Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - Early TE Rankings
Release Date: April 17, 2018

Introduction

In the April 17, 2018 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into their early tight end (TE) rankings for the 2018 fantasy football season. Balancing humor with in-depth analysis, the trio provides listeners with informed opinions, strategic advice, and insights to help dominate their fantasy leagues.

Key Discussions and Rankings

1. Rob Gronkowski – The Consensus Top TE

Rob Gronkowski tops the consensus tight end rankings unanimously among the hosts. Despite concerns about his draft price due to rumors of retirement, Gronk remains a high-value pick.

• Andy Holloway highlights Gronk’s consistency:

  “When he's on the field, he's the best tight end. It's an easy case." (25:17)

• Mike Wright emphasizes Gronk's elite performance:

  “Over 50% of his games are what we break down as great games, and no one else is even close." (26:04)

Conclusion: Gronk is a must-have for his reliability and high touchdown potential, though his draft cost has risen to an early second-round selection.

2. Zach Ertz – The Reliable Performer

Zach Ertz secures the second spot, benefiting from a stable quarterback situation and substantial target volume.

• Andy Holloway notes Ertz's solid stats:

  “He had 110 targets, 74 receptions for 824 yards, and eight touchdowns last year." (28:01)

• Jason Moore expresses cautious optimism:

  “I believe the target volume is supremely confident it will be there with Zach Ertz." (29:46)

Conclusion: Ertz is favored for his dependable production and role in a consistent offense, making him a safer second-round pick.

3. Travis Kelce – The Elite TE

Travis Kelce remains one of the top tight ends, known for his high target share and red-zone effectiveness.

• Jason Moore discusses Kelce’s value despite potential shifts in team dynamics:

  “Travis Kelce is my number three because he's consistent and gets plenty of targets." (28:27)

• Mike Wright concurs on Kelce's elite status:

  “Yes, he’s my number two.” (33:15)

Conclusion: Kelce continues to be a top-tier TE choice, offering reliability and substantial upside in any fantasy lineup.

4. Evan Ingram – A Potential Breakout

Evan Ingram is viewed as a high-risk, high-reward option, contingent on his development and quarterback performance.

• Jason Moore warns about Ingram's inconsistency:

  “His catch rate was actually atrocious.” (35:39)

• Mike Wright questions Ingram's reliability:

  “With only six tight ends having over 100 targets, his low catch rate is a concern." (37:58)

Conclusion: While Ingram has potential to replicate his impressive rookie season, his inconsistent performance makes him a gamble better suited for later rounds.

5. Hunter Henry – The Torch Bearer

Hunter Henry is positioned as the successor to veterans like Antonio Gates, offering consistency and growth potential.

• Jason Moore praises Henry's opportunity:

  “This is the first tight end that is going to be great and consistent." (41:38)

• Andy Holloway emphasizes Henry’s role in a revamped offense:

  “Hunter Henry has the talent and skill to take over the pass-catching role." (39:58)

Conclusion: As a highly touted second-round pick, Henry is seen as a promising TE who can deliver consistent performance and solidify his position in the offensive scheme.

6. Greg Olsen – The Veteran Consistency

Greg Olsen remains a reliable option, despite concerns about his age and injury history.

• Mike Wright highlights Olsen’s past performance:

  “From 2012 through 2016, his catch rate was 65% even with Cam Newton throwing the ball." (44:48)

• Jason Moore supports Olsen’s potential return to form:

  “If he doesn’t need that surgery, he is going to be more consistent than most of these guys we've talked about already." (46:16)

Conclusion: Olsen offers veteran reliability and high target potential, making him a valuable pick for those willing to overlook his age and injury risks.

7. Delaney Walker – The Age Concern

Delaney Walker is critiqued for his declining performance and age, positioning him lower in the rankings.

• Andy Holloway dismisses Walker’s draft appeal:

  “Delaney Walker is the first official member of my will not draft list." (49:58)

• Mike Wright echoes concerns about Walker's consistency and age:

  “Walker has generally been on my do not draft list because he's usually cost too much." (50:51)

Conclusion: Walker is deemed a risky pick due to his age, inconsistent production, and lower upside compared to other TEs.

8. Jimmy Graham – The Touchdown Specialist

Jimmy Graham is lauded for his red-zone prowess but criticized for inconsistent week-to-week performance.

• Andy Holloway praises Graham’s touchdown ability:

  “He's going to be somebody that you can count on to score more often than not in each and every game." (52:10)

• Jason Moore warns about Graham’s inconsistency:

  “If he doesn't get a touchdown, he'll probably end up with worthless stats." (52:29)

Conclusion: Graham is best utilized as a high-upside tight end in leagues that heavily reward touchdowns, though his week-to-week reliability may fluctuate.

