As the fantasy season
has come to an end it’s important to evaluate each position gaining
understanding of their current value. Current season value and previous season
finishes are great evaluating factors to where each player should reside for
the upcoming season. This evaluation is based on a 16-game fantasy season PPR
custom format. Let’s review!
2017 Top 5 Fantasy
Football Tight Ends:
Travis Kelce (KC)
2017 Points: 202.90 |
2016 Points: 191.50 | Net Gain/Loss: +11.40 (Rank #1)
Taking the title for
top fantasy producing tight end for the second straight year is Travis Kelce.
This man is an absolute freak talent that can take over a game at will. Being
one of Alex Smith’s favorite targets, and reaping the advantages of single
coverage with a fantastic supporting cast, Travis had a monster season. Gaining
a slight edge in production over 2016, Kelce was able to generate an additional
11 fantasy points this season breaking the 200 point mark, pretty impressive.
Looking toward 2018 for the Chiefs and Kelce, a few questions may arise. It’s a
forgone conclusion that Alex Smith will not be the Kansas City starting
quarterback in the New Year, handing the reigns over to Patrick Mahomes. If the
hype train is real on the young man and Coach Reid exploits his talents, we
should see Kelce dominate for a third straight year. One possible consideration
on the negative for Kelce is the potential loss of targets he may endure as a
result of a more air-raid offence with the strong armed Mahomes. The potential
for more deep shots to wide receivers could take some bread out of Travis’
hands. It shouldn’t overly affect his value, but he could very well lose points
and lose his number one ranking at the position.
Rob Gronkowski (NE)
2017 Points: 193.27 |
2016 Points: 82.00 | Net Gain/Loss: +111.27 (Rank #2)
Gronk placed himself
right back where he belongs in 2017, atop the leaderboards for NFL tight ends.
Once again the New England Patriots found their stride and dominated their competition
rolling to another first place finish. With the plethora of options on the Pats
offense, Gronkowski became an after though in some contests leaving much to be
desired for his fantasy owners. Finishing off the season on a high note, Rob
was able to generate nothing under 15 fantasy points with a top end of 23
fantasy points in his last five games. Every year injuries have become a
concern for the star tight end, this year was the same. Gronk did miss a few
games due to injury which could’ve placed him in the top position for fantasy
producers at tight end. Looking forward to 2018, there’s been much reported of
late that the Patriots dynasty may be coming to an end as internal
disagreements may cause this demise. There’s no question Rob is still the cream
of the crop at tight end, but observing how the offseason will transpire could
affect his outlook in the New Year. This situation is worth watching.
Zach Ertz (PHI)
2017 Points: 175.93 |
2016 Points: 158.40 | Net Gain/Loss: +17.53 (Rank #3)
Fly Eagles Fly…. 2017
was an absolutely fantastic season for the Eagles star tight end. To begin the
season Ertz’s floor in terms of fantasy production was incredible. This man put
up no less than 10 fantasy points and a ceiling of almost 17 thru weeks 1 to 8!
Ertz became a staple in your lineup on a weekly basis knowing he would
consistently produce each and every week. There’s no question that Zach could’ve
challenged for the top spot in production if he hadn’t missed a few games to
injury. The biggest effect on the last five games to Zach Ertz was the unfortunate
injury to Carson Wentz. With the absence of Wentz, Ertz still managed good numbers
and production showing his role was the benefit of the system not the talent
around him. Ertz was clearly the best value pick at tight end in the 2017
fantasy football draft. 2018 should see much of the same from Ertz provided he
can stay on the field. Ertz has endured a few concussions in his career which
could be cause for concern moving forward. With Carson Wentz pegged to miss the
start of the season Ertz value might again be one to take a chance on.
Jimmy Graham (SEA)
2017 Points: 153.67 |
2016 Points: 161.53 | Net Gain/Loss: -7.86 (Rank #4)
Between weeks 3 thru
13, Jimmy Graham provided fantastic value at the tight end spot generating over
130 fantasy points in that span. Graham again found his place catching
touchdown passes on the limited targets he saw. Jimmy disappointed his owners
come playoff time as he essentially was left off the Seahawks game plan rarely looked
at by Wilson and targeted a season low amount. Graham did save his fantasy
season with his touchdown production and failed to generate top flight numbers
in yards and receptions. When we look to 2018 an interesting possibility exists
that Jimmy might find himself again playing for a different squad. The Seahawks
do face the task of fixing their cap space issues where Jimmy could be priced
out of the equation. If Graham lands on a team that can exploit his abilities and
replicate his Saints days, Jimmy will again be a top sought after tight end.
