Fantasy Football 2012 Fantasy Rankings: Top 25 Tight Ends (Updated 08/09/12)

We all know who the top tight ends are. While the order may vary slightly, we all also know the next tier for the most part. What comes after the top 10, however? Who has the most upside? Who should we pass on? Let’s take a look at how the rankings currently stack up:

1. Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots
2. Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints
3. Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys
4. Aaron Hernandez – New England Patriots
5. Jermichael Finley – Green Bay Packers
6. Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers
7. Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers
8. Brandon Pettigrew – Detroit Lions
9. Fred Davis – Washington Redskins
10. Tony Gonzalez – Atlanta Falcons
11. Jacob Tamme – Denver Broncos
12. Brent Celek – Philadelphia Eagles
13. Jared Cook – Tennessee Titans
14. Jermaine Gresham – Cincinnati Bengals
15. Owen Daniels – Houston Texans
16. Colby Fleener – Indianapolis Colts
17. Dustin Keller – New York Jets
18. Kellen Winslow – Seattle Seahawks
19. Martelius Bennett – New York Giants
20. Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings
21. Greg Olsen – Carolina Panthers
22. Tony Moeaki – Kansas City Chiefs
23. Ed Dickson – Baltimore Ravens
24. Heath Miller – Pittsburgh Steelers
25. Kellen Davis – Chicago Bears

Thoughts

- As I discussed here, I wouldn’t undervalue the consistent play of Jason Witten. With the Cowboys seemingly primed to go with two main receivers (having failed to replace Laurent Robinson), Witten could easily be looked to in order to fill the void. Throw in more hamstring issues for Miles Austin and Witten could be primed for a career year. I’d be more than willing to take him as the third tight end off the board.

- Colby Fleener is a bit of a risk, but he already has a rapport with Andrew Luck thanks to their time at Stanford and easily could be his safety valve.  That should make for a nice rookie campaign.

- I know there have already been issues with Martelius Bennett, especially with him reporting to camp significantly over weight. However, the Giants always tend to find tight ends and get the most out of them. First it was Kevin Boss, than it was Jake Ballard. 

The thing is that Bennett probably has more talent than either of them and now will get a chance to have Eli Manning setting him up to make plays. Don’t be surprised if Bennett emerges as a viable option before long.

- Kellen Winslow moves from Tampa Bay to Seattle, but with Matt Flynn likely set to take over as the starting quarterback that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Winslow has long been a productive tight end with 730-plus yards in five of the past six seasons, and he could become an even bigger red zone threat (he’s never had more than five in a season). He’s not an ideal TE1, but as a reserve option with upside there is a lot to like.

Make sure to check out our 2012 fantasy football rankings:

Top 30 Quarterbacks
Top 40 Running Backs
Top 50 Wide Receivers
Top 15 Defenses