News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener totaled three catches for 25 yards during a 24-9 Wild Card round loss to the Ravens. Fleener's longest catch went 12 yards and he was targeted five times.
Analysis: Fleener came into 2012 as a Draft Day sleeper because of his history playing with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford. Fleener didn't disappoint in his NFL debut, totaling six catches for 82 yards at Chicago. Sadly, that was the highlight of Fleener's rookie campaign. He never got close to that production again and even missed four games due to injury. Fellow rookie Dwayne Allen eventually became the more reliable pass-catching tight end for Indianapolis. It has been speculated the Colts are looking to utilize Allen and Fleener long-term like the Patriots use tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. If that happens, then that would be great news for Fantasy owners. However, it's just speculation at this time. Despite a disappointing rookie season, Fleener still has long-term potential. It's just that he will at best be a late-round Fantasy pick in 2013.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener found the end zone in the regular-season finale win over the Texans on Sunday. Fleener scored in the Week 17 game as Andrew Luck hit him for a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Fleener finished the game with just the one catch on two targets from Luck.
Analysis: Fleener finished his season strong with his second receiving touchdown of the year from his former college teammate Luck. Luck and Fleener definitely continued their already-established rapport this season, but Dwayne Allen was also fantastic at the tight end position this year for the quarterback. We like Allen over Fleener heading into the Fantasy playoffs and next year. Consider Fleener more of a No. 2 Fantasy TE option.
News: Colts tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener are looking to finish out the regular season of their rookie campaigns with a solid performance Week 17 against Houston. They should be able to put together solid numbers with Andrew Luck throwing the passes considering the Texans are allowing the fifth-most Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends on the year. The Texans have allowed four tight end touchdowns in the last three weeks.
Analysis: Allen has grown to become Luck's favorite tight end target over Fleener at this point in the season. Fleener only recorded one catch for 2 yards last week and has only one reception in four straight games with one touchdown over that span. Fleener cannot be counted upon for consistent Fantasy production heading into Week 17.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener once again struggled to get going in Week 15 against the Texans Sunday. Fleener was targeted just once by Andrew Luck in the game, bringing that pass in for 21 yards. He was silent otherwise, in a 29-17 loss.
Analysis: Fleener has one reception in each of the three games since he returned from a shoulder injury, and he has not been a major part of the team’s offensive plans. He has been targeted just seven times, bringing in three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. At this point, Fleener should not be relied upon in any Fantasy formats for Week 16 against the Chiefs.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener was able to play through a lingering shoulder issue in Week 15 against the Texans. He has now played in three games in a row since missing four games with the injury.
Analysis: Fleener has struggled for the most part this season, as the Colts have spread the ball around and relied on him less than expected. The injury does not seem to be an issue any longer, however Fleener is still best left in reserves for Week 15.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener has been targeted six times in the two games since returning from a shoulder injury. He has two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown in that span. The rookie was also listed as probable on the injury report for Week 15 at Houston as he continues to shake off a minor ankle issue. He was able to practice in full throughout the past week.
Analysis: Fleener had a lot of hope attached to his Fantasy prospects early in the season, as he played with Andrew Luck at Stanford and had an existing rapport. But, outside of a big Week 1 game, Fleener has failed to deliver any eye-opening numbers. He has just one touchdown on the season and the Week 1 game was his only with over 50 receiving yards. A decent keeper candidate in dynasty leagues, Fleener is best left on waiver wires in Week 15.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener hauled in just one pass in the Week 14 win over Tennessee on Sunday. Fleener went for 9 yards on his only reception. He was targeted four times by quarterback Andrew Luck.
Analysis: Fleener caught a touchdown pass in the Week 13 game at Detroit, but that was his first of the season -- and career. The Colts have plenty of receiving options with Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton as the wideouts, and have been paying less attention to their tight ends of late. Fleener should be considered a low-end option for Week 15 at Houston.
News: Colts rookie tight end Coby Fleener will look to stay in the end zone heading into Week 14 at home against the Titans. Fleener returned to the field after missing four games with an injured shoulder and caught just one pass -- a 26-yard touchdown -- in Week 13 at Detroit. He'll face a Tennessee defense that has not allowed a tight end to score in the last seven weeks.
