Fantasy Football 2011: Is Jared Cook Ready to Emerge?

Jared Cook has been a sleeper candidate each of the past two years. Unfortunately all he has to show for it is 38 career catches for 435 yards and one touchdown.

As we’ve noted before, it takes time for tight ends to develop into quality NFL players.

Not only do they have to learn their assignments in the passing game, they have to learn the blocking scheme as well. There is a lot to digest.

Vernon Davis, who is gifted physically, like Cook, failed to reach expectations in his first three years in the league. Antonio Gates, arguably the greatest tight end of all time, had 389 yards as a rookie. Tony Gonzalez had 368.

Now I don’t expect Cook to reach those heights, but he could develop into a high end TE2.

The Titans just don’t have that many weapons. Kenny Britt presents the top option in the passing game, but the rest of the receivers don’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses.

Cook’s size and athleticism presents a mismatch, one that Matt Hasselbeck will look to exploit. He is simply too big for safeties to cover and too fast for tight ends.

The Titans have been using more two-tight end sets, allowing Cook to line up out wide and become more of a focal point in the passing game.

Blocking isn’t his strength and the Titans aren’t going to try to force him to be. Daniel Graham and Craig Stevens will handle the blocking duties while Cook will work the middle of the field.

I wouldn’t dream of going into the year with Cook as my TE1, but I can envision him playing his way into that role for fantasy teams. Draft him late and hope he can emerge.

Also check out

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings