Fantasy Football 2012: Top 30 Tight End Rankings (Updated 8/29)

While it’s good to hear Jason Witten is likely to have the questionable tag for the Cowboys' early first game against the Giants, fantasy owners should still protect themselves in case he’s out, and for more than one week.

There’s really no telling how long his spleen injury will keep him out, or if he suffers a setback once he returns to game action.

With this in mind, fantasy owners who land Witten in the middle round should target a respectable backup. Kyle Rudolph and Greg Olsen are two names that jump out to me who could have good seasons.

The Panthers expect Brandon LaFell to have a breakout third season, but don’t be surprised if Olsen is Cam Newton’s No. 2 target after Steve Smith. With Smith coming back from a foot injury, Olsen is set up for a big game against the Buccaneers.

Consider Rudolph the Vikings' go-to option in the red zone for touchdowns via the passing game. Rudolph has had a solid offseason and will be on a team that his forced to throw the football often, especially with Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford exploiting their weak secondary.

1	Jimmy Graham
2	Rob Gronkowski
3	Antonio Gates
4	Vernon Davis
5	Aaron Hernandez
6	Jermichael Finley
7	Jacob Tamme
8	Brandon Pettigrew
9	Jermaine Gresham
10	Kyle Rudolph
11	Fred Davis
12	Jason Witten
13	Tony Gonzalez
14	Greg Olsen
15	Jared Cook
16	Brent Celek
17	Owen Daniels
18	Kellen Davis
19	Dwayne Allen
20	Scott Chandler
21	Coby Fleener
22	Ed Dickson
23	Dustin Keller
24	Lance Kendricks
25	D.J. Williams
26	Kellen Winslow
27	Martellus Bennett
28	Joel Dreessen
29	Tony Moeaki
30	Marcedes Lewis

2012 Standard Position Rankings - Top 200 | QB | RB | WR | Cheat Sheets |