Analysis: It was nice to see Fleener back in action last week despite being outplayed by Dwayne Allen. It seems as if Andrew Luck will continue to split the workload between Allen and Fleener, which will hurt their numbers moving forward. Opposing tight ends have scored an average of 9.33 Fantasy points per game, which is tied for the third most allowed in the league. Fantasy owners should view Fleener as low-end option in deeper formats heading into Week 14.
News: Colts rookie tight end Coby Fleener was able to return to the field Sunday against the Lions in Week 13 after missing four games with a shoulder injury, and he made his presence known. Fleener had just one catch for 26 yards, but he scored his first touchdown. He had two targets in the game.
Analysis: Fleener will likely start to get more playing time now that it appears his shoulder is healthy, but he will also continue to share targets with Dwayne Allen. Consider Fleener a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 14 against the Titans.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener was able to return to the field Sunday against the Lions in Week 13, after missing four games with a shoulder injury. Fleener was able to make it through practice throughout the week and was considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Fleener will be worked in this week, but he will almost assuredly split looks and snaps with Dwayne Allen. Fleener has struggled to make a big impact as a rookie, so Fantasy owners should consider getting him active only in deeper Fantasy formats for week 13.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) could make his long-awaited return to the lineup in Week 13 at Detroit after being listed as probable on the team's injury report. Fleener, who has missed the past four games with a shoulder injury, was a full participant in practice throughout the past week. He will face a Lions defense that ranks 12th in the NFL against the pass this season and is allowing 221.5 passing yards per game.
Analysis: While Fleener is expected to work back into the Colts' offensive plans upon his return, he still has to contend with Dwayne Allen for targets at tight end. Fleener had just two games with at least five catches and only one outing with more than 50 yards before getting hurt. Detroit is permitting an average of 8.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, but there might not be enough looks to go around between Fleener and Allen on Sunday. Fantasy owners should view Fleener as a low-end option only in deeper formats for Week 13.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener, who has missed the last four games with a shoulder injury, returned to practice Wednesday and was listed as a full participant as the team prepares for Week 13 at Detroit.
Analysis: Fleener should work back into the offense quickly once he is ready to return. However, he still has to contend with Dwayne Allen for targets at tight end. Fleener had just two games with at least five catches and only one game with more than 50 yards before getting hurt. He might have a bright future in the NFL, but Fleener has low-end Fantasy appeal in seasonal formats.
News: Colts interim coach Bruce Arians told reporters Monday tight end Coby Fleener, who has missed the last four games with a shoulder injury, will be ready to practice Wednesday. The Colts are at Detroit Week 13.
Analysis: Fleener should work back into the offense quickly once he is ready to return. However, he still has to contend with Dwayne Allen for targets at tight end. Fleener had just two games with at least five catches and only one game with more than 50 yards before getting hurt. He might have a bright future in the NFL, but Fleener has low-end Fantasy appeal in seasonal formats.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener was listed among the team's inactives for Week 12 against Buffalo as he continues to be hampered by a shoulder injury. Fleener was considered questionable on the injury report after being limited in practice last week. He has now missed four straight games with the issue as Dwayne Allen took his spot in the starting lineup again.
Analysis: Fleener has not played in nearly a month as his last time on field came against Tennessee on Oct. 28. When healthy, he has failed to maintain an active spot in the Colts' offensive plans and tallied just two catches over his last two games prior to the injury. Even when he does return, Fleener is likely destined for a timeshare with Allen and should be viewed as a low-end option only in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) was listed as questionable on the team's injury report for Week 12 against Buffalo. Fleener was a limited participant in practice throughout the past week, including Friday, as he attempts to return from a three-game absence because of a shoulder injury. If he is unable to play, Dwayne Allen is expected to start in his place again at tight end versus a Bills defense that is surrendering 234.1 passing yards per game this season.
Analysis: Fleener has not played in nearly a month as his last time on field came against Tennessee on Oct. 28. When healthy, he has failed to maintain an active spot in the Colts' offensive plans and tallied just two catches over his last two games prior to the injury. The rookie has also yet to reach the end zone in seven outings this season, but could find some success against Buffalo, which is yielding an average of 7.2 Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Even if Fleener is active for Week 12, he is likely destined for a timeshare with Allen and is viewed as a low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Colts interim coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday tight end Coby Fleener was limited in practice. Fleener has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Arians said Monday he was hopeful Fleener would be back Week 12, but the Colts promoted a tight end to the active roster Wednesday, which was a strong indication Fleener might sit again. It does appear he still has a chance to play Sunday, but Fantasy owners should be preparing to start a healthier alternative. While he might have a bright future in the NFL, Fleener is just a low-end Fantasy option in seasonal formats when healthy.
