Tight end rankings

There is only one more meaningful category left to share, and that is the tight end. The formula this year is pretty simple: take one of the top three tight ends, or wait. That top tier can make a fantasy team soar, but only if the drafter makes that move at the right time, and can take a few value picks along the way. If not, stock up on backs and receivers, and take a tight end late.

Now, as I always say, wait until the last two picks to take kickers and defenses. That has not changed. I understand the Bears had a great year last year, but that kind of defensive scoring does not carry over on the whole. As for kickers, the only thing that I ever try and do is to take a kicker who plays at home indoors. This is common sense. If the kicker has half his games in a windless stadium, that can help make him more accurate.

So, let's see how I did on tight ends a year ago:

Picked No. 1 for 2018, Rob Gronkowski. Actually finished: 11. I assumed that Gronk would Gronk last year, but he was banged up, and defenses did a better job of slowing him down. Therefore I was a bit off on this one.
Picked No. 2 for 2018, Zach Ertz. Actually finished: 2. Great pick here. He was a target and reception monster, which means well in .5 PPR scoring. He is a main point to the Eagles' offense, and I had this right.
Picked No. 3 for 2018, Travis Kelce. Actually finished: 1. Kelce had a momentous season, and I underestimated him just a bit. He should repeat this. I wasn't 100% sold on Mahomes' superstardom, and that was a mistake. 
Picked No. 4 for 2018, Evan Engram: Actually finished: 12. I couldn't have predicted his injury problems, but they may push him lower in 2019. Based on average, he was actually ranked seventh, so it wasn't a terrible pick, just not a great one.
Picked No. 5 for 2018, Kyle Rudolph. Actually finished: 8.Not an awful pick, but Cousins was not the fantasy boon that I expected for the Vikings offense. His production will drop even farther in 2019 with the addition of draft pick Irv Smith Jr.

I would also like to point out that I advocated taking George Kittle, the No. 3 tight end last year. 


Without further ado, here are my rankings for 2019:

1. Travis Kelce: With Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense back for round two, Kelce will be the top beneficiary. He should have no problem getting 80+ catches, 1,000+ yards and 10 touchdowns at minimum.

2. George Kittle: Kittle is the best asset at the 49ers disposal and he should continue to be a go-to target in their offense. He proved to be sure-handed last year.

3. Zach Ertz: Although I'm not 100 percent sold on the Eagles as everyone else is, there is no questioning Ertz' firepower as a top-tier tight end. Hopefully Wentz stays healthy.

4. OJ Howard: This is where the second tier begins, and taking any of the following tight ends before round 6 is a no-no. The Bucs are another offense that I'm not sold on, but yet another tight end whose talent will carry him to fantasy success.

5. Vance McDonald: He proved that he could be a reliable target for Big Ben, and he was the No. 10 TE with only four touchdowns, which could easily grow. Another plus is that Antonio Brown's targets will now be spread around, and McDonald should get his share.

6. Hunter Henry 7. Evan Engram 8. Jared Cook 9. David Njoku 10. Austin Hooper

 Here is a link to the gallery for sports photos from Aug. 9-13. Enjoy. Here is a preview photo: