Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Title: Top 10 Tight Ends + Draft Strategy & TE Sleepers
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: August 17, 2018

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into the tight end (TE) landscape for the upcoming fantasy football season. The discussion encompasses their top 10 TE rankings, draft strategies, sleeper picks, and essential news updates that could impact fantasy teams. The trio provides insightful analysis, backed by statistics and personal opinions, ensuring listeners receive comprehensive guidance to optimize their TE selections.

News and Updates

Before diving into the TE rankings, the hosts cover significant NFL news impacting fantasy football:

• Delaney Walker Injury ([13:48]): Delaney Walker, a key TE for the Denver Broncos, sustained a toe injury during practice. The severity remains unclear, but any serious injury might prompt Jason to "lower Marcus Mariota in my rankings" due to its potential impact on the Broncos' offense.

• Jamal Williams' Ankle Injury ([14:01]): Packers' running back Jamal Williams injured his ankle in a preseason game but is expected to play through, as acknowledged by Packers' coach Nick Foles.

• Aaron Jones Suspension ([14:59]): Green Bay Packers' running back Aaron Jones faces a two-game suspension, affecting their rushing game and potentially elevating Ty Montgomery as the primary RB.

• Jerick McKinnon's Status ([15:54]): Patriots' running back Jerick McKinnon is out until Week 1 with a knee injury, influencing the team's backfield depth.

• Philadelphia Eagles' TE Nick Foles Injury ([17:14]): Nick Foles, the Eagles' TE, is out due to a strained throwing shoulder. If Carson Wentz isn't back by Week 1, Nate Sudfeld might take over, potentially downgrading the Eagles' offensive outlook.

• Des Bryant Contract Talks ([18:26]): Cleveland Browns are negotiating a contract with TE Des Bryant, who seeks a "short-term prove-it deal." Jason predicts a one-year, $9 million contract, though Andy views it as "too much money."

Top 10 Tight Ends

The heart of the episode revolves around the hosts' Top 10 Tight Ends rankings for the fantasy season. Each TE is evaluated based on past performance, team dynamics, and potential for breakout performances.

1. Rob Gronkowski ([23:45] - [25:20])

   • Overview: Consistently dominating the TE position, Gronkowski offers unmatched production.
   • Quote: Jason asserts, "He is a valuable second-round pick this year."
   • Strategy: Due to his elite status, Gronk is often drafted in the second round, providing a significant positional advantage over opponents.

2. Zach Ertz ([27:35] - [29:35])

   • Overview: A reliable and consistent performer, Ertz remains a top pick with high target volumes.
   • Quote: Andy notes, "There's really nothing to complain about with Zach Ertz."
   • Strategy: Ranked highly due to his consistent target share and touchdown potential, especially with possible WR injuries boosting his role.

3. Travis Kelce ([30:26] - [32:00])

   • Overview: Kelce offers steady production but comes with some uncertainty due to team changes.
   • Quote: Jason mentions, "He is a very consistent player, but there are concerns with the new offensive coordinator."
   • Strategy: Kelce is valued in the third round, balancing his reliability with potential offensive scheme changes.

4. Jimmy Graham ([41:32] - [44:58])

   • Overview: Potential to break into Gronk's tier if he can maintain health and maximize his role.
   • Quote: Andy states, "Jimmy Graham is the only tight end that I believe can enter the Gronk tier."
   • Strategy: While high-performing, Graham's draft cost in the fifth round is a consideration, making him a riskier but potentially rewarding pick.

5. Evan Ingram ([35:58] - [37:33])

   • Overview: Showed promise in his rookie season but may face reduced targets.
   • Quote: Jason says, "I have him just under 100 projected this season."
   • Strategy: Positioned as a late-round flyer, Ingram offers upside without requiring a high draft investment.

6. Jordan Reed ([51:35] - [53:32])

   • Overview: Reed has the potential to be a top-tier TE if he stays healthy post-injury.
   • Quote: Mike highlights, "If he hits, he is a top three tight end."
   • Strategy: Viewed as a high-risk, high-reward pick, Reed is suitable for the eighth round, contingent on his health and performance.