News: Colts interim coach Bruce Arians said Monday he is hopeful tight end Coby Fleener will return to the lineup Week 12 vs. Buffalo. Fleener has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: The Colts have won two of three games since Fleener has been sidelined, so they have managed to survive without him. However, if he shows enough progress leading up to Week 12, then it seems he could return. Unfortunately, he will continue to vie for targets at tight end with Dwayne Allen. Fleener has just 21 catches for 222 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. While he might have a bright future in the NFL, Fleener is just a low-end Fantasy option in seasonal formats when healthy.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) was officially listed as inactive for Week 11 at New England after being ruled out last week. Fleener, who has now missed three consecutive games with a shoulder injury, was replaced in the starting lineup by Dwayne Allen.
Analysis: Colts coach Bruce Arians told reporters last week that Fleener could return to the lineup for Week 12 against Buffalo, but he still needs to make positive strides in practice first. When healthy, Fleener had started losing targets to Allen and has yet to score a touchdown this season. Fantasy owners should leave Fleener reserved only in deeper formats for Week 11.
News: Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday tight end Coby Fleener will miss a third straight game Week 11 at New England because of a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Fleener was expected to miss a few weeks after getting injured Week 9, so it's more disappointing than surprising to hear he won't return Sunday. Continue to keep Fleener out of active Fantasy lineups. Dwayne Allen remains a viable Fantasy start in Fleener's absence.
News: As expected, Colts tight end Coby Fleener was officially ruled inactive for Thursday night's game against the Jaguars in Week 10 as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury. Dwayne Allen is expected to take over at tight end for the Colts.
Analysis: Fleener suffered this injury two weeks ago and has already missed two games in his rookie season. He is not expected to miss the remainder of the season, but could be out for a few more games. We'll continue to keep an eye on his status moving forward. Fantasy owners should keep him stashed in deeper formats for now.
News: Colts interim coach Bruce Arians said Monday tight end Coby Fleener will miss a second straight game Week 10 at Jacksonville (Thursday) because of a shoulder injury.
Analysis: This is not surprising news because Arians said last week Fleener was going to miss a few games. Dwayne Allen should once again pick up the offensive slack at tight end in Fleener's absence. Keep Fleener reserved until further notice.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener was inactive as expected for Week 9 against the Dolphins, due to a left shoulder injury. He is expected to miss at least a few weeks with the injury.
Analysis: Fleener suffered the injury a week ago, and was unable to practice as a result. This should not be a season-ending injury, but it will certainly hamper him for the next few games. At this point, Fleener is worth stashing in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians delivered some disappointing news Wednesday. He told reporters tight end Coby Fleener will miss a few weeks because of a left shoulder subluxation. He will miss his first game Week 9 vs. Miami.
Analysis: Fleener injured his shoulder Week 8, but he was able to finish out the game after missing some playing time. Apparently, the injury turned out to be far worse than initially expected. It's not season-ending, however, and Fleener might only miss a few games, but he needs to be reserved in deep Fantasy formats until further notice. Fleener's absence could mean more targets for tight end Dwayne Allen.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener tallied two receptions for 24 yards during Indianapolis' 19-13 win over Tennessee in Week 8. it was the second straight week Fleener finished with fewer than three catches as he posted a lowly average of 12.0 yards per reception. He briefly departed the game in the third quarter with an apparent shoulder injury, but was able to return a few plays later without any lingering effects of the issue.
Analysis: Fleener's presence in the Colts' offense took a severe hit Sunday as he was targeted only three times by quarterback Andre Luck. Meanwhile, fellow rookie tight end Dwayne Allen (56 yards on four catches) posted the second-highest yardage total on the team to Reggie Wayne and collected five looks from Luck. Fleener is hardly a scoring threat as he has gone seven games without a touchdown during his first year in the league. Fantasy owners should continue to consider him a low-end option in most formats for Week 9 against Miami.
