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Latest News |
| 10:55 AM | Michael Egnew, TE, MIA |
Egnew having good offseasonNews: The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins tight end Michael Egnew began team drills Tuesday with the starters, ahead even of free agent signee Dustin Keller. Coach Joe Philbin said Egnew earned the reps after a strong offseason. Analysis: We don't expect Egnew to start ahead of Keller, but this is a good sign for Egnew after he flopped as a rookie. He could earn a role in two tight-end sets, but Egnew's Fantasy value will be limited. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day. |
| 9:32 AM | Jeff King, TE, ARI |
King has knee surgeryNews: Cardinals tight end Jeff King had knee surgery earlier this offseason and might miss the start of training camp according to the Arizona Republic. Analysis: King might be the NFL veteran with the most playing time and least Fantasy relevance. He needs a nickname in tune with that, maybe email us some suggestions. With 156 catches and 12 touchdowns in seven seasons (84 starts!) we just don't expect him to become relevant for Fantasy purposes. Leave him off rosters. |
| 5/21/2013 | Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE |
Uninfected Gronk has surgeryNews: Rob Gronkowski had successful surgery on his left forearm Monday and doctors found no infection inside according to multiple reports. He had a new plate installed in his arm to keep things in place inside his forearm and should be done having surgery there. A consultation on his back is expected within the next three to four weeks with surgery to potentially follow. Analysis: Great news! Unless there's a setback with the arm or a serious issue with his back Gronkowski should be ready for the start of training camp. That makes him a safer pick in Fantasy Football since he'll have the time to get ready for the season and potentially play 16 games. We're not out of the woods yet but be ready to consider Gronk with a Top 20 pick in drafts this summer. |
| 5/21/2013 | Anthony McCoy, TE, SEA |
McCoy carted from OTAsNews: The Tacoma News Tribune reports Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy hurt his ankle during 7 on 7 drills and was carted off the field Monday. Analysis: It may or may not be coincidence that the Seahawks brought back project-type tight end Darren Fells on Monday. If the injury is serious it perks up the playing time of both veteran Zach Miller and rookie Luke Wilson. McCoy wasn't a legit Fantasy option to begin with but we'll see what happens. |
| 5/20/2013 | Darren Fells, TE, SEA |
Fells back with SeattleNews: Tight end Darren Fells re-signed with the Seahawks. He's the brother of NFL veteran Daniel Fells. Analysis: Fells, a former basketball player, has good size (6-foot-7, 281 pounds) but not a lot of football experience. He's got a long way to make it in the NFL. |
| 5/20/2013 | Jordan Cameron, TE, CLE |
Cameron expected to be busyNews: In a Q&A with readers, Cleveland Plain Dealer writer Mary Kay Cabot believes the Browns like tight end Jordan Cameron a lot and plan to throw to him plenty. He was targeted on a number of deep balls in their recent OTAs. Head coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner both have experience developing quality tight ends. "This is an offense that has featured tight ends and tight ends have always been a big part of it," Chudzinski said of Cameron two weeks ago. "He has the skill set that fits." Analysis: Cameron isn't going to get picked in every single draft unless he has a fantastic training camp and preseason. And even if he gets rolling he won't be so popular that he gets taken with a decent pick. Consider Cameron among the low-end options you can find toward the end of your draft this summer. |
| 5/15/2013 | Mickey Shuler, TE, BUF |
Shuler ends up in BuffaloNews: The Bills have claimed tight end Mickey Shuler off waivers from the Raiders. Analysis: Buffalo is interested in tight ends to fill in for Scott Chandler until the big guy comes back from a torn ACL. However he's caught two passes in his three-year career and is unlikely to help Fantasy owners crush their leagues. |
| 5/14/2013 | Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN |
Could Gresham break out further?News: CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora believes the addition of tight end Tyler Eifert won't impact teammate Jermaine Gresham at all. In fact, he calls Gresham one of his breakout candidates for 2013. La Canfora cites Gresham's athleticism and ability as positives and thinks Eifert's arrival might make Gresham work a little harder to play well and land a rich contract after the 2014 season. Analysis: La Canfora also cited Gresham's 100-plus targets in 2012 as proof of his involvement with the Bengals. While true, the addition of Eifert could cut into his (and everyone's) targets in 2013. It is true that Gresham has posted improved receiving stats in each of his three seasons but his production could be limited with the improved receiving corps in Cincy. We can think of at least 15 other tight ends we'd rather have based on their situations and potential in comparison to Gresham's. |
| 5/13/2013 | Jared Cook, TE, STL |
