NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Top 30 Tight Ends
Over the years, the tight end position has gone from being a sixth blocker on the offensive line to becoming one of the most threatening positions on the field. Once viewed as big safety valves, today's NFL tight end displays some of the most freakish athletic ability on the field.
And with so much talk about who is the league's best quarterback, best running back or best receiver—we can't just forget about the tight end. Take a look at the league's best tight ends and how they stack up.
* Points, production, and all other fantasy stats are based on a Yahoo Sports non-PPR league.
1.) Antonio Gates
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Gates continues to be one of the most threatening players on a football field at any given time. Standing 6'4" and weighing almost 260 pounds, Gates presents the body of a defensive lineman but the skill set of a receiver with his speed, hands and route running. And it's always a nice reminder that Gates was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball for Kent State.
Weekly Status: Gates fought through an injury last week and kept his regular season-start streak alive. There's no denying this guy, as he's the key to the San Diego offense.
Fantasy Production: Gates, injury and all, was able to post 11 points last week, and he is still a top 15 player this season.
2.) Dustin Keller
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As New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez heats up, much thanks is due to his tight end, Dustin Keller. Tied for second in the league with five touchdowns as a tight end, Keller serves as a significant part of the Jets' passing game. With 24 receptions and 17 first downs, Keller is a reliable target for the young Sanchez and the AFC-threatening Jets.
Weekly Status: The Jets are coming off their bye week and ready to take on the Green Bay Packers.
Fantasy Production* : Keller has been quite the stud through six games this season. He is a Top Three tight end in most fantasy leagues (64 points).
3.) Zach Miller
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Although the Oakland Raiders have struggled for the past few years, Zach Miller's tight end play has remained superb. The quarterback carosouel in Oakland hasn't made it easy for Miller, but Miller has averaged over 10 yards a reception since his rookie season in 2007.
Weekly Status: Miller caught three passes, including a touchdown, in the Raiders' routing of the Denver Broncos last week.
Fantasy Production* : Miller's bye comes at Week 10, and Miller should begin to produce on a more consistent basis.
4.) Chris Cooley
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Cooley, like Dallas Clark, serves as a great example of the H-back position in the NFL. And fortunately for Cooley this season, he finally has a quarterback that loves him as one of his top targets. Donovan McNabb has used Cooley as a receiver, a tight end, a safety valve, a blocker and everything in between. Barring injury, this could one of Cooley's most productive seasons.
Weekly Status: Cooley played through a concussion in practice last week and was a critical piece of the Redskins' win over the Bears last week.
Fantasy Production* : Cooley's a tough guy and injuries aren't slowing him down a bit. Continue to stick with Cooley as he's a top target for Donovan McNabb—one of only two.
5.) Vernon Davis
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Other than being a freakish athlete and hometown hero for the DMV, Davis is the San Francisco 49ers' leader in receiving yards this season and second in receptions behind only Frank Gore. Once known as head coach Mike Singletary's example, Davis has shown great leadership and admirable work ethic to become one of the league's best.
Weekly Status: Davis has caught a touchdown pass in each of his last four games, but it hasn't been enough to turn the 49ers around. The team is being cautious with a knee injury that Davis has felt since preseason, but there is not update on its severity.
Fantasy Production* : Still in beast mode for the season, be wary of Davis' knee, the team's next game in London and the starting quarterback call going to Troy Smith. After Alex Smith went down with an injury and David Carr was looked over as a backup, Troy Smith may check-down enough to make Davis a huge producer in this week's game.
6.) Aaron Hernandez
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Be prepared for this kid! Hernandez has great playmaking ability as a tight end, and he has the ability to stretch the field, convert first downs and even rush the football. In a system like Bill Belichick's, Hernandez will flourish.
Weekly Status: Some were critical of the rookie Hernandez because of a few dropped balls and loss of focus, but there is no denying his talents. Hernandez is a threat every week, and we all know how the Patriots love to pass. He led the Pats last week with five catches for 54 yards.
Fantasy Production* : With the recent loss of Dallas Clark, Hernandez will continue to shoot up the charts and his targets will likely increase as the season progresses.