News: On a team that boasts standout receivers in Reggie Wayne and Donnie Avery, there are players bound to be forgotten in the Colts' offense. That distinction appears to have fallen on tight end Coby Fleener as he enters Week 8 at Tennessee having failed to top 50 yards in his past five games. In fact, Fleener is attempting to rebound from one of his weakest performances of the season when he tallied just two receptions -- matching his second-lowest total in his rookie campaign -- for 17 yards against Cleveland last Sunday. The Titans are permitting 281.4 passing yards per game this year.
Analysis: If there was an opportunity for Fleener to duplicate the effort similar to his Week 1 performance against Chicago -- season highs in catches (six) and yards (82) -- it's against the lowly Titans. Tennessee has struggled immensely to defend tight ends this season and permitted the most Fantasy points per game to the position in the NFL (12.7). Plus, tight ends have scored seven touchdowns against the Titans, including a pair of multi-score outings. Hopefully Fleener can rebound in Week 8 as he makes for a decent bye-week replacement in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener saw two looks in the Week 7 win over the Browns. Fleener caught both passes that came his way from quarterback Andrew Luck as he went for 17 yards. His long grab went for 10 yards.
Analysis: The rookie Fleener had his best game of the season Week 1 and has since struggled for consistent production. The Colts have two viable tight ends for Luck to look to and Fleener will not produce consistently. Fleener is not really a recommended Fantasy option at the tight end position heading into Week 8 at Tennessee.
News: Indianapolis rookie tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen have both done well this season leading into Week 7 at home against the Browns. Unfortunately, the Browns have been solid against tight ends this season. Cleveland has held the Fantasy production of opposing tight ends down for the most part this season, though Jermaine Gresham did score the first TE TD against them since Week 1 last Sunday.
Analysis: Fleener and Allen have combined for 29 catches and 290 receiving yards as rookie tight ends this season. Fleener has been the better option to this point with 17 catches for 181 yards, but has yet to score and went for just 42 yards last week on four catches against the Jets. Not much is expected out of either TE for Week 7 and Fleener is the better option as a No. 2 Fantasy TE.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener recorded four catches for 42 yards during the Colts' 35-9 loss to the Jets in Week 6. Fleener's yardage output was his highest since the season opener at Chicago (82) as he averaged a decent 10.5 yards per catch. He finished with just six targets from quarterback Andrew Luck, six behind team leader Donnie Avery (12).
Analysis: Fleener hasn't been targeted much downfield recently as his longest gain Sunday went for 12 yards while Avery and Reggie Wayne hauled in long catches of 24 and 29 yards, respectively. The rookie from Stanford posted a nearly identical line to his previous game when he finished with five catches for 41 yards last Sunday against Green Bay. He has yet to reach the end zone and should be viewed as a low-end option in Week 7 against Cleveland.
News: Prior to his matchup in Week 4 against Green Bay, Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener had registered just two catches for 16 yards in his previous two games as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck spread the ball elsewhere. But he rebounded nicely against the Packers and tallied five receptions for 41 yards -- his highest total since the season opener -- and will attempt to continue his re-emergence in the offensive plans during Week 6 against the Jets. New York ranks fifth in the NFL defending the pass this season, allowing 199.8 yards per game.
Analysis: Fleener appeared to be one of Luck's favorite targets in Week 1 as he notched six catches for 82 yards against Chicago. But since then, the Colts have allowed the rookie quarterback to air the ball out more and trusted him with deeper passes downfield. That has resulted in a decrease in catches for Fleener, though he remains heavily targeted. The Jets are surrendering an average of 8.6 Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and allowed three touchdowns to the position. Consider Fleener a low-end option in deeper formats for Week 6.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener caught five catches for 41 yards in Sunday's 30-27 victory over the Packers. He was targeted nine times.
Analysis: Fleener's nine targets tied him for second on the team, with T.Y. Hilton. And his 41 yards were the most he's put up since his Week 1, 82-yard performance. With the tight end position being deep this year, and Fleener's performance being a bit erratic and tough to predict, he's probably best left for deeper (16- teams or more) leagues. There's always a chance he picks his production up, but the usage of fellow tight end Dwayne Allen (four catches for 38 yards and a touchdown) in Sunday's victory isn't the most reassuring factor for owners looking at Fleener to get back to his Week 1 numbers.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener (head) was a full participant in practice for the second straight day Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Week 5 against Green Bay. Fleener should be able to suit up and play.
