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Fantasy Football Draft Guide

Tight Ends Analysis

August 31, 2007 @ 16:00:00

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By Bryce McRae
Edited by KFFL Staff

Tier 1

1) Antonio Gates | San Diego Chargers | 6-foot-4, 260 Pounds | 5th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
7
74
94
992
1092
10
12

REWARDS: Gates presents a huge target for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. A former basketball player, Gates knows how to use his size to his advantage and is nearly impossible to cover in the end zone. He has great leaping ability, is good going over the middle and with his size, is tough to bring down. He also has great hands. Gates is by far the top receiver on the team and will receive a lot of targets. In the past three seasons, Gates has averaged 996 yards and 11 touchdowns per season.

RISKS: With Gates there aren't too many negatives. He plays in an offense that features arguably the top running back in the league (Tomlinson) and that takes away red zone targets. Because the Chargers lack any other proven or quality receivers, Gates will often find himself double-teamed. He is also coming off a down year, which for Gates meant only 71 receptions, 924 yards and nine touchdowns. As you can see, it is hard to find much wrong with Gates' game.

BOTTOM LINE: Gates is far and away the top tight end in the draft. He will likely go around the third round, and if he happens to fall past here, snap him up. Even at that early round, Gates offers great value over the other tight ends available.

Tier 2

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

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
8
58
78
725
825
5
7

REWARDS: Heap could be considered a poor man's Gates. He is relatively big, has good hands and is athletic. All those attributes are similar to Gates', just not to the level that Gates is. Heap is also generally the first target in the offense, with neither wide receivers Derrick Mason nor Mark Clayton being the type of threat that he is. Last year he finished with 73 receptions for 765 yards and six touchdowns, solid numbers for a No. 1 tight end.

RISKS: Heap's biggest drawback is that he plays in a run-first offense. This wasn't as big a problem last year, but with the acquisition of running back Willis McGahee, Heap will likely see his numbers cut back. Heap is always banged up as well. It also means he could be kept close to the line to help with blocking more often.

BOTTOM LINE: Because of his name value, Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez is sometimes taken before Heap, but that doesn't happen often. This could work in your favor as you could get a bargain by picking up Heap in early portion of the middle rounds.

3) Tony Gonzalez | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-foot-5, 251 Pounds | 11th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
8
66
86
824
924
3
5

REWARDS: Gonzalez's name has been synonymous with this position as he has dominated it over the past decade. Only in recent years has he been knocked from the top. In what could be considered a down year for him, he still "managed" 73 receptions for 900 yards and five touchdowns. With inexperience at quarterback, Gonzalez should also provide a nice safety blanket for Brodie Croyle, if the Chiefs stick with him as their quarterback. He could see an increase the 103 targets he had last season. He has also missed just two games in his 10-year career, a testament to both his skill and his toughness.

RISKS: Two drawbacks for Gonzalez are his advancing age and the system he is in. Gonzalez's best days are clearly behind him, and despite solid numbers in recent years, Father Time is bound to catch up with him. Head coach Herman Edwards also favors a run-first approach, and with second-year quarterback Croyle behind center, there will likely not be many downfield passes. Gone is the offensive juggernaut of the Dick Vermeil era.

BOTTOM LINE: Gonzalez still has enough talent to warrant a selection around the seventh or eighth rounds, but because of his name, he could be gone before this. Don't reach for him.

4) Jeremy Shockey | New York Giants | 6-foot-5, 251 Pounds | 6th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
9
54
74
680
780
6
8

REWARDS: Gates aside, Shockey has arguably the greatest blend of size and speed on this list. Because of that he is a threat from any area on the field. In what many considered an off-year, Shockey still caught 66 passes for 623 yards and seven touchdowns. His 116 targets last year were also tied for third amongst tight ends. With the retirement of Tiki Barber, and the increasing age of wide receiver Amani Toomer, it could be that Shockey will have an even bigger role in the offense this year.

RISKS: For all his promise, Shockey rarely managed to put it all together last year. He managed only one game in which he had over 80 yards (82 in Week 10) and too often clashed with quarterback Eli Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin. It was also the first time in his career that his yards per catch dropped below 10. He finished the year averaging 9.4 yards per catch. Shockey is always banged up and has missed a game in each of the last three seasons.

