Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Wondering when you should draft your favorite NFL tight ends in your upcoming fantasy football draft? Continue reading our 2010 Fantasy Football Tight Ends Rankings to find out…

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2010::

TIER 1

1. Dallas Clark - Indianapolis Colts (Bye: 7)

While there were a number of effective fantasy tight ends in 2009, Dallas Clark was one who played at the high level expected of an elite player at the position. Putting together the best year of his career, Clark was the first tight end to catch 100 passes since 2004, while amassing over 1,100 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns and reinforced his reputation as one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets, especially in the red zone.

Clark played in 15 or more games each year since 2007. His total yardage went up by 200-plus yards in each of the last three seasons despite opposing defenses’ knowledge that he’s on Manning’s radar. The 2010 Indianapolis Colts have an impressive group of young receivers that Manning can throw to. Nevertheless, as Clark enters his eighth year in the NFL, another 1,000-plus yard season and close to double-digit touchdowns is within reason. If drafting an elite tight end is part of you winning strategy, Clark is a TE1 that you can believe in. He’ll be the first or second off the board, going as early as Round 4.

2. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers (Bye: 10)

Joining Clark as one of the game’s elite, injuries have been the one and only factor preventing six-time Pro Bowler Antonio Gates from being the top fantasy tight end in the land. In 2009, we saw what a force he can be when he’s at 100 percent. A healthy Gates led the Chargers in receptions with 79 for a career best 1,157 yards and scored eight touchdowns. The Chargers’ organization
liked what it saw too and recently made Gates the NFL’s highest paid tight end, with a new contract through 2015 worth $36.175 million over five years.

Heading into the 2010 season, the Chargers offense will look a bit dfferent. LaDainian Tomlinson is gone and Vincent Jackson, suspended for three games, is threatening to hold out until Week 10. Wide receiver Malcom Floyd gets a chance to shine in Jackson’s absence, rookie Ryan Mathews looks to reinvigorate the Chargers’ running game, and Darren Sproles will serve as a change of pace back and catch balls out of the backfield. What remains the same is that Gates remains quarterback Philip Rivers’ favorite target and could very well lead the league in touchdowns for the position. The Chargers believe in Gates and you can too. Draft him with confidence as your TE1 and watch the fantasy points accumulate.

3. Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers (Bye: 9)

The former first-round draft pick finally shed his “bust” label last season. If you took a chance on Vernon Davis in 2009, you jumped for joy at his three touchdown performance in Week 7 against the Texans. That performance catapulted Davis into a breakout year – one that included 965 receiving yards and a league-best 13 touchdowns for a tight end. Davis developed a nice rapport with quarterback Alex Smith and benefited greatly from the presence of Michael Crabtree on the outside. Although head coach Mike Singletary recently stated that the offense will run the ball 60% of the time in 2010, there will be plenty of opportunities for Alex Smith to throw the ball. Barring a meltdown, Davis is in line to for another strong season. Expect to see him find the end zone plenty of times down the middle of the field. Davis was the best fantasy tight end in 2009. If you draft him as your TE1 this season, he could help you in your quest for a fantasy championship.

4. Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys (Bye: 4)

It’s strange to see eight-year veteran Jason Witten sitting outside the top three in fantasy tight end rankings. What’s even stranger is that Witten had a very good 2009 season. The yardage was there (1,030, third among tight ends) and so were the receptions (94, second best at his position); he just rarely got in the end zone, which really hurt his overall fantasy value. Drafted first in his position in many fantasy leagues, Witten was a player that some owners considered a draft bust. The lack of looks inside the red zone is partly Witten’s doing. He’s a better than average blocker who contributes to the Cowboys’ success on the ground. And then there was Miles Austin, who came out of nowhere to become Tony Romo’s top target inside the 20 yard line.

Despite scoring just twice last year, Witten remains a top fantasy option at his position. Witten’s durability counters his lack of touchdowns. When you draft Witten, you know that you’re getting a quality tight end that will play through pain. The difference between Witten and many other tight ends is that the production level doesn’t drop off whether he’s healthy or banged up. The Cowboys have said they plan to target Witten more in the red zone this season, which would increase his fantasy value if those targets translate to touchdowns. Draft him without hesitation as your TE1. Then keep your fingers crossed that he gets more opportunity to be a difference-maker this season.

TIER 2

5. Brent Celek - Philadelphia Eagles (Bye: 8)
6. Jermichael Finley - Green Bay Packers (Bye: 10)

TIER 3

7. Tony Gonzalez - Atlanta Falcons (Bye: 8)
8. Kellen Winslow - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bye: 4)
9. Owen Daniels - Houston Texans (Bye: 7)
10. Zach Miller - Oakland Raiders (Bye: 10)

TIER 4

11. Chris Cooley - Washington Redskins (Bye: 9)
12. Visanthe Shiancoe - Minnesota Vikings (Bye: 4)
13. Heath Miller - Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye: 5)
14. John Carlson - Seattle Seahawks (Bye: 5)
15. Dustin Keller - New York Jets (Bye: 7)

TIER 5

16. Greg Olsen - Chicago Bears (Bye: 8)
17. Kevin Boss - New York Giants (Bye: 8)
18. Jeremy Shockey - New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)
19. Jermaine Gresham - Cincinnati Bengals (Bye: 6)

TIER 6

20. Tony Scheffler - Detroit Lions (Bye: 7)
21. Todd Heap - Baltimore Ravens (Bye: 8)
22. Bo Scaife - Tennessee Titans (Bye: 9)
23. Fred Davis - Washington Redskins (Bye: 9)

TIER 7

24. Brandon Pettigrew - Detroit Lions (Bye: 7)
25. Benjamin Watson - Cleveland Browns (Bye: 8)
26. Marcedes Lewis - Jacksonville Jaguars (Bye: 9)
27. Anthony Fasano - Miami Dolphins (Bye: 9)
28. Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots (Bye: 5)
29. Aaron Hernandez - New England Patriots (Bye: 5)
30. David Thomas - New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)

 
To see in-depth player profiles for all 30 TIGHT ENDS check out the rest of our 2010 FANTASY FOOTBALL TIGHT ENDS RANKINGS by clicking here… FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL CHEAT SHEETS

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2010 SLEEPERS:  QB |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF   (click to view)

2010 BUSTS:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF   (click to view)

2010 DEEP SLEEPERS:  RB  |  WR |  TE   (click to view)

2010 BREAKOUT PLAYERS:  QB  |  RB |  WR |  TE   (click to view)

2010 RANKINGS:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF  (click to view)

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