Cook on La Canfora's breakout listNews: CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora believes Jared Cook is a candidate to break out in his first year with the Rams. La Canfora correctly notes that he was "handcuffed" by poor quarterback play in Tennessee and figures to be utilized much more often in St. Louis. La Canfora thinks Cook will replace Danny Amendola as Sam Bradford's "security blanket." Analysis: Cook's never had big numbers over the course of a season but could be in line to see a major jump in production this year. We're expecting career-highs. He's one to target late in drafts, particularly if you're the kind of Fantasy owner who doesn't like to spend a quality pick on a tight end. |
| 5/13/2013 | Dennis Pitta, TE, BAL |
Pitta signs; big year coming?News: The Ravens announced Dennis Pitta has signed his one-year tender offer, keeping him in Baltimore purple for another season. He'll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2014 but before that CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora predicts Pitta will have a huge season. Calling him a bigger and faster version of Anquan Boldin, La Canfora sees Pitta lining up all over the place and "easily" posting double-digit touchdowns and get close to 1,000 receiving yards. Analysis: Pitta was a breakout sensation for the Ravens last season, racking up 10 touchdowns and 832 yards in the regular season and four postseason games, so it's not a huge stretch to suggest 10 touchdowns and, say, 950 yards over 16 games. Much of Joe Flacco's success came from finding Pitta in the short area and down the seam, and that figures to continue in 2013. He's worth a mid- to late-round pick as a No. 1 option in drafts. |
| 5/13/2013 | Tyler Eifert, TE, CIN |
Eifert 'probably' in Bengals' base packageNews: Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden basically admitted rookie tight end Tyler Eifert will see a ton of playing time this season, less than two weeks since calling Jermaine Gresham the team's starter and Eifert a backup. "It's just that our base package will probably feature more two tight ends, two receivers rather than one tight end two backs," Gruden told the National Football Post. "We can get everything in our running game in that personnel group. It's taking out a fullback and putting in a heck of a pass catcher and hopefully a good blocker. We like to mix up our personnel groupings and keep defenses off balance hopefully and be diverse in what we do. Our goal is to get our best players on the field." Analysis: Gruden went on to hype up Eifert as a blocker, which is a skill necessary for him to see a lot of playing time, and ultimately applaud his ability to catch passes that aren't perfectly thrown. That's expected to be the case with Andy Dalton throwing. The more playing time Eifert lands, the better his chances of contributing statistically. The more time we see Eifert get with the first-team offense this summer, the more we'll like him. Until then he's worth a late-round pick in seasonal leagues, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts. |
| 5/13/2013 | Luke Willson, TE, SEA |
Wilson's speed showing upNews: Seahawks tight end Luke Wilson looked good during the team's recent rookie minicamp, impressing head coach Pete Carroll. "What we wanted to see is if his speed would show up downfield," Carroll said, "and it certainly does." Analysis: Wilson has plenty of upside at 6-foot-5, 252 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds. But he'll have to keep impressing through training camp in order to land some playing time. That happened to another Wilson in Seattle last year but with veteran Zach Miller likely in his way, Wilson will be a role player at best. Grab him with a middle- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts but that's about it. |
| 5/13/2013 | Michael Palmer, TE, NYG |
Palmer lands with the G-MenNews: The Giants have signed tight end Michael Palmer. Analysis: Looks like Palmer could have the chance to serve as depth behind Brandon Myers for Big Blue. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters. |
| 5/9/2013 | Dion Sims, TE, MIA |
Sims slims downNews: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Dolphins rookie tight end Dion Sims has lost 16 pounds since his college days. Per Sims, he weighed as much as 280 because he was asked to block "70 percent of the time." Sims is expected to serve as the No. 2 tight end for the Dolphins this year. "There's a lot of stuff to know that I didn't have a clue about that can really help me out," Sims said. "Blocking is about shooting your hips forward and bringing your hips to block the defender. Most of the time on tape I was more leaning, heavyset and I was relying on my upper body strength. Once I learn how to use my lower body strength I think I’ll be more effective." Analysis: Sounds like Sims' blocking skills will be what helps him get on the field first, making him a risky Fantasy option for 2013. He should not be drafted in most seasonal leagues and is worth just a late-round pick in rookie-only formats. |
| 5/9/2013 | Delanie Walker, TE, TEN |
