Welcome to Part Four of a five-part series ranking the best NFL players from a fantasy football point of view. Next, for the tight ends.
Previous: Wide Receivers
20. Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks
Dissly was poised for a huge 2018 season after a handful of breakout games, but an injury ended those hopes. He’s back on track for a great 2019, though.
19. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos
The highly-touted rookie tight end from Iowa should be able to post some value in a Denver offensive unit lacking a massive playmaker.
18. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions
Fant’s tight end counterpart from Iowa, Hockenson will have a big role in the Detroit offense that loves to spread the football out and utilize tight ends.
17. Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Doyle is stuck behind Eric Ebron, but he’s still a talented tight end who had an impressive 2019 season. There’s no reason not to take a chance on him as your TE2 this year.
16. Jimmy Graham, Green Bay Packers
While he is no longer the tight end he was a few years ago, Jimmy Graham can still be a reliable target. Aaron Rodgers should favor him in the passing game this year.
15. Trey Burton, Chicago Bears
Burton is dealing with a minor injury but should be on track to fill a role in Chicago that requires him to catch a lot of passes — especially touchdown passes.
14. Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers
McDonald had a couple huge games in 2018, but more importantly, he’s fairly consistent. He should get a bit more attention this year with Antonio Brown gone.
13. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
David Njoku should be ranked higher, but his fantasy value takes a hit with the additions of Demetrius Harris and Odell Beckham, Jr., who will eat into his targets.
12. Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper has never been looked at as an elite tight end, but he’s proven himself as an established and reliable option for quarterback Matt Ryan to utilize.
11. Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
There’s some uncertainty with Kyle Rudolph but he has been able to show that he can make big plays when needed. He’s a borderline fantasy starter this year.
10. Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans
Coming back from an injury, a lot rides on Henry’s 2019 performance. It’s likely to be a good season for Walker, but you never know.
9. Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers
Antonio Gates is in Los Angeles’s rearview mirror now, and it’s time for Hunter Henry to shine as he hauls in passes from Philip Rivers.
8. Evan Engram, New York Giants
Engram has consistently been a top target of Eli Manning, and should continue to fit that same role and description again in 2019.
7. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
If Olsen can stay healthy, he can be a key piece of a Carolina offense that is looking to bounce back with fellow injury-prone weapon, Cam Newton.
6. Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts
Ebron had an amazing 2018 season with the Colts, and there’s no reason to believe that he won’t do that again. Definitely take a chance on Ebron this year.
5. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints
Cook, too, had an out-of-nowhere breakout season last year when he was with the Raiders. He switched teams this offseason but all signs point to another great year for him.
4. O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
O.J. Howard is one of Jameis Winston’s favorite targets, and with Winston in a contract year, he will be making pass after pass after pass, many of which will be right to Howard.
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle barely would’ve cracked this last at the start of last season, but after a record-breaking 2018, he moves into absolute TE1 territory in 2019.
2. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
And here we have a returning Top 3 tight end. The Philly tight end could lose some targest to Dallas Goedert, but he’s still an absolute beast at the position.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce takes the spot that previous belonged to Rob Gronkowski. But with Gronk retiring, a different Hall of Famer gets the nod at No. 1.