9. Kyle Rudolph – Consistent Red-Zoner

Kyle Rudolph is recognized for his consistent presence in the red zone despite lower yardage numbers.

• Mike Wright appreciates Rudolph’s target volume:

  “He had 807 yards last year. The year before, 800." (49:58)

• Jason Moore discusses Rudolph's role and potential:

  “His catch percentage is about 9.3 yards per reception, which is solid." (55:57)

Conclusion: Rudolph remains a steady option for red-zone targets, offering reliable touchdown opportunities without the high yardage of some peers.

10. Jordan Reed – The Upside Gamble

Jordan Reed is acknowledged for his high touchdown potential but flagged for possible injury concerns.

• Jason Moore underscores Reed’s high upside:

  “Jordan Reed is a talented guy with high touchdown potential and high usage history." (56:47)

• Andy Holloway notes Reed's draft trajectory:

  “Two years ago he was the fourth round pick. One year ago he was a fifth-round pick. Now he's a seventh-round pick." (57:02)

Conclusion: Reed is seen as a high-risk, high-reward pick who could break into the top five TEs if he remains healthy and maintains offensive involvement.

11. Trey Burton – The Potential Replacement

Trey Burton is considered a sneaky pick with potential to emulate top TEs if given sufficient opportunity.

• Mike Wright highlights Burton’s athleticism and usage:

  “The ability is there, the athleticism is there, the usage. That's the huge question." (58:54)

• Jason Moore contemplates Burton’s role in the Chicago Bears:

  “Trubisky’s understanding of the system will be crucial for Burton’s success." (59:16)

Conclusion: Burton is viewed as a sleeper pick who could thrive under the right quarterback and offensive scheme, making him a strategic late-round selection.

12. Tyler Iford – The Undervalued Recruit

Tyler Iford is recognized as an undervalued tight end with growth potential, especially in Cincinnati’s offense.

• Mike Wright discusses Iford’s role and potential:

  “He's still young and on the cusp of becoming a tight end two-piece." (60:47)

• Jason Moore emphasizes Iford’s undrafted value:

  “When you have him with your last positional pick, I'd rather take Iford than Reed." (61:38)

Conclusion: Iford is considered a cost-effective option with the potential to develop into a reliable fantasy tight end, especially valuable in later rounds.

Sleeper Tight Ends

The hosts also highlight potential sleepers who could break into the top 10 with the right circumstances:

• George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): Known for his athleticism and potential, Kittle is seen as a high-upside sleeper who could elevate his game under a new offensive scheme.

  Jason Moore: “If Kittle continues to develop, he could finish in the top 10." (62:37)

• David Njoku (Cleveland Browns): Njoku is viewed as an emerging talent who could benefit from improved quarterback play and offensive strategies.

  Andy Holloway: “David Njoku might be on the right team now with Tyrod Taylor bringing new magic." (63:18)

• Luke Wilson (Detroit Lions): With the departure of other tight ends, Wilson has an opportunity to step up and become a key target in the Lions' offense.

  Mike Wright: “Luke Wilson is going to get a chance to break out from the shadow." (64:22)

Additional News and Considerations

The podcast briefly touches on significant NFL news impacting fantasy football strategies:

• Dez Bryant Cut by Cowboys: The removal of Dez Bryant from the Dallas Cowboys affects defensive and offensive dynamics, influencing fantasy managers with him or his replacements.

  Andy Holloway: “If the Patriots cut Jordan Matthews today, it would be the greatest day of my life." (16:14)

• C.J. Anderson’s Situation: Cut by the Cowboys, Anderson’s availability impacts running back strategies in fantasy leagues.

  Jason Moore: “Dez and C.J. get cut this week, which has been rough for dynasty leagues." (16:25)

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive analysis of the tight end landscape for the 2018 fantasy football season, balancing statistical insights with strategic foresight. From the reliable dominance of Rob Gronkowski to the high-upside potentials of Trey Burton and Tyler Iford, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed draft decisions. Additionally, the discussion on sleepers offers valuable opportunities for fantasy managers to gain an edge in their leagues.

Listeners are encouraged to visit FantasyFootballers.com for more detailed rankings, projections, and resources to enhance their fantasy football experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway on Gronkowski's consistency:

  "When he's on the field, he's the best tight end. It's an easy case." (25:17)

• Jason Moore on Zach Ertz’s target volume:

  "I believe the target volume is supremely confident it will be there with Zach Ertz." (29:46)

• Mike Wright on Rob Gronkowski's elite performance:

  "Over 50% of his games are what we break down as great games, and no one else is even close." (26:04)

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the transcript sections provided.