As we gear
up for the offseason, taking an early review of how the top performers stacked
up this season will be a valuable tool in dissecting placement in 2020.
Tight end
has been a position that has seen better days in terms of fantasy football achievements,
but this season saw a much better showing. While it’s clear the top dogs still
run the show for the position by a large margin, greater usage for the tight
end on other clubs is beginning to again bear fruit. Let’s review this year
crop of earners and duds from the 2019 fantasy season.
2019 Top 10 Fantasy Football Tight Ends
Travis Kelce (KC)
2019 Points: 248.9 | 2018 Points: 283.4 |
Net Gain/Loss: -34.5 (Rank 1)
Once again,
the best tight end in fantasy football is the Chiefs Travis Kelce. While many
believed the previous year’s numbers would again come to pass, we fully
expected most of the top tight ends to have some level of drop off. Even though
Kelce lost production to the tune of nearly 40 points, his season total was
still very impressive.
Heading into
the 2020 season, Kelce and the Chiefs will look to continue their domination on
the league with this high octane unit. Where Kelce lost traction was in the
play action game which literally was non-existent for the Chiefs this year.
Adding a viable RB1 to the club this offseason will again allow them to exploit
the mismatches leaving this man to again be a top earner. We still see two or
three prime years left in Kelce.
Zach Ertz (PHI)
2019 Points: 215.6 | 2018 Points: 275.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: -60.2 (Rank 2)
This finish
was a little peculiar in our eyes, especially in how many players were lost to
injury on this Eagles club in 2019. With virtually no receiving help for a good
portion of the season, we believed Zach Ertz would’ve been fed the ball a
career high amount of times to elevate his numbers that much more. Not being
able to follow up last season’s stats, Ertz still gave more than enough at the
position.
Heading into
the new year, the Eagles will need to address their depth issues to help draw
coverage from Ertz. We have seen consecutive years of grave injury on this
team, and perhaps we could see a change of the guard with the expanded role of
his teammate – Dallas Goedert. This will be something to watch in 2020.
Mark Andrews (BAL)
2019 Points: 207.2 | 2018 Points: 97.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: +109.4 (Rank 3)
The biggest
riser at the position came from the Ravens Mark Andrews. While this wasn’t a
huge surprise to us given to how this offense is built, Andrews took advantage
of most opportunities. Being a run first team solidified the placement of this
tight end as he rarely left the field of play. Rewarding his owners with high
end draft value return on investment was very clear after only the first couple
weeks.
Even as the
Ravens fell short of their team goals in 2019, the future looks very bright in
how good they can actually become. There is no question this offense will continue
to be that run heavy scheme, which will again support the game of Andrews. Our
only concern is that with a full offseason of tape for opposing defensive
coordinators to dissect, we could see numbers fall, leaving Andrews a touch
over drafted in 2020.
George Kittle (SF)
2019 Points: 206.2 | 2018 Points: 228.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: -22.6 (Rank 4)
The San
Francisco 49ers found their way in 2019 to become one of the best teams in the
NFL. Built with a fabulous defense, the run first scheme was also the mantra
for the most part. With that system in place, Kittle, like Andrews, rarely left
the field which allows them to be utilized in all play action situations. Even
though Kittle witnessed a drop from his past numbers, the elite nature of his
play is the giant positive.
With the
49ers adding more weapons to this offense at the receiver position, we could
see more expansion to feed the pass over the run in 2020. With that said, we
also have concern for Kittle in terms of health just from the way he plays the
game. Continuous hard hits will eventually add up, leaving this man to have
more trips to the medical room. Still a great up and coming star to trust next season.
Darren Waller (OAK)
2019 Points: 204.3 | 2018 Points: 10.3 |
Net Gain/Loss: +194.0 (Rank 5)
Heading back
to the offseason, one of our dark horses at the position was this man – Darren Waller.
Coming off a regrettable 2018 campaign, Waller found traction on this Raiders
club especially when Antonio Brown was given his release. With large amounts of
targets to be spread around, by default, Waller was truly the next man up.
Looking to
what the future has in store, we can’t envision any situation where the Raiders
won’t be in the market to upgrade this pass catching core. If weapons are added
to make that difference, we will see less balls headed Waller’s way, which
should drop his tallies. On the flip side, with more talent comes less double
coverage which could boost Waller’s overall outlook. We love the prospects of
Waller being a top player once again.
Austin Hooper (ATL)
2019 Points: 180.2 | 2018 Points: 151.3 |
Net Gain/Loss: +28.9 (Rank 6)
To be fully
transparent and honest, we have been lukewarm on the services of Austin Hooper,
but always have appreciated the skill set. Playing in this Falcons offense which
is loaded with receiving talent, Hooper surpassed last year’s numbers to flirt
with being in the top five. Hooper saw his role expand this season which was a little
shocking to us. We believed the added targets would’ve gone to Calvin Ridley instead,
but it is what it is.
For terms of
evaluation, we really struggle to preach Hooper with overabundance at this
point simply because of how this Falcons club is set up. Right up against the
salary cap, Hooper may find his way onto another team in 2020. Until we know
where he’ll suit up, Hooper’s value is up in the air.
Jared Cook (NO)
2019 Points: 155.1 | 2018 Points: 187.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: -32.7 (Rank 7)
When the
Saints signed free agent Jared Cook from the Raiders, we truly projected over
200 fantasy points being the sound floor. While that mark fell just 45 points
shy, his campaign was solid for the most part with disappearances in some
contests.
The largest
question for the upcoming season would obviously be - who will play quarterback
for the Saints. While Drew Brees continues to ponder his future, Sean Payton
has already provided his endorsement to Taysom Hill being the future passer for
this club. With age also not on his side, Cook might see a massive drop with
the Saints possible transition.
Tyler Higbee (LAR)
2019 Points: 138.0 | 2018 Points: 60.6 |
Net Gain/Loss: +77.4 (Rank 8)
A player
that saw a massive increase in production and usage this season, the Rams Tyler
Higbee showed us everything of what we thought he could be. Having all the intangibles
to compete as a top tier talent at the position, the offensive scheme change
was the dictating force for his growth in 2019.
While some
may wonder if this will continue for Higbee or if he’ll be relegated back to
low statistical levels, we feel it could be real. The Rams have many questions
that need answers on this roster and don’t have the cap space to resolve them.
There is the potential that Robert Woods is a cap causality, leaving Higbee to
pick up the slack. Watching how this roster shakes out will be primary in
placing value, but we like the potential.
Hunter Henry (LAC)
2019 Points: 135.0 | 2018 Points: N/A | Net
Gain/Loss: +135.0 (Rank 9)
Injuries
have derailed the overall potential for the Chargers Hunter Henry so far in his
career, but after coming back strong this season from what appeared to be
season ending again – the future looks bright.
Even though
the Chargers underachieved this past season, many questions will need to be
answered and one will be at the most important position – the quarterback.
Heading into
the new campaign, Los Angeles may choose to draft a new signal caller, sign one
from the open market, or ride with Tyrod Taylor. Either way, using the tight
end will be a staple in this offense. Henry (baring health issues) should be a
great value pick in fantasy drafts with extremely high upside.
Dallas Goedert (PHI)
2019 Points: 134.2 | 2018 Points: 84.7 |
Net Gain/Loss: +49.5 (Rank 10)
Much like
the evaluation for the Eagles Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert was expected to see
more work in this offense, and that he did. Securing nearly 50 more points
year-over-year, the Eagles truly have two top end playmakers at the position. The
NFL is a copycat league and teams are now vying to have these types of players
on the roster to be more multidimensional.
Looking forward
at the prospects, we find it hard to believe that the Eagles won’t continue to employ
Goedert with more responsibilities, especially with Miles Sanders taking the
next step in the run game. Having both Goedert and Ertz on the field will cause
nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators if executed properly. Similar
numbers with a possible 25-40 point increase could be realized in 2020 here.
2019 Top 5 Failed Value Tight Ends
Eric Ebron (IND)
2019 Points: 86.5 | 2018 Points: 206.2 |
Net Gain/Loss: -119.7 (Rank 1)
Starting at
the top of failed seasons at the position, how can we not discuss the Colts
Eric Ebron? Coming off a career best campaign in 2018, Ebron took a massive
step back losing nearly 120 fantasy points in the process. Many factors did
contribute to the drastic fall, the number one reason being Andrew Luck
retiring.
While we
know Ebron has always had levels of concern with dropped passes, he still has
loads of talent and could rebound. With the Colts already saying they will likely
move on from Ebron this offseason, the prospective of high value to return on
investment has us licking our chops. Where he lands will tell the tale of how
2020 will be.
