Sleeper TEs: Kevin Boss and Brandon Pettigrew Could Be Fantasy Contributors

We all know that fantasy tight ends are a tough group to predict. After the top four or five names have come off the board, any of the remaining options could produce in any given week.

Let’s take a look at a pair of the lower-tier options who have the potential to emerge as viable fantasy options this season.

Kevin Boss, New York Giants

His presence was part of the reason they opted to ship Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans. Unfortunately, Boss did not produce as expected in 2008, catching just 33 balls for 384 yards after emerging as a solid pass-catching option during the Giants' march to the Super Bowl in 2007.

He did, however, manage to score six TDs last season, a number that he could improve upon in 2009. With Plaxico Burress no longer on the team, they will be looking for a big target in the red zone.

They drafted Ramses Barden, a 6′6″ receiver out of Cal Poly, in the third round this past year. Given his inexperience and the depth at WR the team has, it is not a given that he sees the field often.

Of course, given their draft history, it’s likely that Barden makes at least a minor impact this season, but you still have to think that Boss, also standing at 6′6″, could become a huge red zone factor, especially early in the season.

He’s not likely to be among the league leaders in receptions or yards from the position, but he was already tied for fifth in TDs among tight ends last season. It certainly would not be surprising to see him find his way into the top three, at worst, this season.

Considering that there were only seven TEs who had over 700 yards receiving last season, this type of advantage would go a long way.

Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions

Drafted in the first round out of Oklahoma State, Pettigrew could be the safety valve rookie Matt Stafford needs, despite his college numbers appearing to be nothing close to an elite-level TE.

I think NFL.com, in their coverage of the combine, summed it up best by saying, “Relegated to blocking throughout much of his early career due to the Cowboys’ focus on other playmakers, Pettigrew is more NFL-ready than most recent collegiate tight ends. A nagging ankle injury robbed him of the opportunity of breaking out as a senior, but the natural hands, rare athleticism and brute strength demonstrated throughout his career are the traits scouts look for in a complete tight end.”

Like Boss, I’d be surprised if he was among the leaders in receptions or yards. He’s not going to be the go-to guy on his team, with Calvin Johnson entrenched as the star receiver. That’s going to put him a step below the Jason Witten or Antonio Gates type of tight ends in the world.

Still, he has the potential to step up and join the mix of TEs in the No. 6-15 range for fantasy owners, making him worth considering in all formats. I wouldn’t draft him as a starter, because he is a very big risk. However, keep your eye on him and see what happens. The upside potential is certainly there.

What do you think of these two TEs? Will either emerge as a must use option? Are there any other low-end TEs you're eyeing?

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