Fantasy Football 2011: Tight End Rankings

Ryan LesterJun 7, 2018

Here’s an expanded and updated look at my 2011 tight end rankings.

1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers: Gates was limited to 10 games last year, but his 10 touchdowns and 782 yards were enough maintain the top slot.

2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys: Steady as they come. He’s topped 90 catches and 1,000 yards in three of the past four years. His “off” year was still 81 and 952.

3. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers: His ability is not an issue. Durability is a different story. High-risk, high-reward pick.

4. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers: In 2009 he proved he wasn’t a bust with 965 yards and 13 touchdowns. Last year he proved he wasn’t a fluke with 914 yards and seven scores.

5. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts did not miss a beat when Dallas went down. That shouldn’t take anything away from Clark, though. He’s big and fast, runs clean routes and has great hands.

6. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders: Miller showed unbelievable toughness last year and still managed to turn in another solid season. He has averaged 756 yards over the past three years.

7. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints: Jimmy proved to be a nice red-zone threat thanks to his 6'6'' frame. Consistency could be an issue because Brees likes to spread the ball around, but there will be catches to be had if Reggie Bush is shown the door.

8. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Winslow regressed a bit, but his 730 yards and five scores were still solid.

9. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions: Pettigrew had 722 yards and five touchdowns. He didn’t finish strong with 36 or fewer yards in four of his last five games, but the talent is clearly there.

10. Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots: I had Gronkowski ranked higher initially, but upon further review, it’s Aaron Hernandez that I prefer of the Patriots tight ends. He is a nightmare to cover while Gronkowski is the goal-line specialist.

11. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans: If he’s healthy, he’s a TE1.

12. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins: He doesn’t score, but he picks up the yards when healthy.

13. Dustin Keller, New York Jets: Depending on what happens with the Jets’ wide receivers, Keller could jump up the ranking to top-10 territory.

14. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons: The addition of Julio Jones means there is likely another option ahead of Gonzo on the pecking order.

15. Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars: I’m skeptical when someone blows up in a contract year.

16. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots: Gronkowski caught 10 touchdown passes last year as a rookie. Aaron Hernandez will have more yards, but Gronkowski is the better red-zone option.

17. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers: Miller’s value depends on how well the line protects Big Ben.

18. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles: Celek is another one that could end up blocking more than running routes. He bulked up this offseason. He’ll also have to show better hands.

19. Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals: With a rookie QB likely leading the way, the Bengals could be relying on Jermaine Gresham plenty this year.

20. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings: Ditto the Vikings.