OJ Howard (TB)
2019 Points: 83.9 | 2018 Points: 120.5 |
Net Gain/Loss: -36.6 (Rank 2)
Some may,
and have already placed the Buccaneers OJ Howard as the biggest bust for the
2019 season, but we have him appropriately placed at number two. The hype
coming into the season began when Bruce Arians was appointed as the new coach
of the club. We viewed many to believe that Howard’s role would naturally
increase, but we recommended otherwise.
It’s not
that we don’t believe in the skill Howard holds, but Bruce Arians has never
been a proponent of the position to be a top earner. Many things must take
place in Tampa for Howard to be considered a threat, but at this point, we aren’t
holding our breath.
Trey Burton (CHI)
2019 Points: 22.4 | 2018 Points: 138.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: -116.4 (Rank 3)
One player
we had gleaming hopes for this past season, the Bears Trey Burton made us
regret all the positives we preached. While injures were the main reason for
his 2019 demise, the Bears offense as a whole was drastically worse than the
previous year. It will be interesting to see how this offense will move, but at
this point, Burton has fallen off the radar.
David Njoku (CLE)
2019 Points: 15.1 | 2018 Points: 134.7 |
Net Gain/Loss: -119.6 (Rank 4)
We have said
it more than once in the past about the Browns David Njoku – don’t trust him.
While we agree he has supreme ability, we never truly believed he could turn
into that trusted top end tight end. While we understand injuries were a huge issue
this past season, consistency and drops have always been the staple of his
game. We may hold out hope in 2020 under yet another new coaching staff, but we
are sour on this man.
Vance McDonald (PIT)
2019 Points: 79.6 | 2018 Points: 126.1 |
Net Gain/Loss: -46.5 (Rank 5)
Sometimes we
all get dragged into the offseason hype on players, but the train that left the
station for Vance McDonald was full of steam. Making the public believe his
role would be massive with Antonio Brown no longer on the club, we all were fooled
to the tune of a 50 point drop and being a non-factor.
With that
said, everything did chance when Ben Roethlisberger was lost for the season
which limited the overall output for all offensive weapons. But based on hype,
draft placement and return on investment, McDonald was a massive fail.
2020 High Potential Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith (TEN)
2019 Points: 104.0 | 2018 Points: 63.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: +40.2
With how the
year unfolded for the Titans, we may have finally witnessed the coming out
party for Jonnu Smith. Smith has been on our radar for a couple years now, but always
having Delaine Walker ahead of him, the progression was never met. This season however
saw a turning point with Ryan Tannehill behind center and it could again be the
case in 2020.
Smith and
this Titans squad could be a real up and comer this season with room to grow.
Smith should have a feature role on this offense with AJ Brown and Derrick
Henry. His value will remain lower, so grab all the shares you can of this man.
2020
Projected Points: 130-160
TJ Hockenson (DET)
2019 Points: 80.7 | 2018 Points: N/A | Net
Gain/Loss: +80.7
We couldn’t have
been more excited about a rookie at the position then we were of TJ Hockenson. Coming
right out of the gates to explode for a whopping nine targets, six receptions,
131 yards, and one touchdown – we felt we hit the jackpot for where his
services could’ve been secured. However, that first game of the season was his
super bowl of sorts, as Hockenson never realized that type of production again
in 2019.
Lack of
usage, drops, and injuries all played a part in the uneven rookie season of
this potential star. Nevertheless, we will not give up hope and truly believe
he will be a bargain and a huge player maker in year two.
2020
Projected Points: 140-180
Will Dissly (SEA)
2019 Points: 73.9 | 2018 Points: 35.6 | Net
Gain/Loss: +38.3
Here we find
a player that was so far off the fantasy radar it was ridiculous. Finding
playing time with the trust of his coach, Will Dissly became a waiver wire
revelation for the tight end position. Finding what seemed to be instant chemistry
with Russell Wilson, we could see this was going to be a massive season for
Dissly.
While he did
score a decent 73.9 points on the season, one wonders what the total would’ve been
had he not been lost for the season to that Achilles injury. Barring any fades
in his recovery, the Hawks have a plethora of weapons to catch passes, which will
make Dissly a giant potential steal.
2020
Projected Points: 170-200
Comments
Post a Comment