2017 Preseason Fantasy Rankings: Tight Ends

1.) Rob Gronkowski/New England Patriots – He might not go in the first round in fantasy drafts anymore but is still a threat on the field when healthy. “Gronk” was limited to only eight games last year; two were horrific. In the other games he played, he averaged over 13 fantasy points per game which is a reminder that he’s still the best at tight end.

 

2.) Travis Kelce/Kansas City Chiefs – Kelce led all tight ends in fantasy scoring last season but it wasn’t a great overall fantasy season for tight ends as a whole. His catches and total yards has increased in the past three seasons but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is still the Chiefs and they love to run the ball before throwing. Kelce should still have productive fantasy numbers to be the second or third tight end drafted.

 

3.) Greg Olsen/Carolina Panthers – Mr. Reliable (as I call him) because he’s been pretty consistent in fantasy in the past three seasons (1,008 receiving yards in 2014, 1,104 in 2015,and 1,073 last season). Olsen is still Cam Newton’s favorite target, especially in the red zone. Olson is as steady as they come.

 

4.) Jordan Reed/Washington Redskins – If Reed wasn’t so injured prone, he’ll be ranked higher. When healthy, he’s the second best tight end in football. Jordan has missed 18 games due to injury over his four seasons and never played more than 14 games in a year. Now reports are saying he has a toe injury this preseason…Geez.

 

5.) Delanie Walker/Tennessee Titans – After a Pro Bowl fantasy season in 2015, Walker’s stats took a huge dive last season with just 65 catches and 800 yards (seven touchdowns). Those stats still had him ranked in the top six among tight ends in standard scoring leagues. Walker is still a reliable player but quarterback Marcus Mariota has more options at the wide receiver position with the signing of Eric Decker and talented rookie Corey Davis. Expect similar numbers from last year, which still makes Delanie a top 5 tight end.