Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Early TE Rankings Summary

Release Date: April 13, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction to Early Tight End Rankings

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve into their comprehensive early 2017 tight end (TE) rankings. The hosts emphasize the pivotal role of tight ends in fantasy football, highlighting how selecting the right TE can provide a significant weekly advantage over opponents. They discuss the nuances of the TE position, including injury risks, performance consistency, and the impact of elite players like Rob Gronkowski.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dickinson [05:00]: “It's all about touchdowns.”

Consensus Top Tight Ends

1. Rob Gronkowski

   • Rank: #1
   • Description: Gronkowski remains the premier TE when healthy, offering unmatched dominance both in receiving and blocking. Despite injury concerns, his high ceiling makes him a top-tier pick.
   • Notable Quote:
     Jason Moore [14:49]: “He is a monster. He does everything great for a tight end.”

2. Jordan Reed

   • Rank: #2
   • Description: Reed offers high target volume and yardage but has been plagued by injuries. His ability to produce double-digit touchdowns keeps him highly valued.
   • Notable Quote:
     Andy Holloway [19:58]: “I'll take him in the back of the third to make sure I get him if I'm in a full point PPR league.”

3. Travis Kelce

   • Rank: #3
   • Description: Kelce has shown consistent improvement, boasting an increasing number of receptions and yards each season. While his touchdown numbers raised some concerns, his overall performance sustains his high ranking.
   • Notable Quote:
     Jason Moore [21:59]: “He led in targets.”

4. Greg Olsen

   • Rank: #4
   • Description: Olsen is celebrated for his consistency and durability, playing nearly every snap since 2008. His steady production makes him a reliable middle-round pick.
   • Notable Quote:
     Andy Holloway [27:44]: “It's an iron man.”

5. Jimmy Graham

   • Rank: #5
   • Description: Graham showcased a strong comeback from injury, maintaining solid production throughout the season. However, his second-half performance raised questions about his consistency.
   • Notable Quote:
     Jason Moore [33:08]: “His production did not go up as expected.”

6. Tyler Eifert

   • Rank: #6
   • Description: Eifert is noted for his high efficiency and touchdown potential but carries injury risks. His alignment with a reliable quarterback and consistent offensive role bolster his fantasy value.
   • Notable Quote:
     Andy Holloway [35:53]: “He's the highest efficiency points per fantasy points per target of any tight end in the league.”

7. Kyle Rudolph

   • Rank: #7
   • Description: Rudolph offers excellent value given his low average draft position (ADP). He leads in targets and is central to his team's offense, making him a valuable mid-round selection.
   • Notable Quote:
     Andy Holloway [39:31]: “I would much rather spend a third, fourth and fifth round draft pick on another running back and another wide receiver and grab Kyle Rudolph.”

8. Zach Ertz

   • Rank: #8
   • Description: Ertz has emerged as a consistent performer, especially in the second half of seasons. His involvement in red-zone plays makes him a strong contender for high touchdown numbers.
   • Notable Quote:
     Andy Holloway [43:43]: “Zach Ertz got five targets inside the 10. He did score two touchdowns on the five targets.”

9. Delanie Walker

   • Rank: #9
   • Description: Walker remains a dependable TE with steady production, though his upside as a top-three option is limited. His durability and involvement make him a solid mid-tier pick.
   • Notable Quote:
     Jason Moore [45:21]: “He’s never a top three guy from Delanie Walker.”

10. Eric Ebron

    • Rank: #10
    • Description: Ebron offers significant upside with his big-play ability and evolving role in the offense. Despite a low ADP, his potential to break into the top ranks makes him an intriguing late-round target.
    • Notable Quote:
      Eric Dickinson [46:41]: “This guy could win you a championship if you're drafting him with your last pick.”

11. Cameron Brate

    • Rank: #11
    • Description: Brate has shown efficiency in scoring touchdowns but may face competition with new additions to his team. His role as a red-zone target keeps him relevant.
    • Notable Quote:
      Andy Holloway [50:48]: “Cameron Brate's touchdown number was extremely efficient.”

12. Jack Doyle

    • Rank: #12
    • Description: Doyle is viewed as a late-round sleeper with potential upside, especially if the offense leans heavily on the tight end. His connection with a favored quarterback enhances his fantasy prospects.
    • Notable Quote:
      Jason Moore [53:05]: “There is no definitive answer for this.”

13. Hunter Henry

    • Rank: #13
    • Description: Henry offers double-digit touchdown potential and has shown improvement in his second year. However, his position in the draft remains relatively low due to perceived risks.
    • Notable Quote:
      Andy Holloway [55:14]: “I have him at number 10 in my standard list.”

14. Martellus Bennett

    • Rank: #14
    • Description: Bennett provides consistent production but may see a regression in touchdowns. His reliability makes him a steady option within the later rounds.
    • Notable Quote:
      Jason Moore [55:10]: “He had 36 catches with eight touchdowns.”

15. Antonio Gates

    • Rank: #15
    • Description: Gates, a veteran TE, continues to offer solid play despite aging. His reliability keeps him within the top 15, though his ceiling has slightly diminished.
    • Notable Quote:
      Jason Moore [57:13]: “He was drafted as a superstar, but consistency is key.”

Sleeper Picks Outside the Top 15

The hosts identify several tight ends outside the initial top 15 who possess the potential to breakout and climb the rankings based on performance trends and team dynamics.

• Ladarius Green

  • Description: Despite injury concerns, Green has shown explosive play potential. If he remains healthy, his impact could elevate him into the top tier.
  • Notable Quote:
    Jason Moore [58:00]: “If he can, in fact, play 14 or more games, I think Ladarius Green is an easy tight end one.”

• Zach Miller

  • Description: Miller remains a high-risk, high-reward option due to his injury history. However, his productivity when healthy makes him a valuable late-round target.
  • Notable Quote:
    Andy Holloway [58:15]: “Zach Miller could be one of those guys that finishes the year as a top 10.”

• Dennis Pitta

  • Description: Pitta is a reception leader who lacks touchdown consistency. In PPR leagues, his steady target volume can be advantageous.
  • Notable Quote:
    Eric Dickinson [60:11]: “Julian Edelman, Demarius Thomas. I mean, obviously, if Demarius Thomas is sitting there in the fifth round, there's no chance.”

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Fantasy Footballers conclude by reinforcing the significance of selecting the right tight end early in drafts to secure a competitive edge. They encourage listeners to explore their comprehensive rankings on the Fantasy Footballers website and engage with their community for additional insights and resources.

Notable Quote:
Eric Dickinson [60:52]: “If you want to support the show, get an extra episode, get extra questions answered and a bunch of other cool stuff.”

Upcoming Topics:
Next week, the podcast will shift focus to quarterback rankings and rookies to watch for the upcoming NFL draft season.

Stay Connected:
For more detailed rankings and fantasy resources, visit fantasyfootballers.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @FFballers.