BOTTOM LINE: Because of his name value, Shockey may be grabbed before he should be, but he still should be taken near the end of the early rounds. If he drops into the earlier portion of the middle rounds, snap him up because he's still a top-five fantasy tight end.

5) Alge Crumpler | Atlanta Falcons | 6-foot-2, 262 Pounds | 7th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
8
45
65
726
826
5
7

REWARDS: Crumpler provides a big target for quarterback Joey Harrington. Last year he reached a new career high with eight touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 829 receiving yards, 61 receptions and 6.5 touchdowns per season. Despite recent surgeries in past offseasons, Crumpler always seems to return strong.

RISKS: There will be some concern with Joey Harrington or Chris Redman throwing Crumpler the ball. Compared to the top-tier tight ends (Gates, Shockey, Gonzalez), Crumpler was also targeted the least last year, just 104 times. He also had offseason knee surgery, and nagging injuries may catch up to him eventually.

BOTTOM LINE: Crumpler should be a safe bet for another 750-plus receiving yard, five-plus touchdown season. He will likely go near the end of the early rounds during your draft, so look for him there; he could fall a bit.

6) Chris Cooley | Washington Redskins | 6-foot-3, 250 Pounds | 4th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
4
52
72
682
782
5
7

REWARDS: Over the past two seasons, Cooley has averaged 754 receiving yards and 6.5 touchdowns per year. With a young quarterback (Jason Campbell) behind center, Cooley represents a great safety blanket. He is also a threat to run after the catch; 12 of his receptions last year were for 20-plus yards, and he averaged 12.9 yards per catch.

RISKS: Cooley saw a significant drop-off in receptions last year, going from 71 in 2005 to 57 in 2006. As well, of his 95 targets, only nine of them came in the red zone. He was the only tight end in the top 16 to have fewer than 10 red zone targets. Those numbers could be a bit worrying as it could mean a drop in his touchdown totals.

BOTTOM LINE: Cooley ranked as the fifth best tight end in many fantasy formats last year and will likely be drafted in the early middle rounds. Picking him up here would be a solid value.

7) Kellen Winslow Jr. | Cleveland Browns | 6-foot-4, 248 Pounds | 4th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
7
68
88
816
916
3
5

REWARDS: Though he is entering his fourth year, last year was the first time in his career he has completed a whole season. It gave a glimpse of what could have been as he caught 89 passes for 875 yards and three touchdowns. He was the second-most targeted tight end in the league, being looked at 121 times. With a decent quarterback throwing to him this year, Winslow could surpass his 2006 totals.

RISKS: Winslow has a poor injury history, which could scare off potential owners. In January, he also underwent microfracture surgery, which could keep him out up to six months. This surgery could have an effect on his ability to jump for balls and his acceleration. As well, in his two previous seasons, he played in only two games and caught just five passes for 50 yards.

BOTTOM LINE: Winslow represents a bit of a risk because of the offense he plays in and his injury history, but if you are willing to take that risk, he could pay off big. Look for him in the middle rounds.

Tier 3

8) Jason Witten | Dallas Cowboys | 6-foot-5, 265 Pounds | 5th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
8
55
75
704
804
2
4

REWARDS: In his three full seasons with the Cowboys, he has averaged 830 yards and 4.33 touchdowns per season. He has been consistent the last two seasons, and you should have no reason expect anything less than that this year. He played well late in the season when quarterback Tony Romo was under center.

RISKS: While Witten still caught over 60 passes (64) and had over 750 receiving yards (754), he managed only one touchdown. It could be that the team is going to the running backs, particularly Marion Barber III, in the red zone, or they are looking to wideout Terrell Owens more often. Either way, he had just one target inside the 5 last year, and only 11 red zone targets. Those numbers are a bit disconcerting for a target as big as he is. After 980 yards and six touchdowns in 2004, Witten has fallen a bit the last two years.

BOTTOM LINE: With Witten you know what you are getting. You shouldn't expect him to go too much higher than the numbers he put up last year, but he will not likely drop down too far. He should go in the later portion of the middle rounds and makes a solid low-end No. 1 tight end.