Analysis: Fleener had a strong performance in the first game of the season, but has been largely a non-factor in two games since. He has just two catches for 16 yards over the last two games, after putting up six catches for 82 yards in the first game of the season. Hurting his value more than the prospect of a minor injury is the relative success Green Bay has found against tight ends this season; in four games, the Packers have held opposing tight ends to the 12th-fewest Fantasy points per game. Fleener could always pop back into relevancy, especially because the Colts will likely be forced to pass the ball a lot against the Packers. Fleener is a risky start for Week 5, and should be left in reserve in most Fantasy formats.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener status is starting to look much brighter for Week 5 against the Packers. Fleener was back to practicing in full Wednesday, after being limited in practice the day before with a head injury.
Analysis: Fleener had a strong performance in the first game of the season, but has been largely a non-factor in two games since. He has just two catches for 16 yards over the last two games, after putting up six catches for 82 yards in the first game of the season. Hurting his value more than the prospect of a minor injury is the relative success Green Bay has found against tight ends this season; in four games, the Packers have held opposing tight ends to the 12th-fewest Fantasy points per game. Fleener could always pop back into relevancy, especially because the Colts will likely be forced to pass the ball a lot against the Packers. Fleener is a risky start for Week 5, and should be left in reserve in most Fantasy formats.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener was limited in practice on Wednesday with a head injury. It's not known how the injury happened or where it came from, as the team had a bye in Week 4. Fleener is looking to return to his Week 1 stats, when he had six catches for 82 yards. He had just two receptions for 16 yards in the following two games.
Analysis: Fleener, who was teammates with Andrew Luck in college, only saw two targets in Week 3, down from 10 in Week 1. Hurting his value more is the relative success Green Bay has found against tight ends this season; in four games, the Packers have held opposing tight ends to the 12th-fewest Fantasy points per game. Fleener could always pop back into relevancy, partially because of his prior relationship with Luck and partially because the Colts like to pass, and he may just stumble into yardage. With the TE position being deeper than it has been in years, though, more reliable options exist on waiver wires in all but the deepest formats.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener was held without a catch as he collected just two targets from quarterback Andrew Luck during the Colts' 22-17 loss to Jacksonville in Week 3. Fleener, who watched as seven other players haul in at least one pass, now has just two receptions for 16 yards in his past two games. His yards per catch average has dropped as a result and now sits at 12.3 yards through three weeks.
Analysis: Fleener's 82-yard performance in the season opener against Chicago seems like a distant memory as Luck -- his former college teammate -- has looked in the direction of other receivers downfield. Fleener doesn't possess the same blazing speed as his receiving counterparts as Luck has taken more chances airing the ball out. Consider Fleener a low-end option for Week 5 against Green Bay as the Colts are idle in Week 4.
News: Colts tight end Coby Fleener has gotten off to a pretty solid start to his NFL career, ranking in the top-10 in the NFL among NFL tight ends with eight catches through two weeks. He attributes his success to the relationship he has built over five years playing with quarterback Andrew Luck, going back to their days at Stanford. “It comes back to have timing with Andrew Luck,” he said. “Being college teammates we’ve gotten to work quite a bit longer than most rookies have together, so it’s a benefit to both of us.” The two will try to carry their chemistry into Week 3, as they get set to host the Jaguars.
Analysis: Fleener has eight catches for 98 yards through two games, which puts him on pace for a pretty decent rookie season, if he can keep it up. He has yet to find the end zone, however, and he might not get there this week, as the Jaguars have yet to allow a receiving touchdown to a tight end this season. Jacksonville has limited tight ends to just six Fantasy points allowed per game, on 65 yards and six catches per game so far. Fleener should continue to be a solid option in PPR leagues, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy start until he develops a nose for the end zone.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener recorded just two catches for 16 yards during the Colts' 23-20 victory over Minnesota in Week 2. Fleener was targeted only four times by quarterback Andrew Luck -- six fewer looks than he amassed during the season opener against Chicago. His total placed him third among Indianapolis' receivers behind Donnie Avery (10) and Reggie Wayne (seven).
