2008 Building A Dynasty: TEs - Joe Kilroy

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Questions have surrounded Gates’ health since suffering a toe injury during the playoffs. Regardless, his level of play when healthy is too high to pass on. If he is unable to particpate during training camp and the preseason it may be time to lower his ranking.

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Jason Witten, DAL

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Witten has been among the elite TEs for a few seasons now. The rapport he has had over the last year and a half with Tony Romo only serves to increase his value. His numbers should continue to impress for quite sometime.

Gonzalez is getting older, but continues to rank among the best TEs in the league year after year. At 32, he could still have another 2-3 seasons as a Top 5 performer. Until he stops producing, there is little reason to doubt him.

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Chris Cooley, WAS

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Cooley’s production the last three seasons have been about as consistent as you can get. He’s never finished with less then 6 TDs since entering the league. Should be a Top 10 performer for a few more years.

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Kellen Winslow, CLE

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The only concerns with Winslow are in regards to health. Inuries early in his career have been well documented. He had offseason surgery on his knee, but is expected to be healthy for the start of the season.

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Todd Heap, BAL

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Heap is another player that has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. Nonetheless, when healthy he is among the most talented TEs in the league. Despite missing most of last season, he’s healthy now and fully participating in offseason workouts.

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Heath Miller, PIT

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Miller set career highs for himself in receptions (47), yardage (566), and TDs (7) last season. He’s also been one of Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets in the red zone. His best seasons may still be yet to come.

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Dallas Clark, IND

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Clark’s potential has long been known, but injuries have set him back in the past. Last year he remained healthy, starting 15 games while setting career highs for himself across the board, including 11 TD receptions. If he can keep himself on the field look for him to be a Top 10 TE over the next few years.

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Owen Daniels, HOU

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Daniels followed up a strong rookie campaign with an even better season last year. He seems to be a fixture in the Texans offense. The following years should continue to be some of his best.

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Vernon Davis, SF

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Davis is a gifted athlete, but hasn’t yet capitilized on his potential. Part of that is due to him learning the ins and outs of being a TE in the NFL. Some of it also has to do with the struggles of the 49ers offense. In Mike Martz’s system however, his value should be on the rise.

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Jeremy Shockey, NYG

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Shockey has been a Top 12 performer at the TE position since entering the league. His value took a hit though last season, and his current squabbles with the franchise aren’t helping any. His physical style of play may also shorten his years of effectiveness.

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Tony Scheffler, DEN

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Scheffler had a strong outing in just his second season last year, but injured himself in the offseason. The injury is to the same foot that caused him to miss early parts of 2007. If it keeps him out of action leading up to the opener his value will drop a bit.

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Zach Miller, OAK

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Miller started all 16 games as a rookie last year, finishing with 44 receptions, for 444 yards, and 3 TDs. He has the potential to do more and could quickly climb the charts if JaMarcus Russell lives up to his billing as the #1 pick in the 2007 draft.

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Greg Olsen, CHI

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Olsen has the skill set to be a terrific receiver at the TE position. Two factors hinder his value however. The Bears offense isn’t all that impressive, and he currently splits playing time with Desmond Clark.

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Dustin Keller, NYJ

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As the first TE off the board in this years draft, Keller could make an immediate impact in the Jets offense. Should Chris Baker retain the starting job, Keller is still likely to get his fair share of looks as a rookie.

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L.J. Smith, PHI

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Smith’s been productive in the past, but is yet to secure a long term contract with the Eagles. Signed to a one year deal in the offseason, he may be playing for a different team in 2009. Playing in a different system will likely hurt his value in the future.

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Ben Watson, NE

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Injuries cost Watson significant playing time last season, but he still managed to haul in 6 of Brady’s record breaking 50 TD passes. If the Pats offense performs in the same manner as it did last year then Watson’s value is on the rise. He’s had high expectations in the past however, but never seems to fulfill them.