9) L.J. Smith | Philadelphia Eagles | 6-foot-3, 258 Pounds | 5th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
5
46
66
600
700
3
5

REWARDS: Smith always seems to be on the cusp of joining the top tier of fantasy tight ends. Last year he caught 50 passes for 611 yards and five touchdowns. The year before that it was 61 passes for 682 yards and three touchdowns. He has the size and speed, and the quarterback, to post big numbers. As well, he is arguably the Eagles' top midrange receiving threat. Smith is entering a contract year, too.

RISKS: Smith underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia at the end of May, although he is expected to be ready for training camp. However, last year he battled foot and shoulder injuries, although he never missed a game. His quarterback, Donovan McNabb (knee), is coming a serious knee injury, too; is he ready? Without him, Smith isn't as effective a fantasy player. Smith is recovering from a strained groin.

BOTTOM LINE: Smith is still young enough that you can expect greater things from him. With a solid quarterback, and an offense that should give him plenty of opportunities, he could be in line for a big year. Look for him to go in the later rounds of the draft and be a solid consolation prize.

10) Vernon Davis | San Francisco 49ers | 6-foot-3, 253 Pounds | 2nd Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
6
43
63
517
617
4
6

REWARDS: Despite having his rookie season derailed with a hairline fracture of his fibula, Davis still finished with 265 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games (eight starts). If this were a list based on potential and athletic ability, Davis would be near the top of it. He didn't appear to show any ill effects from the injury as he finished the last five games of the season with 217 receiving yards, 14 receptions and two touchdowns.

RISKS: Davis is still young and he does not have a great quarterback throwing to him (at least not yet great). Last year, he ranked 28th amongst tight ends with 45 targets, although part of that has to do with the time missed to injury.

BOTTOM LINE: Davis has the potential to shoot up this list; however, that could still be another year or two away. He is often drafted much earlier than he should be, but if you can get him later in the draft, do so. His upside is worth the late bid, especially if you don't land a top option.

Tier 4

11) Benjamin Watson | New England Patriots | 6-foot-3, 255 Pounds | 4th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
10
39
59
607
707
2
4

REWARDS: With tight end Daniel Graham now in Denver, Watson will be the undisputed No. 1 option at the position this year. He has gradually come along the past few years, going from 16 yards in 2004 to 441 yards in 2005 and 643 yards last year. If he continues on that arc, he could be in line for a big year. As well, he was targeted 94 times last year, when Graham was still on the team.

RISKS: The team will be expecting Watson to play the full season this year, something he has yet to do in his career. In three seasons, he has played in just 29 games (23 starts). Last year's high target totals also came with very few receiving options for Tom Brady. This offseason has seen the addition of wide receivers Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth and Wes Welker. This could have a negative effect on Watson's targets, especially as Brady and head coach Bill Belichick like to spread the ball around a lot.

BOTTOM LINE: Watson looks primed to step into the No. 1 role this year and will likely be one of Brady's favorite targets. He should go in the later part of the middle rounds and has some definite upside.

12) David Martin | Miami Dolphins | 6-foot-4, 265 Pounds | 7th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
9
36
56
456
556
4
6

REWARDS: Martin will find himself with the starting job for the first time in his career. He showed flashes of potential but could never put it together in Green Bay with the Packers. The offense he is coming into will be the one used by the San Diego Chargers as their offensive coordinator last year, Cam Cameron, is the Dolphins' new head coach. That offense relied heavily on a larger tight end (see Antonio Gates) that was able to create mismatches. Martin is a larger tight end and could see some success in this offense.

RISKS: While Martin will try to fill the "Gates" role in Cameron's offense, he does not possess the athletic ability or the hands that Gates does. In six years with Green Bay, he played in just 70 games (21 starts) and caught a total of 87 passes for 766 yards and only nine touchdowns. He has also been injury-prone.

BOTTOM LINE: While he has potential because of the situation, nothing in his past gives much indication Martin will be able to put up the type of numbers you are likely looking for. He is worth a late-round pick as a No. 2 option because he has a little upside.