Analysis: Fleener was unable to duplicate the fine performance he turned in during his NFL debut when he had six receptions for 82 yards. Instead, Luck looked away from his college teammate and took more chances downfield with Avery and Wayne, who hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass. Inconsistent outings could follow Fleener for the season so consider him a low-end Fantasy option for Week 3 against Jacksonville.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener certainly didn't resemble a rookie during his NFL debut in Week 1 against Chicago. The 23-year-old paced all rookies in catches (six) and ranked second in receiving yards (82) as he carried over the chemistry he showed with quarterback Andrew Luck in college to the pros. Fleener will look to sustain that success during a Week 2 matchup against Minnesota, which permitted Jacksonville's receivers to rack up 270 yards during an overtime victory in its season opener.
Analysis: Fleener served as the highest targeted receiver behind Reggie Wayne last week as Luck looked in his direction 10 times. (Wayne received 18 targets.) But it's an encouraging sign the tandem has picked up where it left off from Stanford as Fleener presents a large target for Luck in the middle of the field just beyond the line of scrimmage. Fleener will attempt to reach the end zone this week after Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis scored his first touchdown since 2010 last Sunday against the Vikings. Consider him a quality option in most Fantasy formats for Week 2.
News: Although the Colts lost their Week 1 opener against the Bears, the team had some promising moments, which included the play of rookie tight end Coby Fleener. The former Stanford standout hooked up with his former college quarterback, Andrew Luck, for six catches for 82 yards. Fleener's longest reception went 24 yards and he was targeted 10 times, which was the second-most targets on the team behind Reggie Wayne's 18.
Analysis: Fleener's NFL debut went better than expected. Everyone anticipates him having a productive rookie season since he has all that history with Luck dating back to college, but to see him this successful in the first game is encouraging. We expect the Colts to be behind plenty in 2012, which means Luck could be taking to the air often. He showed Sunday that his two favorite targets were Wayne and Fleener, so we expect that trend to continue. Fantasy owners might consider activating Fleener heading into Week 2 against the Vikings, who allowed a touchdown to Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis in Week 1.
News: Not only will Colts rookie tight end Coby Fleener be making his regular season NFL debut Week 1 against the Bears, it will be a homecoming for the 6-6, 250-pound tight end, who is a former Chicago-area high school sensation. Fleener, who attended Joilet Catholic Academy, will be facing off against a Bears defense that yielded 8.4 Fantasy points per week to tight ends in 2011, which was sixth highest in the NFL. Tight ends also totaled nine touchdowns against Chicago, but only one in the last six weeks of the season.
Analysis: Fleener could have a smooth transition to life in the NFL because he will be catching passes from his former college quarterback, Andrew Luck. "I know how he cuts, how he gets out of breaks better than any of the other guys by virtue of four years of throwing," Luck told the Chicago Tribune. Many Fantasy owners are counting on that chemistry seeing Fleener is already owned in more than 65 percent of Fantasy leagues heading into Week 1. Fleener will have some competition from fellow rookie tight end Dwayne Allen for targets at tight end, so that could cut into Fleener's production. He is more of a low-end Fantasy option for Week 1. Let's see how he does in a regular season game before jumping fully on the bandwagon.
News: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener finished up the preseason on Thursday in the finale against the Bengals. Fleener caught one pass in the game for 8 yards and was targeted twice as the Colts played their starters for a small stretch early in the game. Fleener, who joins quarterback Andrew Luck as rookies out of Stanford, has caught five passes this preseason for 46 yards but did not score. Fleener and Luck know each other well and the quarterback should look to his comrade in pressure situations.
Analysis: Fleener is the likely starter for Week 1 at Chicago and since he has a relationship with Luck built in, we expect him to see plenty of looks immediately. Fleener should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy option with sleeper appeal heading into the season. He's being grabbed up late in drafts, though he's not yet a recommended start for Week 1 as the rookie-rookie tandem is never one for consistency.
News:The Chicago Tribune reports the Colts have been pleased with the progress of the Illinois native and rookie tight end Coby Fleener. “He’s coming along,” Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said of the second-round pick. “He is a very gifted, gifted guy. When the lights come on, he’s ready to roll. There is a process to becoming a pro. Every day he is learning.” The Colts have honed in on blocking as an area of improvement for Fleener, who has four catches for 38 years in the preseason. "We know what his strengths are, but to be a complete player he has to become a better blocker,” Grigson said. “But the other things he has are things you can’t teach, and that’s why he’s here in the first place. The way to sum him up in a nutshell is to say he is a king-sized wide receiver who plays above the rim. But he also can become that and a well-rounded tight end. He’s working hard at it.”