7.) Jason Witten
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Usually serving as one of the most dependable and physical tight ends in the game, Witten's performance so far this season is no different. The Cowboys are off to a surprising rough start, but the offense hasn't appeared to struggle to gain yards. That, of course, may all change with the loss of Tony Romo for at least six weeks.
Weekly Status: Witten is never a player to count out. While his team may be on the dark side of things at this point, Witten is still like the team's third receiver. Losing Tony Romo is a huge blow to the Cowboys' offense, but Witten is a primary target no matter who's tossing the ball.
Fantasy Production* : Witten caught nine passes for 95 yards last week, and his production will shift with the absence of Romo. But which way?
8.) Todd Heap
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For the first season in the history of the franchise, the Baltimore Ravens' offense was expected to be more threatening than the team's defense. So far, the Ravens' are threatening on both sides of the ball. With more receiving targets than ever before, Todd Heap is playing well and contributing solid numbers.
Weekly Status: Heap hauled in two touchdowns last week, and the Ravens were lucky to have him. Heap will attempt to recover from a neck injury and a shoulder stinger during the bye week.
Fantasy Production* : Heap went off last week for 17 points, but he faces tougher matchups against the Dolphins and Falcons following the bye.
9.) Brandon Pettigrew
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In just his second season as a pro, Pettigrew has shown tremendous potential in what's sure to be a stellar career. Matt Stafford is due back from injury soon, and that should help Pettigrew's numbers.
Weekly Status: Pettigrew and the Lions are coming off the bye week and taking on the Washington Redskins. I typically don't like to lower player rankings without them playing in that specific week, but Pettigrew has struggled to catch the ball in the clutch and this year's tight ends are no easy competition.
Fantasy Production* : Unless you're in a PPR league, those dropped catches by Pettigrew don't hurt you directly. With that said, Pettigrew will continue to be a huge part of the Lions' offense, and he's a definite starter.
10.) Benjamin Watson
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After spending six successful seasons with the New England Patriots, Watson is off to another great start with the Cleveland Browns. He and the team struggled last week against the New Orleans Saints, but Watson leads the team with 30 catches and is the Browns' go-to guy on short yardage downs.
Weekly Status: Watson was contained last week against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, and he'll head into the bye and get ready for the New England Patriots.
Fantasy Production* : Of course he's not a Gates, but Watson is a very reliable target and a comfortable starter with the ability to go off.
11.) Brent Celek
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It's been a little hectic in Philadelphia as head coach Andy Reid tries to settle on a starting quarterback for his Eagles. With the injury to Michael Vick, Kevin Kolb has re-earned his position and appears to be a little more comfortable without someone breathing down his neck. Brent Celek has risen to become one of the league's top tight ends and he and Kolb could develop quite the connection.
Weekly Status: Celek's receptions are down so far this season after leading the team last year. While I'd like to blame it on the passer, it seems as if Celek is actually the one having trouble catching the ball. The injury to Celek's wrist may play a role in his not-so-sure hands, but the return of Kolb means good things for the fourth-year pro.
Fantasy Production* : Celek's production has been down this season in most leagues, mainly because of the inconsistency at quarterback and a possible nagging injury. Celek gets redzone looks and appears to play better with Kolb at quarterback.
12.) Tony Gonzalez
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He may not have the speed or deep-threat ability that we saw so much of in Kansas City, but Tony Gonzalez is still one of the best tight ends in the league and a very vital part of the Falcons' offense.
Weekly Status: Gonzalez's role has diminished a bit over the past few games, as Roddy White is on his way to a career year. Tony's reliability, however, is second to none.
Fantasy Production* : With two breakout weeks in fantasy this season, Gonzalez isn't putting up consistent starter-numbers. In leagues with less than 16 teams, you can likely find a guy that can post better points.
13.) Marcedes Lewis
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Marcedes Lewis is on pace to have his best season as a pro, already hauling in five touchdown passes in just six games. Lewis' size (6'6") presents many mismatches against defensive backs, and his speed is too much for linebackers, posing as a serious threat for the Jaguars' offense.
