Tight-end bargains do exist outside top five

IT’S AUGUST, which means welcome to draft month in fantasy football. An early look indicates running backs are at a serious premium, and both the wide receiver and quarterback positions are incredibly deep.

But the industry is split regarding the depth at tight end. Though many still consider it a throwaway outside of the top five, waiting on the position in your draft may not be so bad after all.

Drafting the top five — Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, Zach Ertz and Darren Waller — routinely will cost you an early draft pick. But a deeper look into the position gives promise throughout your draft.

Though some people will overdraft Tyler Higbee because of his 2019 performance or Rob Gronkowski because of his name, the middle tier of the position is flush with talent and targets. Austin Hooper takes his wide-body to Cleveland which keeps him viable, but those targets vacated in Atlanta go to Hayden Hurst, who is now primed for a breakout campaign. And if you understand the Chargers are playing copycat with the Ravens offensive scheme this season, you may consider Hunter Henry who could be 2020’s Mark Andrews.

Further down, Mike Gesicki remains a strong option in Miami, especially if he continues to line up in the slot. If you’re looking for completely underrated, check out Titans’ Jonnu Smith, as he could end up the second-most targeted player in that offense. And don’t sleep on Eric Ebron, He could be just as deadly a red-zone target in

Pittsburgh as he was in Indianapolis.

This position is deeper than you think. Your patience could be your best move.

Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at Fantasy-Alarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.