The most important NFL dress rehearsal is now in the books. Preseason Week 3 featured the longest amount of action from the starters and showed which teams are really ready to go in regular season Week 1. This was also a big week for rookies. Those players that are on fantasy radars saw their toughest competition to date. So how did they fare? We take a look at how rookie tight ends on the fantasy radar held up in preseason Week 3 and what that means for owners.
Fantasy football 2017: Performance of rookie tight ends in preseason Week 3
A look at the most notable rookie tight end performances of preseason Week 3.
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Engram’s versatility makes puts him into a position to be a top-performing tight end this season, especially among the rookies. Engram caught two passes for 32 yards in the third preseason game and has six catches for 75 yards so far this preseason. Playing both in-line and outside, Engram is an every down player and is seeing targets in the red zone.
Engram is getting stronger in his role with the Giants. Now that he is getting looks in the red zone from QB Eli Manning, his fantasy stock is trending upward. The first rounder can play out wide as well which is another plus for owners. Consider Engram a TE2 that can easily elevate to TE1 by midseason.
Howard once again had a more of an impact as a blocker than a receiver in the third preseason game. The 19th overall pick had two catches for 15 yards against Cleveland and has four catches for 43 yards so far this preseason. Tampa Bay has kept Howard primarily focused on protect QB Jameis Winston. However, in the last two preseason games Howard has the same amount of catches and more receiving yards than veteran TE Cameron Brate.
Howard has a big hurdle to get targets from Winston. Winston and Brate have a strong relationship on the field that will naturally leave Howard in the cold. Still, Howard is a big target that will get looks especially in the red zone. Owners should not put too much stock into Howard early, but he can emerge into something special later in the season.
Injuries have limited Njoku on the field most of the preseason. The 29th overall pick has only two catches for 13 yards through two games so far. Despite the limited action, Njoku is one of the most highly touted rookies in the class. With Cleveland already starting a rookie at QB, Njoku is another first-year player the team expects a lot from. His physical presence on the field and speed give him a lot of upside. Owners looking to take a late-round gamble should get a lot of bang picking Njoku.
