The tight end position in fantasy football has changed over the last few years due to the pass catching abilities of former TE Shannon Sharpe and current TE Tony Gonzalez. Nowadays, many tight ends are used to catch passes as much as they are used to block. This makes them bigger contributors to any fantasy football team. You still should wait until the middle rounds of your fantasy draft before you decide to pick one up, and shouldn't pick more than 2 for your team - one starter and one back-up.
Antonio Gates of the Chargers has put up great fantasy football numbers over the last few seasons and should do the same this year. Playing on a team that doesn't have any superstar wide receivers will certainly help his production. The only downside to Gates is the fact that LaDainian Tomlinson will score most of the touchdowns the Chargers get.
Tony Gonzalez has the same advantages as Gates with the Chiefs' lack of receiving talent and a running back who gets most of the opposing defenses attention. He won't have a proven quarterback throwing to him, which may actually help his numbers because either Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle may opt for shorter passes in his direction rather then throwing downfield to a WR.
Kellen Winslow of the Browns is a very young and talented tight end who should at least match his 89 catches and 875 yards from last year, and should improve upon his 3 TDs. As long as he stays healthy he'll be a solid contributor at tight end for your fantasy football team.
Todd Heap of the Ravens, Jeremy Shockey of the Giants, and Chris Cooley of the Redskins are all tight ends who should put up between 650 and 800 yards and 5 to 9 touchdowns this year. They are all still young players with the potential to go beyond the solid fantasy numbers they usually put up and should still be available in the middle rounds of your fantasy draft.
Alge Crumpler put up very good TE fantasy stats last year, but may take a hit in production this season without Micheal Vick at QB for the Falcons. If he becomes Joey Harrington's favorite target, as he was Vick's, he should get solid numbers.
Vernon Davis' rookie NFL season with the 49ers was below expectations as he missed 8 games with injuries. This year, with Alex Smith being a year better, the addition of WR Darrell Jackson, and the continued success of RB Frank Gore, Davis could have a huge break out season. He should also be available in the later rounds of your fantasy draft.
Top 8 Fantasy Football Tight Ends in 2007
#1 - Antonio Gates
#2 - Tony Gonzalez
#3 - Kellen Winslow
#4 - Todd Heap
#5 - Jeremy Shockey
#6 - Chris Cooley
#7 - Alge Crumpler
#8 - Vernon Davis
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