Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Early Top 10 Tight Ends, Fantasy News
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, the hosts delve into the intricacies of the tight end position, discussing early top 10 rankings, recent fantasy news, and offering expert analysis to help listeners optimize their fantasy football teams ahead of the upcoming season.

Listener Review

Timestamp [08:18] - Jason Moore: A listener named Larucifer praises the podcast as "the best around," highlighting its insightful analysis and engaging humor. Larucifer notes, "it really just seems like you're in a room with friends talking fantasy football. The difference is these guys know what they're talking about, unlike the Jabronis you know."

Fantasy News Update

Timestamp [09:26] - Andy Holloway:

• Lashawn McCoy Update: The NFL is unlikely to discipline McCoy following his nightclub incident, relieving dynasty and keeper league managers who may have been wary of his status. Andy mentions, "you can probably still take advantage of some of that doubt in your dynasty or keeper leagues."

• Nick Foles and the Rams: Reports from Mike Florio suggest the Rams are moving on from Nick Foles. The hosts debate the implications, with Mike describing Foles as "just a Jeff Fisher guy, you know, just a little bit below mediocre."

• Jets Acquire Ryan Clady: The Jets have traded for Ryan Clady to bolster their offensive line. Jason Moore remarks, "I think it's a good deal. I think it's going to help their O line," emphasizing the importance of a strong offensive line for both running and passing games.

• Ryan Fitzpatrick's Contract: The Jets publicly disputed reports of offering Fitzpatrick an $8.1 million contract, indicating financial tensions within the team. Mike notes, "I don't think it's as far and away as it used to be," suggesting concerns about the team's financial management.

• Colin Kaepernick Discussion: There are ongoing discussions about Colin Kaepernick and his potential return, with the Broncos considering trading for Josh McCown as an alternative.

Top 10 Tight Ends Ranking

The hosts present their consensus top 10 tight ends, engaging in lively debates about each player's value, consistency, and potential impact on fantasy teams.

#1 Rob Gronkowski

• Andy Holloway [21:09]: "Rob Gronkowski led the league with 16.33 yards per reception and has a proven track record of double-digit touchdowns every year."

• Mike Wright [22:13]: While acknowledging Gronk's elite status, Mike suggests the gap between Gronk and other tight ends has "closed a bit," making Gronk a less tempting first-round pick for some.

#2 Jordan Reed

• Jason Moore [22:13]: "Jordan Reed is not riskier than Gronkowski. He has a high catch percentage and developed great chemistry with Kirk Cousins."

• Andy Holloway [25:28]: Emphasizes Jordan Reed's reliability, stating, "There’s nothing negative to say about Jordan Reed. Jordan Reed is awesome. We love Jordan Reed."

#3 Kobe Fleener

• Jason Moore [30:14]: "Kobe Fleener is available late in drafts and has the potential to finish in the top five. He’s been under the radar but is poised to break out."

• Andy Holloway [31:05]: "Kobe Fleener is more than capable of being what he is, which is a pass-catching tight end. It's inevitable that his hype train will begin."

#4 Gary Barnage

• Mike Wright [34:26]: Supports Barnage's high ranking due to his target volume in the Cleveland Browns offense. "They schemed and they gave him a contract. He was a part of this team going forward."

• Jason Moore [35:24]: Challenges Barnage's ranking based on his inconsistent target history, but concedes, "there are some other factors for the Cleveland Browns. I’m buying into him because of the target volume."

#5 Travis Kelsey

• Andy Holloway [36:12]: Projects Kelsey to reach 1,000 yards, believing that defensive changes will lead to increased utilization. "He's going to be in ADP value because of all the hype last year, the disappointment."

• Mike Wright [39:16]: Questions the projection, asking, "What is your thought process behind getting him to play 1,000 yards?"

#6 Greg Olson

• Andy Holloway [43:46]: Acknowledges Olson's consistency but remains cautious about his touchdown potential. "Greg Olson is great. There's not really a debate there."

• Jason Moore [44:03]: Emphasizes Olson's reliability, stating, "the guy I want the most in the draft on my teams is actually Greg Olson for consistency."

#7 Zach Ertz

• Jason Moore [45:07]: Highlights Ertz's consistent performance and potential for improvement. "He should have had at least three more touchdowns last year."

• Andy Holloway [48:32]: Notes Ertz's high catch rate and chemistry with his quarterback as key strengths.

#8 Tyler Ifert

• Jason Moore [50:33]: Advises against overvaluing Ifert despite his impressive touchdown numbers, "I'm going to target very few guys. I'm going to target Greg Olson for consistency, Kobe Fleener if he's in the 8th or somewhere around there."

• Mike Wright [50:07]: "Tyler Ifert should be the number two target in that offense. So that's the problem with ifrt. It's not a huge problem."

#9 Delaney Walker

• Andy Holloway [52:31]: Supports Walker's ranking based on his career year and consistency. "Delaney Walker is a reliable week-to-week guy."

• Jason Moore [53:26]: Praises Walker's performance, "Delaney Walker had a career year with 1088 yards and six touchdowns."

#10 Antonio Gates

• Mike Wright [55:40]: Projects Gates to remain a top target in the Chargers' offense. "Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates is just a perfect connection."

• Jason Moore [56:39]: Considers Gates a solid late-round pick, emphasizing his proven connection with Rivers.

Additional Notes on Rankings

• Amateur Standouts: The hosts acknowledge other talented tight ends like Austin Severin Jenkins and Will Ty, discussing their potential rise in fantasy rankings.

• Injuries and Consistency: A recurring theme is the impact of injuries on tight ends' performances. Players like Jordan Reed have a high target percentage but also a history of injuries, making consistency a key point of discussion.

• Draft Strategies: The hosts advise against overcommitting to tight ends early in drafts due to the depth of the position. They recommend targeting reliable and consistent players rather than chasing high-risk high-reward options.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the depth of the tight end position, encouraging listeners to remain flexible in their draft strategies and consider streaming the position throughout the season. They emphasize the importance of understanding each player's role within their team and projecting based on consistent performance rather than hype.

Andy Holloway [62:33]: "Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Reed, Kobe Fleener, Gary Barnage, Travis Kelsey, Greg Olson, Zach Ertz, Tyler Ifert, Delaney Walker, Antonio Gates."

The hosts remind listeners to engage with their community through the website and social media for further insights and discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [01:03]: "This episode is so jam-packed with fantasy goodness that you could cut it with a fork and eat it, and it would taste incredible."

• Jason Moore [22:13]: "I think there are 18 tight ends that if you leave with one in the draft, you're going to be okay."

• Mike Wright [31:58]: "I think it is realistic that Kobe Fleener, because of all the tight ends, people are going to fall in love with any number of guys."

This comprehensive analysis provided by the Fantasy Footballers offers invaluable insights into tight end rankings and fantasy strategies, equipping listeners with the knowledge needed to dominate their fantasy leagues.