Fantasy Football Sleepers: Tight Ends

As far as fantasy football is concerned, no position has a greater drop-off in talent after the top 12-15 players than the tight end position. 

Despite the drop off, there are some star players that everyone knows. Tony Gonzalez has been a staple at the position for a decade, while Antonio Gates is a consensus tight end by America's most knowledgeable websites.

There are other tight ends to consider in the middle rounds of your draft.  Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, Kellen Winslow II, and Chris Cooley are all top tight ends in the NFL. 

Here are some tight ends to consider if you can’t grab the high profile players (in no particular order):

1. Alge Crumpler – Tennessee Titans

Last year, Alge Crumpler had his worst season as a pro since his rookie.  Go figure!  His starting quarterback was gone – something about a dog fight. 

Crumpler didn’t waste a moment to get the heck out of Atlanta.  He signed with the Titans in the offseason. 

Tennessee’s starting quarterback, Vince Young, has a similar style to Michael Vick’s.  While Young doesn’t scramble as much as Vick once did, he certainly has the ability and has been known to take off.  I mention this because Alge has experience in working with a quarterback who moves outside the pocket. 

Look for Crumpler’s numbers to improve this year.  With Tennessee’s lack of depth and talent at wide receiver, Crumpler may be Young’s number one target.

 

2. Donald Lee – Green Bay Packers

No matter who is the quarterback for the Packers, Lee should excel.  During his first four years in the league, Lee was an afterthought in his team’s offense. 

He broke out last year with 48 receptions and six touchdowns.  Lee has only missed three games in five years in the NFL.  Expect him to match or exceed last year’s production.

 

3.  Tony Scheffler – Denver Broncos

Scheffler’s probably the least well-known of the three, outside of the Denver area.  Over half of his 49 catches last year went for first downs or touchdowns.  This shows Cutler’s faith in him in crucial situations.

 In two seasons, he already has nine touchdowns.  Scheffler is only 25 years old and will only get better with experience.