gates (toe) is recovering from a major toe surgery. However, "Manu," as fans refer to him as, is far more of a blocker than a receiver, and he doesn't warrant any attention in fantasy circles.

45) Bubba Franks | New York Jets | 6-foot-6, 265 pounds | 9th Year

FANTASY TIP: The long-time Green Bay Packer signed with the Jets this offseason to be the backup to starter Chris Baker. The team also drafted tight end Dustin Keller, and Franks figures to do most of his work in a blocking capacity. His fantasy value is nil in the Jets offense.

46) George Wrighster | Jacksonville Jaguars | 6-foot-3, 265 pounds | 6th Year

FANTASY TIP: Once an apparent up-and-comer at the position, Wrighster has faded into fantasy obscurity with the emergence of tight end Marcedes Lewis. Wrighster isn't worth drafting in any format.

47) Dustin Keller | New York Jets | 6-foot-3, 248 pounds | Rookie

FANTASY TIP: Keller was a first-round pick this year, and his role remains undefined. We expect him to be the No. 3 initially and to eventually split time with tight end Bubba Franks as the No. 2. In full-retention keeper leagues, Keller has some value.

Editor's note: KFFL's positional analysis will be updated regularly throughout the offseason.