13) Dallas Clark | Indianapolis Colts | 6-foot-3, 252 Pounds | 5th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
6
29
49
449
549
4
6

REWARDS: When Clark finally returned from knee injury last year, it showed how much the Colts missed his ability to stretch the field and find the seam up the middle. He might have only had 30 receptions for 367 yards and four touchdowns, but he seems to have one big play per game. Having one of the top offenses in the league, and arguably the top quarterback throwing to you, is also a definite benefit.

RISKS: Clark was targeted only 58 times last year, which ranks him behind Jacksonville Jaguars tight end George Wrighster, Tennessee Titans tight end Bo Scaife and right next to Oakland Raiders tight end Randal Williams in total targets. Part of that has to do with missing a few games to injury, but with all the options in this offense, it is sometimes easy for him to get lost.

BOTTOM LINE: Drafting Clark is a safe move that also gives you some sleeper potential due to the offense he is in. He will likely go in the late rounds of the draft, and he's ideally a fantasy backup.

14) Eric Johnson | New Orleans Saints | 6-foot-3, 256 Pounds | 7th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
4
41
61
506
606
3
5

REWARDS: You have to go back a few seasons, but in 2004, Johnson caught 82 passes for 825 yards and two touchdowns and looked poised to be a perennial fantasy commodity. That was playing in a weak San Francisco 49ers offense. With all the weapons surrounding him this season, he could be in line for that long-awaited breakout campaign. Also, look at the type of years San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates had with the Saints quarterback Drew Brees throwing to him, and it is clear that Brees is a quarterback who relies on his tight end a lot.

RISKS: That 2004 season aside, twice in the past four seasons Johnson has failed to play one game. Last year, he played in just 13 games (nine starts) and caught 34 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. With his injury history, there will always be the worry of whether or not he can play a full season, something he has only done twice in his six-year career. With all of the targets Brees has, Johnson could easily get lost in the shuffle.

BOTTOM LINE: Johnson could be worth taking as a flier in the last round or two, but because of his injury history, he is not someone you want to rely on. It could be worth picking up his backup if you take him.

15) Tony Scheffler | Denver Broncos | 6-foot-5, 250 Pounds | 2nd Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
6
22
42
424
524
3
5

REWARDS: Scheffler started only five games last year and still managed to catch 18 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns. He especially came on in the last half of the season, coincidentally when the Broncos inserted quarterback Jay Cutler into the lineup. Over the last five games of the year, Scheffler managed 12 passes for 219 yards and all four of his touchdowns.

RISKS: Discounting the last five games, Scheffler managed just six receptions for 67 yards. Also, his game seems to be tied so much to Cutler. However, it wouldn't be a stretch for Cutler, a second-year passer, to suffer through the dreaded "sophomore slump." If that happens, it could have a negative effect on Scheffler's numbers. Scheffler is also second on the depth chart behind tight end Daniel Graham. Scheffler (foot) also broke his foot during the offseason and has been limited entering camp, but he is expected to be ready.

BOTTOM LINE: With the rapport he seems to have with Cutler, Scheffler could be a decent sleeper pick this year. As anyone knows, tight ends are a young quarterback's best friends, and Scheffler appears to be no different. Consider him with a pick in the late rounds, but only as a backup.

16) Owen Daniels | Houston Texans | 6-foot-3, 247 Pounds | 2nd Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
10
27
47
431
531
3
5

REWARDS: The second-year tight end out of the University of Wisconsin surprised many by posting a 34-reception, 352-yard, five-touchdown season last year. He was targeted 52 times (5.5 percent), by far the most of any tight end on the roster. He also did that with instability at quarterback, something that could change this year with Matt Schaub behind center.

RISKS: Daniels did not catch a touchdown pass during the second half of his season, and 99 of his 352 yards came in one game (Week 7). Those are not the type of numbers that make you expect him to have a consistent 2007 campaign, especially with Schaub's inexperience. The team also has tight ends Jeb Putzier and Mark Bruener, both of which could cut into the snaps Daniels takes.

BOTTOM LINE: If Daniels can show the form he had over the first half of last season, he could be worth a pick late in the draft as a No. 2 tight end.