Analysis: A lot of folks are excited to see what Fleener can do in Indy, especially since he joins his former college quarterback and No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft -- Andrew Luck. "It’s an advantage in that we started with a pretty good sense of each other’s timing,” Fleener said. “Now our real advantage is knowing how to talk to each other to help each other understand as quickly as possible any changes that need to be made.” Fleener appears on track to start the Colts' opener Sept. 9 at Chicago, which will certainly be a homecoming for the former Chicago-area high school sensation. Many Fantasy owners view Fleener as a Draft Day sleeper. Look to him in the late rounds on Draft Day.
News: Stanford tight end Coby Fleener will join his quarterback in Indianapolis. Andrew Luck, who started under center for the Cardinal and threw early and often to Fleener, will continue to do so after the Colts drafted the tight end in Round 2 of the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2011, Fleener averaged 19.6 yards per reception with 10 touchdown receptions, which followed up an eight-touchdown campaign in 2010. CBSSports.com asked Colts coach Chuck Pagano about Fleener earlier this offseason, and he loved him. "Six-foot-six and 250 pounds and runs 4.5," Pagano said of Fleener. "I think anybody would be excited to have a guy like that playing for you on the offensive side of the ball. He's a mismatch in the pass game, he'll fight you in the run game. He comes from a pro style offense but you spread those guys out and I know this coming off the AFC Championship Game, you've got to try to defend and cover guys like Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski and it's a nightmare. ... He's definitely got the skill set, the size and the numbers to certainly be a viable guy for anybody in this league."
Analysis: This is the perfect spot for Fleener and has the makings of Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark for years and years. The two obviously have chemistry going back to their Stanford days and should be able to connect regularly as soon as Week 1 this season. Fleener isn't a thumper as a blocker, but he does have surprising foot speed, agility and leaping ability for a player of his size, making him a legitimate threat down the seam. We see the former Chicago-area high school sensation as someone well worth the risk of taking with a late-round pick in seasonal drafts, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.
News: If there's a coach who's seen a lot of Stanford tight end Coby Fleener, it's Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. That's because Pagano is studying Fleener's collegiate quarterback, Andrew Luck, but the big tight end hasn't gone unnoticed. "Six-foot-six and 250 pounds and runs 4.5," Pagano said of Fleener. "I think anybody would be excited to have a guy like that playing for you on the offensive side of the ball. He's a mismatch in the pass game, he'll fight you in the run game. He comes from a pro style offense but you spread those guys out and I know this coming off the AFC Championship Game, you've got to try to defend and cover guys like Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski and it's a nightmare. ... He's definitely got the skill set, the size and the numbers to certainly be a viable guy for anybody in this league."
Analysis: Fleener is expected to be taken toward the back half of the first round of April's draft -- the Bears, Browns, Steelers, Texans and Giants might take a long look at him. In 2011, Fleener averaged 19.6 yards per reception with 10 touchdown receptions, which followed up an eight-touchdown campaign in 2010. Fleener isn't a thumper as a blocker, but he does have surprising foot speed, agility and leaping ability for a player of his size, making him a legitimate threat down the seam. We see the former Chicago-area high school sensation as someone well worth the risk of taking with a late-round pick in drafts, so long as he doesn't end up on a team with an already established tight end.
News: Stanford's Andrew Luck might be this year's top quarterback prospect, but his big tight end might lead that position. Stanford tight end Coby Fleener (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) solidified himself as this year's top tight end prospect after a huge Pro Day showing on Thursday. He timed unofficially at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash before catching a slew of passes from Luck, displaying some incredible athleticism that many will compare to -- you guessed it -- Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. "I'm very thankful for Gronkowskis and the Jimmy Grahams of the world," Fleener said according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "What they’ve done over the past couple years, it’s helped out tight-end draft class."
Analysis: Fleener is expected to be taken toward the back half of the first round of April's draft. In 2011, Fleener averaged 19.6 yards per reception with 10 touchdown receptions, which followed up an eight-touchdown campaign in 2010. Fleener isn't a thumper as a blocker, but he does have surprising foot speed, agility and leaping ability for a player of his size, making him a legitimate threat down the seam. We see the former Chicago-area high school sensation as someone well worth the risk of taking with a late-round pick in drafts, so long as he doesn't end up on a team with an already established tight end.
