Our look at the top value picks in fantasy football drafts is nearing an end, as we come to the tight end position. Sleepers, steals and value picks are really on the same, as one way or another they tell you a player is going to do well, yet they’re under valued to some degree. The tight end position might be the easiest position to find value in this year – not because it’s the deepest – but because beyond Rob Gronkowski, no one knows what to expect.
Jimmy Graham, Jordan Cameron and Julius Thomas are all on new teams and could go either way, Greg Olsen is suddenly far and away Carolina’s only option and many other guys are coming off of down years or have a history of health concerns. That being said, the fact that people are scared to go all in on most of the tight end options means there is bound to be some ridiculous value in a lot of rounds. When you plan to go after your top tight end in your draft is totally up to you, but the following guys represent value in the rounds they’re currently being drafted in:
Julius Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Round 9
I get he’s on the Jaguars and he’s out the first four weeks (hand), but come on. The guy’s upside is obvious after scoring 24 touchdowns in Denver the past two years, while the Jaguars have visibly made strides on offense. Once back, he could end up being the steal of the draft at the tight end position.
Delanie Walker (Tennessee Titans) – Round 10
Walker certainly isn’t a sexy name, but we’re quickly forgetting that this guy was the 12th best tight end in fantasy football uniform in 2013 and finished 9th last year. He’s without a doubt a reliable top-15 guy, especially now that rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is going to need him as a safety blanket. Walker doesn’t light the world on fire, but he’s a steady option that you can find in round 10.
Kyle Rudolph (Minnesota Vikings) and Zach Ertz (Philadephia Eagles) – Round 11
Rudolph is a beast that has been held back forever either by injuries or bad quarterback play. He’s now healthy, Teddy Bridgewater looks like the real deal and Norv Turner’s system can make tight ends into superheros. Rudy is on the cusp of his best season yet. Ertz is no pushover, either, as he flashed brilliance at times last year, and now in his third season in Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense could be ready to truly blow up.
Dwayne Allen (Indianapolis Colts) – Round 12
Coby Fleener is the sexier option for some reason, even though Allen is the better blocker and more put together player. Fleener did draw way more targets last year, but Allen is in a very explosive Colts offense, so he’s worth the risk this late.
Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) – Round 13
I get that Gates is old and will miss the first four games of the year due to suspension. But this is the #2 tight end in fantasy football of a year ago that we’re talking about. It’s true that LaDarcius Green could steal his thunder, but that’s nothing to worry about when you can take a crack at a potential top-5 option in round 13.
Got another tight end to consider late in fantasy drafts? Tell us about them in the comments below!