7. Delaney Walker ([46:40] - [48:24])

   • Overview: A consistent performer with a reliable target share, though his draft position is affected by a toe injury.
   • Quote: Andy comments, "He's a favorite target for Marcus Mariota."
   • Strategy: Despite uncertainty due to injuries, Walker remains a solid seventh-round pick for his consistency.

8. Kyle Rudolph ([49:00] - [51:35])

   • Overview: Rudolph is consistent and holds an important role in his team's offense.
   • Quote: Mike states, "He's the last pick of the sixth round and offers stability."
   • Strategy: Best suited for mid to late-round selections, Rudolph provides a reliable option without significant risk.

9. Tyler Higbee ([54:03] - [54:27])

   • Overview: Undrafted or late-round pick with potential to outperform expectations.
   • Quote: Andy suggests, "Spending the last pick on Tyler Higbee can pay off."
   • Strategy: Ideal as a last-minute add-on, Higbee offers upside with minimal draft investment.

10. Luke Wilson ([56:45] - [58:07])

    • Overview: Replacement TE for Detroit Lions with upside in a pass-catching role.
    • Quote: Mike explains, "There are plenty of tight ends who emerge from later rounds."
    • Strategy: Suitable for late-round picks, Wilson has the opportunity to develop into a solid fantasy contributor.

Draft Strategy

The hosts emphasize the importance of a tier-based drafting approach, particularly at the tight end position. They discuss the value of securing top-tier TEs early to gain a positional advantage. Rob Gronkowski, due to his elite status, is a preferred early pick, while players like Zach Ertz offer strong performance without the same draft cost.

• Tier-Based Drafting: Organizing players into tiers allows managers to identify drop-offs in production and make strategic selections.
• Positional Advantage: Securing a top-tier TE like Gronk can compensate for scarcity at other positions, providing a consistent weekly edge.
• Risk Management: Balancing high-reward picks (e.g., Jimmy Graham) with reliable options (e.g., Evan Ingram) helps mitigate potential injuries and performance variability.

TE Sleepers

Identifying undervalued or breakout TEs is crucial for maximizing draft efficiency. The hosts highlight several sleepers who could outperform their draft positions:

• Ricky Seals-Jones: Projected as a potential primary TE due to injuries on the Lions' roster. His involvement could surge in the absence of the starter, offering significant upside.
• Luke Wilson: As a new acquisition for the Detroit Lions, Wilson has the opportunity to carve out a substantial role, especially with the departure of other TEs.
• Tyler Higbee: Often overlooked, Higbee presents an opportunity in late-round drafts to secure a TE with high upside at minimal cost.

Best Ball Insights

The hosts briefly discuss strategies for Best Ball leagues, emphasizing the value of late-round RBs with high upside and TE depth. They suggest targeting ambiguous running back situations and picking flyers in the TE position to capitalize on potential breakout performances without requiring in-season management.

• Ambiguous RB Situations: Investing in RBs who could emerge due to injuries or depth chart changes provides flexibility and upside.
• TE Depth: Focusing on TE sleepers allows managers to maximize points without heavy investment, aligning with Best Ball's auto-lineup nature.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the tight end position in fantasy drafts. By providing detailed rankings, strategic insights, and identifying potential sleepers, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Emphasizing tier-based drafting and balancing risk with opportunity, the episode serves as an essential resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their TE selections and overall draft strategy.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on Gronkowski's Value ([23:55]): "Gronk is going to be on a lot of my teams. So I'll say this though, at the beginning of the second, I'm not going to take."

• Andy Holloway on Zach Ertz's Reliability ([27:35]): "There's really nothing to complain about with Zach Ertz."

• Mike Wright on Jimmy Graham's Draft Cost ([44:55]): "It's not that maybe I'm wrong on Jimmy Graham being 25% or so of the man that he used to be."

Note: For detailed player projections and additional rankings, visit Fantasy Footballers' Ultimate Draft Kit.