Evan Engram (NYG)
2017 Points: 149.53 |
2016 Points: N/A | Net Gain/Loss: +149.53 (Rank #5)
Engram did have his
moments in a great rookie campaign with the New York Giants. A super athletic
freak talent, Evan was able to get open consistently blowing past his defenders
with his sub 4.5 speed. The Giants were a complete nightmare in 2017 as they
endured injuries to most of their star talent leaving the multitude of targets
to go in the direction of Engram. One would question the value of Evan come
2018 as he again could become the third or fourth receiving option as players
return from the medical room. Engram has proven he had all the talent and
ability to make plays in this league. Great value could be had come draft time
as Engram could again be undervalued.
2017 Top 3 Failed
Value Tight Ends:
Greg Olsen (CAR)
2017 Points: 36.73 |
2016 Points: 173.53 | Net Gain/Loss: -136.80 (2016 Rank #3)
It was a year of misfortune for the Panthers
Greg Olsen as the season was almost completely lost to a foot injury derailing
his season. Olsen has stayed relatively healthy throughout his career and
teamed with Cam Newton these last several years, has enjoyed great success.
Injuries may begin to creep into Olsen’s game as he continues to age. Never the
less, so long as Olsen has Cam throwing him the ball he should remain a top
target in Carolina. His value should remain similar in 2018.
Martellus Bennett (GB/NE)
2017 Points: 49.07 |
2016 Points: 147.73 | Net Gain/Loss: -98.66 (2016 Rank #8)
A year that began with
so much hype with Bennett signing a free agent contract in Green Bay moving on
from Brady to Rodgers. On paper this looked to be a matchup nightmare for opposing
defenses and never materialized what so ever. The failure compounded in Green
Bay once Rodgers went down with his collarbone injury. Bennett failed to
produce anything above 8 fantasy points in any game he played this season. He
wore out his welcome in Green Bay to which found his way back to the Patriots
via waivers. The future doesn’t look bright for Bennett as he has discussed
retirement from the NFL. The sun may be setting on his career. Almost no value for
Bennett next season unless things change.
Jordan Reed (WAS)
2017 Points: 52.07 |
2016 Points: 145.73 | Net Gain/Loss: -93.66 (2016 Rank #9)
Jordan Reed continues to disappoint owners
that relentlessly draft the athletic stud every year. The 2017 season was lost
like most of his previous seasons due to injury. At this point it’s impossible
to trust Jordan going into any fantasy season moving forward. Along with Reed’s
injury history, the Washington Redskins are in flux as they haven’t made a decision
on Kirk Cousins as the long term starter for the franchise. If Cousins finds a
new home in the offseason, the value of Jordon will almost be non-existent for
2018. Buyer-beware for next season.
2018 Top Potential Tight
Ends:
Hunter Henry (LAC)
2017 Points: 107.60 |
2018 Projected Points: 120-160
ADF can’t deny the talents of the young LA Charger tight end Hunter
Henry. 2017 was a frustrating season for Henry as his usage was completely baffling
to most in the football world. Henry is far too good to have the shackles
placed on and left to wither away with lost production. More surprising was the
fact that Henry still led the Chargers in fantasy points at the position. His
season was cut short near the end as a lacerated kidney placed him on injured
reserve. Moving to 2018, it’s unclear how Henry will be utilized under Coach
Lynn. The fact remains that Hunter is a top tear talent that should be
exploited in the New Year! Potential remains high but production could disappoint
once again.
George Kittle (SF)
2017 Points: 90.33 |
2018 Projected Points: 130-150
With the infusion of Jimmy Garoppolo in San
Francisco under the tutelage of Kyle Shanahan, most every offensive weapon on
the 49ers will generate an uptick in value. Young up and comer George Kittle
has all the ability to turn into a great tight end in the NFL. It’s clear the
49ers have money to spend under then cap, which means they will bring in talent
to help the offensive side of the ball. With that said, Kittle should remain a
decent option in this offense standing 6 foot 4 inches tall, making him a fantastic
red zone threat. Kittle’s value should remain low going into the draft, but he
could be the fantasy sleeper at tight end for 2018.
Trey Burton (PHI)
2017 Points: 71.53 |
2018 Projected Points: 100-130
This evaluation is
based on the potential that Burton signs with a club in need of a play making
tight end with a top flight quarterback. Burton hasn’t over stayed his welcome
in Philly, just too many cooks in the kitchen to keep everyone happy. Burton
flashed his talent this season in an Eagles offense that was prime to explode.
Betting on himself, Trey signed a one year extension in Philly which should
bring him a Brinks truck for 2018. The potential is extremely high for Burton
to make waves next season but it’s all dependent of his landing spot. He most
likely will be a massive sleeper going into the draft. 
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