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Donald Lee, GB

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Lee had a strong showing as a first time starter with Green Bay last season. Like every other receiving target in Green Bay though, Brett Favre’s retirement is likely to decrease his production. Third round pick Jermichael Finley may also challenge him for playing time in the years ahead.

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John Carlson, SEA

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A second round pick in this years draft, Carlson has an excellent oppurtunity to start for the Seahawks as a rookie. Will Heller and Jeb Putzier aren’t the strongest competition, and Carlson is the most balanced TE they have as both a blocker and receiver.

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Anthony Fasano, MIA

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Bill Parcells drafted Fasano while head coach of the Cowboys two years ago, then acquired him in a trade this offseason. According to recent reports, he is expected to supplant David Martin as the starter in Miami. He comes with some upside and could make for solid #2 TE in dynasty leagues.

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Desmond Clark, CHI

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Clark has played well for the Bears the last two seasons, but his upside is very limited. At 31 his best years are likely behind him. Splitting time with Greg Olsen doesn’t help his value any either.

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Bo Scaife, TEN

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Scaife’s been the starter in Tennessee for two seasons, but has little to show for his efforts. The Titans offseason acquisition of Alge Crumpler won’t increase his value any.

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Alge Crumpler, TEN

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Crumpler had a disappointing season last year, but still managed 5 TDs on 42 receptions for 444 yards. Signed by the Titans in the offseason, he could bounce back with a strong outing, but will likely split playing time with Bo Scaife at the position.

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Leonard Pope, ARI

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Pope’s main value lies in the fact he is a giant target in the red zone, standing 6’8" tall and weighing 265 pounds. A dislocated ankle has kept him from participating in offseason workouts however and opened the door for Ben Patrick to steal some of his playing time.

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Randy McMichael, STL

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McMichael was a mainstay among the Top 12 at tight end early in his career, but his best days are now behind him. If the St. Louis offense clicks this season, he may once again climb the rankings, but don’t count on it.

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Eric Johnson, NO

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Johnson always seems a legitimate "sleeper" pick at the start of the year, but inuries always seem to derail his season. At this point, there is little reason to expect he can be a reliable starter for your team.

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Jeff King, CAR

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King got a off to a hot start last season, but was a nonfactor in the offense once Delhomme went down with an injury. Now that Delhomme’s back he may once again hold value, but it’s hard to envision he’ll become a top option for fantasy owners.

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Marcedes Lewis, JAC

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Through two seasons, Lewis hasn’t panned out as the Jaguars hoped when they used a first round pick on him in 2006. Considering their run heavy approach with the offense, don’t expect much from Lewis anytime soon.

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Alex Smith, TB

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Smith made his name known as rookie in fantasy leagues, but hasn’t capatalized on that momentum in the two years since then. There’s little reason to get excited about his prospects now.

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Brent Celek, PHI

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Celek looked good in the preseason last year and managed to make a few nice receptions during the season. His true value lies as a potential starter with the Eagles should L.J. Smith depart via free agency at the end of the year.

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Jermichael Finley, GB

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Finley has the skill set to be a terrific receiver at the TE position in the NFL. He’ll likely back-up Donald Lee for a couple years, but will be someone to keep an eye on over the next few seasons.

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Brad Cottam, KC

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Some feel Cottam has the potential to be the best TE to come out of this draft when all is said and done. He is a work in progress however and will take a few years to develope. Gonzalez owners should look to grab him.

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Fred Davis, WAS

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Davis has terrific potential, but playing behind Chris Cooley it’s hard to imagine he’ll make a big impact in fantasy leagues early in his career. If he were drafted by another team there’d be good reason to rank him higher on the list.

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Martin Rucker, CLE

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Rucker is a solid receiver at the position with the potential to grow into an all around TE in the league. If Winslow were to miss time due to injury, Rucker may eventually make a worthwhile option. Someone Winslow owners may wish to grab.

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Martellus Bennett, DAL

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Bennett has the abilty to one day make for a great target at TE in the NFL. For fantasy purposes though, playing behind Jason Witten will make it difficult for him to have any type of significant impact early in his career.

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