Weekly Status: Although the team's second leading receiver, Lewis has struggled with dropped passes. In an offense that hasn't been able to pull out many wins, every catch is vital.
Fantasy Production* : I would say that there's a high beta on Lewis this season. The Jaguars are not that impressive and David Garrard is a little banged up. Lewis is one of many large targets for the Jaguars, and he's an obvious redzone target. Still love his upside.
14.) Kellen Winslow
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Winslow finds himself as the veteran offensive weapon amongst a number of young up-and-comers. With Josh Freeman as his quarterback, Winslow should be able to complete another successful season with the Bucs.
Weekly Status: Yet to grab a touchdown reception, Winslow remains a top target for Josh Freeman—hauling in 18 catches in four games.
Fantasy Production* : If you can afford to miss a touchdown for the sake of consistency and receiving yards, Winslow is perfect. And for what it's worth, I think Winslow's season starts to get a lot brighter.
15.) Jeremy Shockey
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Regardless of Jeremy Shockey being one of the most-hated tight ends in the league, he has also been one of the league's best for the last eight years. In a New Orleans Saints' offense that features Drew Brees and anyone with two hands, Shockey has unbelievable ability but serves as more of a classic tight end in the system.
Weekly Status: After catching just two passes last week, reports have surfaced that Shockey may become less and less of a target this season.
Fantasy Production* : According to the experts, Shockey's effectiveness as a fantasy player is on the down slope. Personally, I used Shcokey as a plug-in last week, and he played to my expectations—but he's a sub from here on out.
16.) Tony Moeaki
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Thanks to a slow start for receiver Dwayne Bowe, rookie tight end Tony Moeaki has become quarterback Matt Cassel's favorite target. And even after Bowe comes around, Moeaki has proven himself and shown his abilities.
Weekly Status: Moeaki continued with his steady production, hauling in three receptions for 42 yards.
Fantasy Production* : With the Kansas City bye week in the rear view, Moeaki is a potential starter in most leagues and a definite roster player in RB/WR/TE flex leagues.
17.) Tony Scheffler
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Even as a second-stringer behind Brandon Pettigrew, Scheffler has posted great numbers to start the season. With Matthew Stafford closer to returning to the team, the Lions should continue to use their tight ends.
Weekly Status: With already 26 receptions on the season, Scheffler is on pace for a career-high in the category. The Detroit Lions are coming off of the bye to host the Washington Redskins.
Fantasy Production* : Starting second-stringers can always be a tough move come Sunday, but Scheffler has proven to be one of the Lions' favorable targets. In some leagues, Scheffler is owned by only six percent of teams.
18.) Visanthe Shiancoe
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Shiancoe began playing his best football when he came to the Minnesota Vikings, but his better football began when Brett Favre became the team's starter. Shiancoe's recent troubles since the acquisition of Randy Moss may just be a wrinkle in the offense that should soon be ironed out.
Weekly Status: Shiancoe had three catches for 30 yards last week and should have had a touchdown too. Finally, Shiancoe shows up, but his favorite quarterback is facing a huge ankle injury.
Fantasy Production* : Shiancoe and Favre have a lot of love for each other on the football field, and the recent bone break in Favre's foot is not good news. If Favre toughs it out, perhaps Shiancoe gets more check-downs. If Favre sits, Shiancoe may continue his slow start.
19.) Anthony Fasano
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Fasano is off to a great start with at least one reception in eight of his last nine games, and he is averaging a team-high 14.1-yards per reception.
Weekly Status: Fasano had three catches for 49 yards last week, and his big play ability is still well intact.
Fantasy Production* : Some simply call Fasano a fill-in. Personally, I love a consistent player that can come up huge in big games.
20.) Jermaine Gresham
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Gresham is a true bright spot in the future of the NFL. Standing 6'5" and weighing 260, Gresham is extremely athletic and has the ability to start at wide receiver. Carson Palmer has struggled as of late, but Gresham will continue to terrorize opposing defenses.
Weekly Status: The Bengals continue to struggle this season and Gresham appears to be feeling it with them. He has the talent to put up top five numbers but not when the team is playing this bad.
