Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

- Written by James Ronstadt
- Edited by Allie Fontana

Fantasy football owners are scratching their heads over how to deal with rookies this season after the lengthy NFL lockout cut into the class of 2011’s valuable preparation time. Ranking are fluid by nature, perhaps even more so this year, given the impact that the labor dispute had on offseason activities. Not only did it eliminate organized team activities (OTAs) and mini camps, the majority of rookies didn’t see their new team’s playbook until the first day of training camp. Free agency and trades were also put on hold, so it has been more difficult to predict how some rookies will fit into their organizations’ 2011 game plan.
 
The learning curve for many skill position rookies will be fast and furious; therefore fantasy football owners are advised not to reach for first-year players–even talented ones in good situations. You don’t have to go back any further than San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews in 2010 for a valuable lesson in paying too high of a price for a “sure thing” rookie.

Bruno Boys writer James Ronstadt has been tracking the progress of this season’s rookie class since the NFL Combine in February. Here is his take on how the top rookie tight ends rank in terms of potential fantasy production in 2011. While some won’t make much of an impact this season, they could be valuable to fantasy owners in 2012 and later.  — Allie Fontana

1.  Lance Kendricks (Wisconsin)—St. Louis Rams (Round 2/Pick 47)

Kendricks is an explosive, high-upside playmaker who frequently made big plays at the University of Wisconsin. The St. Louis Rams weren’t put off by Kendricks’ so-so measurables (6’3” and a 4.75-second 40-time) and decided to roll the dice on a receiver who could be a great security blanket for quarterback Sam Bradford. Kendricks excels at making tough receptions over the middle of the field. Heading into the preseason, his 2011 fantasy value seemed limited because the Rams haven’t run a very tight end friendly offense in the past and he would compete for targets with 2010’s mid-season sensation Michael Hoomanawanui. However Kendricks has been a training camp standout and he looked impressive in preseason action as new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels found ways to work him into the offense. Kendricks recently made the most added list at FleaFlicker and is worth considering in 14-team or larger leagues. He also is a solid dynasty option. 

2.  Kyle Rudolph (Notre Dame)—Minnesota Vikings (Round 2/Pick 43)

Although the Minnesota Vikings didn’t have an immediate need for a tight end given the presence of the underrated Visanthe Shiancoe, they selected the former Fighting Irish standout in Round 2 of the draft. Rudolph is the most talented tight end in the current class. He’s a well-rounded athlete who possesses the perfect combination of size, strength, speed and ball-handling skills to evolve into one of the league’s elite tight ends. His fantasy value is somewhat limited in 12-team seasonal leagues as long as he shares the position with Shiancoe, however he’s someone to target now in dynasty formats.

3.  Rob Housler (Florida Atlantic)—Arizona Cardinals (Round 3/Pick 69)
Housler has the tools to become a prolific receiving tight end at the next level, including ideal 6’5,” 210-pound size and 4.55-second 40-yard dash speed. The main reason why Housler slipped to Round 3 in the 2011 NFL Draft was his reputation as a haphazard pass-protector. While a tight end with glaringly deficient blocking ability would typically deter most teams, the Arizona Cardinals have been without a productive tight end for years and selected Housler in Round 3. Early on it looked like the rookie might have a shot to start this season; however the Cardinals signed veteran tight ends Todd Heap and Jeff King during free agency. These moves will limit Housler’s playing time and his fantasy value in most league formats. He’s worth consideration as a late-round selection in dynasty or keeper leagues. Given Heap’s injury history, Housler could get a shot as the season goes on, so keep an eye on his status.

4.  Jordan Cameron (USC)—Cleveland Browns (Round 4/Pick 102)

Cameron is a converted collegiate basketball player who gets high marks for athleticism and instincts. While it is hard to get overly excited about a pass-catcher who hauled in fewer than 20 catches in his 20-game college career at USC, his raw talent is undeniable. It’ll take some time for Cameron to develop into an NFL-caliber tight end. 

5.  D.J. Williams (Arkansas)—Green Bay Packers (Round 5/Pick 141)

NFL Draft experts were a bit puzzled to see Williams slip to Round 5, but to their credit, the Green Bay Packers recognized a bargain when they saw one and pounced. Williams had a brilliant career with Arkansas and was at one time considered the top receiving tight end in the country. Although he is slightly undersized at 6’2,” Williams turned in a solid 4.59-second 40-time at the combine. He could potentially have some fantasy value this season in the event that Jermichael Finley suffers another injury.

6.  Luke Stocker (Tennessee)—Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 4/Pick 104)

Stocker is a rough and tumble mauler whose greatest asset is his outstanding blocking ability. While the Buccaneers are thin at the position, Stocker simply is not the type of receiver who belongs on anyone’s fantasy radar.

7.  Julius Thomas (Portland State)—Denver Broncos (Round 4/Pick 129)

Thomas is another hoops star turned football player. He’s gangly and quick, but he has hands of stone and is at least a couple of years from turning into a passable starting tight end. From a fantasy standpoint, Thomas can be thoroughly ignored in virtually all formats.

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

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

ROOKIE RANKINGS:  QB  |  RB |  WR |  TE     (click to view)