Titans see Walker as pass catcherNews: Titans offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains believes new tight end Delanie Walker can make significant contributions in the passing game. Walker is known more for his run-blocking skills than his hands. "I don't know how other people see him. We view him as a No. 1 tight end that will come in here and catch balls and help us win games," Loggains told The Tennessean. The paper cited ProFootballFocus.com that notes Walker dropped nine of 30 passes last year, something Loggains believes Walker can get past. "It's not his hands as much as it is the concentration," Loggains said. "He's got great speed and he's been trying to run before he catches the ball. So it’s just about looking the ball in, and I think that (tight ends coach) George Henshaw has done a great job with him on concentrating on that aspect of the game." Analysis: Walker said his goal is to get 70 catches this season. He's never had more than 29, though he's been a complementary player for much of his career. After watching the Titans miscast Jared Cook for years we don't have much hope for Walker to succeed, particularly in an offense expected to be run-heavy. It's up to you whether or not you want to spend a late pick on Walker. |
| 5/7/2013 | Justice Cunningham, TE, IND |
Colts split up Day 3 picksNews: The Colts used three Day 3 NFL draft picks on offense and two on defense. The notable names are Tennessee-Martin defensive tackle Montori Hughes, Oregon safety John Boyett, Utah State running back Kerwynn Williams and South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham, the last player taken in the draft. Analysis: Hughes is a space eater who has excellent size but doesn't always use it well. He'll probably settle into a role as a situational D-lineman over his career. Boyett is small for a safety and has a pretty serious track record of staying healthy including surgeries to both knees. He's got some risk to him. Williams is very fast but also very small and not very experienced; he might have to earn a role as a return man before contributing on offense. Cunningham is a better blocker than receiver. Williams has appeal with a late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a middle- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts. No one else warrants consideration in any format. |
| 5/7/2013 | Drake Dunsmore, TE, TB |
Dunsmore retires from footballNews: The Bucs announced tight end Drake Dunsmore has retired from football. Analysis: Dunsmore was a former seventh-round pick of the Bucs out of Northwestern but he never played in the regular season. He probably was never on anyone's Fantasy roster. |
| 5/7/2013 | Ryan Griffin, TE, HOU |
Texans' haul includes two pass rushersNews: Notable players drafted by the Texans include LSU pass rusher Sam Montgomery, Connecticut linebacker Trevardo Williams, Jacksonville State receiver Alan Bonner, Bowling Green defensive tackle Chris Jones and Connecticut tight end Ryan Griffin. Analysis: Montgomery figures to be in the mix to contribute as a pass rusher as soon as this season, though his playing time will be minimal. He's got the size and strength but doesn't have the burst off the snap or the technique to be a complete player. Williams should also be in the pass rush mix for the Texans, especially after racking up 11.5 sacks last season for the Huskies. He's explosive, quick and flexible but is undersized and doesn't have much experience in coverage. Bonner is an undersized receiver who doesn't have blazing speed (4.50 in the 40-yard dash) but did have success returning kicks and punts in college. Jones has good size to work as a defensive lineman in the Texans' 3-4 scheme but doesn't have the experience other D-lineman prospects had. Griffin has good height but needs a little more bulk to fit into the tight end frame the Texans tend to like. Montgomery and Williams are both late picks in dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts; the rest of the Texans rookies listed here aren't worth owning. |
| 5/7/2013 | Gavin Escobar, TE, DAL |
Witten to help EscobarNews: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said he’ll give rookie tight end Gavin Escobar all the help he needs. He said he's not going to pull the offended veteran trick and hold anything back from him. “There’s no ego there for me,” he said. “It’s all about winning. That’s part of being a leader and a captain — is to help other guys play at a high level. There’s no hard feelings from that standpoint.” Analysis: It's good that Witten is going to support Escobar, and the two are expected to play in tandem together a lot in two tight-end sets. Clearly Witten is the No. 1 option for the Cowboys at tight end, but Escobar will have a role. He has minimal Fantasy value in seasonal leagues, but he's worth a mid-round pick in rookie-only formats. |
| 5/7/2013 | Ed Dickson, TE, BAL |
Big year expected for DicksonNews: Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta told the Baltimore Sun he expects tight end Eric Dickson to step up in 2013. "Ed Dickson made some big plays last year in the Super Bowl, really played his best football in the playoffs," DeCosta said. "We're excited to see him become what we thought he was going to be. We really think this is his chance to become a really good tight end in the NFL." Analysis: With the Ravens lacking receiving weapons there's a shot Dickson could land more playing time in 2013, perhaps as a traditional tight end while Dennis Pitta splits out wide. ProFootballFocus.com says Dickson played on 57.1 percent of the Ravens snaps last year including the postseason, including eight games with at least 60 percent of the snaps but just two with more than 70 percent. For that he had just 41 targets, good for 27 catches and 315 yards over 13 regular-season games and four playoff games. He didn't score once. The only owners who should consider Dickson late are those in the deepest of leagues that specifically reward tight ends for receptions. |