Tier 5

17) Heath Miller | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-foot-5, 256 Pounds | 3rd Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
6
34
54
399
499
3
5

REWARDS: Considering all the turmoil surrounding the team and its quarterback situation last year, Miller put up a decent season with 34 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns. He is also the only real option at the spot as No. 2 tight end Jerame Tuman finished with just seven targets (0.7 percent) compared to Miller's 55 (5.3 percent). He is also a huge target in the red zone and has averaged 5.5 touchdowns per year for his career.

RISKS: Miller does not catch a lot of passes. Outside a five-catch game in November, he caught no more than three passes in any other game last year. He is also not the quickest tight end and had just three receptions over 20 yards last year. His quarterback situation could also be shaky as Ben Roethlisberger struggled last year, and the team may look to throw to the wideouts more this year.

BOTTOM LINE: Miller has decent upside for a No. 2 tight end. He is one of the top receiving threats for the Steelers and should go in the late rounds of your draft.

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

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
9
40
60
485
585
2
4

REWARDS: Many will remember McMichael as two seasons ago he looked poised to jump into the upper echelon of tight ends. He posted a 73-catch, 791-yard, four-touchdown season in 2004. He has great hands for a big man and is quick enough to beat linebackers down the field. A change of scenery could also help him as he seemed to dislike his time the last couple seasons in Miami.

RISKS: McMichael failed to live up to expectations after signing a contract extension in Miami. McMichael was forced to stay in and block frequently last season due to the offensive line. This could happen again this season. He was also one of the top receiving threats in Miami but will lose targets/utilizations to wide receivers Torry Holt, Drew Bennett, Isaac Bruce and Dante' Hall.

BOTTOM LINE: He was a fairly hot commodity two years ago before failing to live up to expectations. If he is around in the latter rounds of your draft, he could be worth taking based on potential.

19) Zach Miller | Oakland Raiders | 6-foot-5, 259 Pounds | Rookie

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
5
32
52
395
495
2
4

PROS: Miller is a smart receiver who has good awareness and knows how to work against zone coverage. His he has solid pass-catching ability and can make the tough catch. Miller caught 50 passes for 484 yards, at Arizona State University last season, and scored four touchdowns. His best year was his freshman season, when he caught 56 catches for 552 yards and six touchdowns. He will be on a developing offense that will likely dump the ball of frequently to the tight end. His hands are arguably the best on the team.

CONS: Miller only has average speed for a tight end and was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.79 seconds. This, however, is hard to call a negative since he plays so much faster than he clocks. He has had durability issues in the past, too. Rookie tight ends have been known to struggle as they adjust to the league, even the top prospects. Miller did not put up the type of incredible numbers that would indicate that he can be an immediate impact player.

FANTASY TIP: As a rookie, Miller cannot be expected to produce too consistently as he will have to learn the offense. Owners should stay away from him until proven otherwise, but he could make for an excellent waiver wire pickup as the season wears on.

20) Marcus Pollard | Seattle Seahawks | 6-foot-3, 250 Pounds | 13th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
8
29
49
387
487
3
5

RISKS: In Pollard's best season, he caught 47 passes for 739 yards and eight touchdowns. Even playing for an inferior Detroit Lions team in 2005, he caught 46 passes for 516 and three touchdowns. He will be replacing former Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens this year and could be in line for a bounce-back campaign. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck likes to throw, and Pollard could be a valuable target in the short- and medium-range game.

REWARDS: Pollard's best season came in 2001, and he is coming off a season in which he caught just 12 passes for 100 yards. He also started just five games last year, playing in a total of 15. It could be that Pollard, 35, is at the end of the line for his career.

BOTTOM LINE: Pollard doesn't have great fantasy value as he is not the threat he used to be in the passing game. He should improve on his 2006 totals this year; however, don't expect anything near the numbers he put up with the Indianapolis Colts. He should go undrafted in most leagues but could be a nice bye week option.

21) Bo Scaife | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot-3, 249 Pounds | 3rd Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
4
35
55
423
523
2
4

REWARDS: Scaife emerged as the No. 1 threat at tight end last year for the Titans, surpassing Ben Troupe as the top receiving tight end. He was targeted on a total of 58 plays (6 percent) with 13 (12 percent) of them coming in the red zone. He is a decent pass-catching tight end that seemed to develop a decent rapport with quarterback Vince Young.

