Week 1 of the preseason usually is slow going. However, it is also the rookie showcase as many new talents make their career debut. We cannot jump to too many conclusions from a few quarters of play in what is essentially a scrimmage game. However, some rookies are already on the fantasy radar and owners should know if they are living up to the hype.
Fantasy Football Preseason Week 1 Review: Rookie tight ends
A look at the most notable tight end performances of preseason Week 1.
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So to that end, here is how some of the more notable tight ends fared in preseason Week 1. Fantasy owners take note.
The Bucs are excited about Howard’s promise, however, that is mainly as a blocker. The 19th overall pick was only targeted once in his NFL debut. Howard looks to be well behind Cameron Brate in the pass catching duties for Tampa Bay.
Many owners are a little too eager about Howard. He has struggled to hold onto the ball and the Bucs seem fine to just let the first-round pick support the offensive line for now. Let Howard show up on the field before giving him a look in fantasy.
David Njoku - Cleveland Brown
Njoku is having a rough start to his NFL career. The first-round pick has struggled with fumbles, blocking and route running in camp and missed the preseason opener with back problems. While all of that sounds bleak, Njoku is in a position to be one of the more productive rookie tight ends in the league. The Browns cut Gary Barnidge and Terrelle Pryor opening the door for Njoku to receive a high number of targets, especially in the red zone. If the 29th overall pick can get better overall he is poised to make some noise in fantasy.
Engram’s NFL debut did not offer much. The 23rd overall pick had one catch for 11 yards on two targets. Surprisingly, he was out-targeted by veteran Rhett Ellison.
The Giants are asking a lot of their first round pick. Head coach Ben McAdoo has expressed that they want to use Engram as a receiver and in the back field. This makes the first rounder’s outlook good. He is joining a loaded receiving core though. Passes will not be guaranteed. Still, as a versatile offensive weapon, Engram has a lot of potential, especially for DFS players.
Everett managed two catches for 12 yards in his first NFL game. The Rams, one the NFL’s worst offenses, seem to rely on second-year veteran Tyler Higbee to shoulder most of the load at the tight end position.
The upside for Everett is not much, however, he has been compared to Jordan Reed and head coach Sean McVay likes a tight-end focused passing game. The second pick is likely to start. Should the Rams offense make a big turnaround, Everett could be an interesting sleeper.
