Fantasy Rankings: NFC North Tight Ends in 2009

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This is certainly one of the weaker divisions in fantasy football for tight ends, but a few at the top could end up being valuable contributors to your team by the season's end.

1. Greg Olsen

Olsen is a talented, third-year TE, whose productivity to this point has been hindered from mediocre quarter back play. Last year, in his second year in the NFL, he finished with 54 catches, for 574 yards and five touchdowns.

He now has a real quarterback throwing the ball his way and with very few receiving threats on the outside, look for Cutler to target Olsen plenty. He should finish with over 750 yards and eight-to-10 touchdowns.

2. Visanthe Shiancoe

Last year was a breakout season for Shiancoe, who for years failed to do anything of consequence. But in 2008, he finished with just under 600 yards and seven touchdowns.

If the long standing rumor of Favre joining the Vikings becomes a reality, then Shiancoe's stock instantly rises. The veteran quarterback knows how to utilize his tight ends and will locate Visanthe between 60 and 70 times for over 700 yards. He should then average around six-to-eight touchdowns.

3. Donald Lee

The Packers' offense doesn't necessarily run through its tight ends, but it has always made use of them near the goal line, which was the case last year as Lee hauled in five touchdowns on just 39 receptions.

Look for Lee to play a similar role in the 2009 version of the Packers offense and remain a key target in the red zone.

4. Brandon Pettigrew

The highly touted tight end from Oklahoma St. instantly becomes the Lions starter in his rookie season. Pettigrew possesses a healthy combination of strength, speed, and hands, and should make his presence felt in the middle of the field.

From a fantasy perspective it's probably not wise to expect too much in year one, but he could become a viable threat after the midpoint of the season.

Draft Tip

While none of these tight ends will go early in the draft, Olsen does have the ability to end up a standout fantasy player when all is said and done. If you can get him after round six, it's a good spot.

Shiancoe will be a nice choice after round eight, while Lee can probably be picked towards the end of the draft (he will provide value because of his touchdowns).

If you have the opportunity to land Pettigrew at the end of the draft, he could turn into a nice late season fantasy sleeper.

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