Fantasy Position Review: TEs Making Moves

The Associated Press has a must-read article on the growth of tight ends in the NFL.

A record 15 are on pace to catch 50 or more passes this season. The tight end has become a leader, instead of a complementary player, in passing attacks.
“I think it is probably the position that has evolved the most in the last 10 years,” said Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith.
In 2003, only four tight ends had at least 50 catches, according to STATS, LLC.

Only a few years ago, fantasy owners looked at the tight end position and saw Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and then “whoever”. Or “whomever” if you were an English major. The past few years have seen Dallas Clark and Jason Witten emerge, but after those guys it was pretty much a wash.

“They’re all the same anyway” people said...and only an fool would draft TWO tight ends.

Not anymore. In point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, tight ends are invaluable.

[Dallas] Clark is tied for third in the league with 26 catches. Gates and Pittsburgh’s Heath Miller each have 24. Jason Witten of Dallas and [Philadelphia’s Brent] Celek each have 23 catches - and Celek has played only three games.

Even if you’re not in a PPR league, tight ends need to be a focus of your team. Brent Celek has more receiving yards than Greg Jennings or Marques Colston -- and more TDs than Jennings as well. With the bye weeks underway, you need to start planning for how you’re going to deal with them. Guys like Jermichael Finley (the same number of receiving yards and the same number of TDs as Bernard Berrian) and Brandon Pettigrew (more receiving yards than Roddy White) may still be available on your waiver wire. Make a spot for them now. In leagues with an offensive flex position, it may even make sense to start a second tight end if you have two good ones.

Tight end used to be the forgotten position in fantasy football, but you can’t afford to overlook it any longer.