RISKS: Scaife still managed to catch just 29 passes for 370 and two touchdowns. For his career, he has caught just 66 passes for 643 yards. If you are looking for a sure thing, you may want to head in the opposite direction. Scaife and Young have chemistry, but Young completed only 51.5 percent of his throws and doesn't hesitate to run when flushed from the pocket.

BOTTOM LINE: Scaife has some fantasy value this year, and in dynasty or keeper leagues he could develop into a weak No. 1 tight end in the next few years. He should go undrafted in most drafts, although he should be on the watch list, at least for bye weeks.

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

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
10
24
44
375
475
2
4

REWARDS: Baker essentially gets the starting job by default. The two players behind him on the depth chart have six starts and seven receptions between them. Baker is known more for his blocking, but he did have 31 receptions for 300 yards with four touchdowns, all of which either tied or set new career highs.

RISKS: Baker simply isn't much of a receiver. While he did show some improvement, he simply isn't a very reliable option and will likely not see too many passes go his way. He was involved in only 52 plays last season, even though he caught 31 passes.

BOTTOM LINE: Baker is no more than a No. 2 fantasy player. He's not reliable, but if he does get things going next season, he could be a bye week option for teams without any other options.

23) Desmond Clark | Chicago Bears | 6-foot-3, 254 Pounds | 9th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
9
24
44
341
441
3
5

REWARDS: After failing to produce when he signed with Chicago in 2005, Clark set a career high in 2006 with 626 receiving yards and tied his career high with six touchdowns. He proved to be one of quarterback Rex Grossman's biggest assets as he was able to get 35 first downs. He had two two-touchdown games.

RISKS: Clark was a frustrating player as he had five games when he caught either one pass or had no receptions at all. While he did have six touchdowns on the year, he did have two different four-game streaks without a touchdown. The team drafted tight end Greg Olsen, so Clark doesn't appear to be in the team's long-term plans.

BOTTOM LINE: Clark had a career year last season, but he still shouldn't be considered anything more than a No. 2 fantasy player. He is the type of player who is worth considering in case of a bye week, but in case of an injury, fantasy owners may want to find a different option if possible.

24) Daniel Graham | Denver Broncos | 6-foot-3, 257 Pounds | 6th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
6
16
36
272
372
3
5

PROS: Graham has decent size for a tight end as well as solid strength and athleticism. He is a great red zone target, which has translated into him being a very effective good scorer at times. Graham demonstrated this well in 2004, when he caught 30 passes for 364 yards and seven touchdowns.

CONS: The big concern with Graham is that he is injury prone and has not played a full season during his entire career. Even when healthy, he has never received a chance to prove that he can be a reliable player. He has only caught more than 30 passes once in his career, in 2003. Denver's biggest fantasy threat at the position in recent years was Jeb Putzier and even then, he wasn't a reliable starter.

FANTASY TIP: The Broncos acquired Graham to upgrade their passing game, and he should get the bulk of the work that earned last year's tight ends six scores. However, Tony Scheffler (foot), who scored four touchdowns as a rookie last season, is still in the mix. Consider Graham a No. 2 option with some upside.

Tier 6

25) Visanthe Shiancoe | Minnesota Vikings | 6-foot-4, 250 Pounds | 5th Year

Bye
Receptions
Receiving Yards
TDs
Wk
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
Lo
Hi
5
26
46
321
421
2
4

REWARDS: Shiancoe spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants and was used as a blocker while Jeremy Shockey was used as the receiving tight end. Shiancoe was good enough for the Vikings to justify giving him a five-year contract, and he's expected to be the team's pass-catching option at the position.

RISKS: Shiancoe never has been used much as a receiver. He has caught 35 passes for 253 yards on his career and hasn't caught a touchdown pass since 2004. He may also has some competition from tight end Jim Kleinsasser. While Kleinsasser hasn't caught a touchdown pass since 2003, he is still far more established as a receiver.

BOTTOM LINE: Shiancoe is young, and he may have a bright future ahead of him, but unless the Vikings' coaching staff does some major work with him, his future is likely only as a blocker. He should be avoided, even in dynasty leagues, unless the Vikings are able to stay true to their vision and throw to him.



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Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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