Fantasy Football Profiles: Zach Miller, John Carlson, Kellen Winslow

Zach Miller

Miller made huge strides in his second year, hauling in 56 passes for 778 yards. Unfortunately, he only crossed the goal-line once, but he’s still a serviceable tight end.

He was consistently inconsistent, posting eight games with fewer than 50 yards and eight games with 50-plus. Unfortunately, he didn't score the occasional touchdown to buoy some of the low-yardage games.

He’s clearly JaMarcus Russell’s top target, though, as the next closest Raider was Darren McFadden with 29 receptions. Breakout candidate Chaz Schilens is out with a broken foot, so Miller will continue to get a lot of looks. He is an adequate TE1, but only because you’ll be getting him around the 13th round. He should be good for 65 catches for 850 yards and three TDs.

John Carlson

Carlson would be higher on my list after a 55-catch, 627-yard, five-TD rookie season, but, with the additional of T.J. Houshmandzadeh at WR, I’m afraid he won’t get as many targets. Plus, with Walter Jones sidelined following knee surgery, Carlson’s blocking duties could increase. 

He’s still a big, talented target, though, so he should be productive. Just don’t expect him to make the leap into the top five fantasy TEs this year. Although, for a guy going in the 10th round of fantasy drafts, you shouldn’t really expect that much of a leap. He should be good for 60 catches for 700 yards and four TDs.

Kellen Winslow

Winslow is not short on talent or determination, that’s for sure. However, his volatile behavior can be detrimental to a team. His ability to control his emotions leaves plenty to be desired. He is injury-prone, but for the most part guts them out.

He should be in a better situation in Tampa, where he can better keep his emotions in check, but new a coach will not allow Winslow’s antics to make him lose control of the team. He will get plenty of targets because the WRs outside of Antonio Bryant don’t pose a threat, but that will also mean he garners more attention from the opposing defense. 

He’s going around the seventh round of fantasy drafts, and, while he could finish with better numbers than Zach Miller of John Carlson, he’s a riskier proposition. If he stays healthy, he should catch 70 passes for 850 yards and five TDs. I just wouldn’t bank on him playing a full season.

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Originally published at LestersLegends.com.