Fantasy Production* : It's tough to give up on a guy like Gresham, but the Bengals are clearly struggling this season, and their schedule doesn't get any easier.
21.) Owen Daniels
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In a high-powered offense such as the Houston Texans', Owen Daniels finally looks like he's about to break out again. Daniels has just 15 catches this season and no touchdowns, but he has played much better in his last two games.
Weekly Status: Daniels has played better lately and is averaging almost 13 yards per reception. The Texans will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football this week.
Fantasy Production* : Some are upset, I understand. I wouldn't give up on the guy, he's coming.
22.) Greg Olson
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After being completely ineffective in his previous two games, Olson showed up last week for the Chicago Bears.
Weekly Status: Olson had three receptions for 43 yards last Sunday, and he appeared to be reverting back to true form. The Bears are heading into a much needed bye.
Fantasy Production* : Inconsistency.
23.) Heath Miller
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Last week we said that Miller's production and rank would increase with more time spent with Big Ben. Just sayin...
Weekly Status: Miller caught three passes last week for 33 yards, and his production will definitely increase as the chemistry returns.
Fantasy Production* : Perhaps not capable of a starting spot yet, but Miller could be a great fit near the end of the season on a team that is arguably the strongest in the NFL.
24.) John Carlson
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We originally thought that the Deion Branch trade would help Carlson, but we apparently were wrong. Mike Williams is the clear favorite in terms of receiving targets, and Carlson will have to really begin to prove his worth again.
Weekly Status: Carlson was targeted six times last week and only hauled in one catch for three yards. Ouch.
Fantasy Production* : In all likelihood, you can't afford to take the risk of starting Carlson anymore. While that's completely understandable, maybe you should look into Mike Williams—a prime target in a wide open division.
25.) Bo Scaife
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Weekly Status: Scaife posted limited production last week, and his injury (groin) appears to be getting to him more and more. With Jared Cook waiting to take on the role and Kenny Britt becoming the team's go-to guy, who knows what happens to Scaife.
Fantasy Production* : There's better options out there, and Scaife's injury could keep him on waivers in most leagues.
26.) Evan Moore
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Why not throw this guy out there? Evan Moore has been a serious threat in Cleveland's two tight end set, and he happens to be one of McCoy's favorite targets.
Weekly Status: Moore has just nine receptions this season, but he has made the most of them, averaging a league-high 22.4-yards per reception. He was invisible last week.
Fantasy Production* : At this point, starting Moore would be a gamble. But with one more game under his belt like the one he had two weeks ago, you can expect desperate owners to take a risk.
27.) Rob Gronkowski
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A new one added to the list! Much like Evan Moore in Cleveland, Gronkowski is off to somewhat of a wild start—worthy of bringing in touchdowns.
Weekly Status: Gronkowski hauled in a touchdown reception last week and now has three TDs on nine receptions all year.
Fantasy Production* : With so many options in New England and limited space on your fantasy roster, Grokowski will remain on waivers.
28.) David Thomas
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Other than Shockey, the New Orleans Saints have Dave Thomas in tight end sets.
Weekly Status: Thomas had three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown last week, all of which is attractive.
Fantasy Production* : Simply put, Thomas doesn't receive nearly enough targets to consider him as a player on your squad.
29.) Donald Lee
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Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, outstanding tight end Jermichael Finley has been lost for the season. Fortunately for Donald Lee, his name has been called to fill the void.
Weekly Stats: In an attack like the Packers' and the injury to Finley, Lee's numbers will certainly increase from the current 63 yards and one touchdown.
Fantasy Production* : Not a starter at this point, but that could change. Consider Donald Lee the Packers' starting tight end.
30.) Kevin Boss
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After returning from an early season injury, Boss will begin to make his way towards the top of this list quickly.
Weekly Status: The Giants are a great offense so far this season, and Kevin Boss should have an increased role as the season progresses.
Fantasy Production* : Boss was drafted as a starter in most leagues and many owners were forced to release him. Pick him up if you need a fill-in but use caution—Eli has options ("Jet Blue").
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