Knowing tight-end levels key to drafting
IN RELATION to fantasy football, there are a number of certainties both analysts and players have learned to accept. Loading up on running backs and wide receivers is paramount. Sure, you could go Zero-RB, but that’s usually effective if you’re only seeking out a fifthplace finish. Waiting on quarterbacks is highly recommended. Yes, you can use an early pick on Patrick Mahomes, but with so much depth at the position, your success or failure does not hinge on owning him. Kickers and defenses are a joke. Not much room for debate there. But if there is one position that is not only growing in depth but also in popularity, it’ s the tight end. Whether you once subscribed to the theory of drafting Rob Gronkowski in the first round or you preferred to punt t he position altogether, we all can agree that the landscape of the posi
tion has change and now there is, literally, something for everyone.
You can start with the big three — Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and George Kittle. If you believe in the advantage one receives having an elite tight end, you can pay the price this season and have three from which to choose. Is that the right move? Maybe. It’s very difficult to argue against the production or the role each one plays in their respective offense.
If you feel like drafting a tight end in the first three rounds is a bit much, the next tier is not just incredibly talented, but they’re also a bit more cost effective. Evan Engram, Eric Ebron, Hunter Henry and O.J. Howard are all viable candidates to own this season and each one plays a pivotal role on their team. Engram and Howard are extremely active in the passing game, particularly between the 20s. Henry and Ebron are expected to remain high- level red zone targets. For a fifth or sixth-round pick, you’re doing rather well for yourself.
Is the price still too steep for your liking? Welcome to the Vance McDonald discount. The Steelers have more than 100 catches to make up for with the departure of Antonio Brown, but while everyone is debating between Donte Moncrief and James Washington, few people are paying attention of McDonald’s gradual increase in targets over the latter half of the 2018 season or his expected role in Randy Fichtner’s offensive game plan this year.
Really? You want dirt-cheap? You want to pay pennies for premium production? Well then let everyone else fight over Noah Fant and T.J Hockenson. You know better than to put your trust in a rookie tight end. Those guys almost never produce. Instead, how about fourth-year pro Darren Waller of the Raiders? Jon Gruden’s pass-heavy scheme is going to require a strong pass-catching tight end and Waller is the guy no one is talking about but should.
The tight end position has evolved tremendously over the last few years, and it is the successful fantasy owner who understands the trends. You can invest a lot or you can invest a little, but the bottom line is this is no longer just a throw-away position.