| 5/6/2013 | Garrett Celek, TE, SF |
Celek aiming for No. 2 roleNews: Garrett Celek says he's aiming to replace Delanie Walker as the No. 2 tight end in the Niners' offense this summer. The Niners added rookie Vance McDonald and veteran Cameron Morrah as competition for the 6-foot-5, 252 pounder. Starter Vernon Davis and guard Alex Boone both think Celek has what it takes to do well with more reps in practice. "He's a great player," Boone told the official team website. "He's strong. He's tough. He's got great hands and he can run block. I think that's what makes a tight end really good. When he's out there, he can make good catches for you and he can always run block and help the run game. I think he does a good job with that." Analysis: Celek, the younger brother of Eagles tight end Brent Celek, could see some work go his way as the Niners like to use multiple tight ends. He'd probably be the guy to get if something were to happen to Vernon Davis this season. Until then, Fantasy owners should pursue other tight ends. |
| 5/6/2013 | Levine Toilolo, TE, ATL |
Tall Toilolo 'hard to miss'News: Falcons coach Mike Smith seemed to come away impressed with rookie tight end Levine Toilolo following minicamp in early May. Toilolo is officially the NFL's tallest tight end at 6-foot-8 and could be a red-zone asset for the Falcons as soon as this season. “He’s hard to miss out there," Smith said according to the official team website. "He did a nice job in improving his understanding and his route running. I thought he caught the ball well. ... Obviously, his efficiency in the red zone is well documented. To throw the ball to a guy in the red zone, you want to make sure he’s going to catch the ball. I think that kind of says what kind of hands he has." Analysis: Ten of Toilolo's 50 receptions in his Stanford career were touchdowns. Toilolo is a willing blocker who did drop some passes in school and not exactly a speedster, but perhaps his biggest problem is being behind Tony Gonzalez on the Falcons' depth chart. That's a short-term problem for his career, however. There's a chance he contributes in 2014 and beyond, making him worth a late pick in dynasty/keeper league drafts and a mid-to-late pick in rookie-only drafts. |
| 5/6/2013 | Jordan Reed, TE, WAS |
Reed has bone bruise in kneeNews: The Washington Examiner reports that Redskins rookie tight end Jordan Reed did not participate in the rookie minicamp because he said he’s still recovering from a bone bruise in his knee. Coach Mike Shanahan said Reed also had a pulled quad, which resulted in soreness in his knee. They’re hopeful he’ll be able to work in a “couple weeks” Shanahan said. Analysis: Reed, who played in college at Florida, led the Gators in receiving with 45 catches for 559 yards last year. Reed has minimal Fantasy value this season in standard leagues, but he could be a solid Fantasy option in 2014 when Fred Davis is potentially gone after signing a one-year deal. Reed could be a tight end in the mold of Aaron Hernandez, who is not traditional and plays almost like a receiver. He's a great tight end to target with a mid-round pick in dynasty only leagues. |
| 5/6/2013 | Michael Williams, TE, DET |
Fuller part of Lions' Day 3 haulNews: Notable draft selections made by the Lions on Day 3 of the NFL draft include South Carolina defensive end Devin Taylor, Virginia Tech receiver Corey Fuller, Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick, Alabama tight end Michael Williams and FAMU linebacker Brandon Hepburn. Analysis: Taylor has awesome measurables at 6-foot-7 and 266 pounds and can play well vs. the run but is lean and doesn't have much explosion or stamina. Not putting up big numbers as a senior (three sacks) is also of concern. Fuller has sleeper potential thanks to his size (6-foot-2) and speed (4.32 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day). He doesn't have bulk to go with it and is still considered a raw prospect, albeit one with some good potential. Riddick's a tough runner but one without the strength to break tackles or pass protect, making him another project-type player for the Lions. Williams is a behemoth (6-foot-6, 278 pounds) who is better at blocking than receiving. Hepburn is a former wrestler who has some good speed (4.54 in the 40-yard dash) and muscle, making him a participant on special teams for a few years to come. None of these guys are worth drafting in 2013 but Fuller and Taylor have the most long-term appeal. We'd take them with late picks in rookie-only and dynasty/keeper league drafts. |
| 5/3/2013 | Jermichael Finley, TE, GB |
Finley could play in slotNews: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers tight end Jermichael Finley could see his role change this year with Greg Jennings gone. Finley could be used more in the slot and/or out wide as a receiver. Analysis: Finley is entering a contract year, so he will be motivated to succeed. In 2012, he had a down year with two touchdowns with 667 yards on a career-high 61 catches., but the loss of Jennings could help Finley be more involved. Consider Finley a No. 2 Fantasy option coming into the season, but don't be surprised if he finishes the year as a Top 10 tight end. He's worth a late-round pick in all leagues. |
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Which of these rookies do you think will make the biggest impact in Fantasy in 2013?
