Continuing on with our player previews, we take a look at the tight end position, where it once again looks like a down year for high-end fantasy production.
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 68 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
We liked Lance Kendricks all of 2009, especially as he was running wild against Purdue. But it was against Miami in the Champs Bowl that the light went off: Hell, not only is this dude a freak talent outrunning the Miami D, but Garrett Graham is gone next year! Dude...we've got a top-five tight end; after all Wisconsin is home to the play-action pass to the big fella rumbling down the seam.
2009 Stats: 7-102 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-356 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 5-55 RuYd 0 RuTD 51-626 ReYd 6 ReTD
Home Games: 5 EOS Off: 12 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 7
In 2009 the Cajuns' top two receivers were tight ends. One of the tight ends, Luke Aubrey, graduates. Leaving move balls for leading receiver Ladarius Green. We were high on Green last year and his touchdown production was a disappointment, that should improve in 2010.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 32-533 ReYd 2 ReTD 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 46-644 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 87 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 5
Brian Kelly knows how to use his tight ends, and he knows how to get the most out of his best athletes. Kyle Rudolph is a great tight end and one of ND's best athletes, thus there will be a large role for him in the new Irish offense. And this may be enough to make Rudolph the first tight end off your league's draft board.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 33-364 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 40-546 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 61 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
In a down year for tight ends, D.J. Williams should be among the first off the big board. This is not meant to disparage Williams, an outstanding athlete. Rather I'm saying than after a 32-411-3 season, it's likely that we'll see a nice spike in touchdowns in 2010. He's caught 93 balls over the last two seasons yet only scored six times; he's too big, too talented, and too tempting around the goal line to score only three times for the third straight season.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 32-411 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 38-535 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 115 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
This H-back is listed as a tight end in nearly every league, and he's one of the nation's best fantasy options at that spot. His two biggest games (9-127 and 6-128) came at USC and Cal, respectively, so he wasn't piling up numbers against the weak sisters of the conference. Expect his touchdown total to rise beyond his three scores.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 35-487 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 39-512 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 4 EOS Off: 6 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 6
Most fantasy owners will probably remember Housler as he he racked up 519 yards receiving and four touchdowns in 2008 filling in for Jason Harmon. With Harmon returning last season, Housler opted to redshirt, and this is a move that should pay big dividends for fantasy owners.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 41-502 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 85 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 6
One thing Bryan does is catch touchdowns. In two seasons he's caught 58 passes for 623 yards and 10 scores. We're looking for another solid tight end campaign, one where he'll again catch about 40 balls with 4-6 going for six.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 40-422 ReYd 6 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 38-425 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 15 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 9
A sleeper pick in 2009 that just didn't pan out. Keep in mind he was a true freshman last season. Reports from this spring indicate this could be McDonald's breakout year. McDonald's lofty ranking is once again based purely on potential.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 12-118 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 42-454 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 44 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 10
In March, McNeill was moved to wide receiver, thus his value takes a significant hit. He was a great national option while a tight end, however he's only a Big XII factor out wide. Keep an eye out and see if he is officially switched back to tight end this August.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 28-259 ReYd 4 ReTD
2010 Projs: 7-21 RuYd 1 RuTD 33-370 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 89 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 9
Dunsmore is one of the Big Ten's top tight ends and a draftable big fella nationally. His 8-114-1 performance in the classic Outback Bowl could provide a nice springboard to a really nice campaign, one where he pushes towards...don't laugh, 8-10 scores.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 47-526 ReYd 3 ReTD 1 ReConv 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 39-450 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 5 EOS Off: 10 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
Playing for the Hilltoppers it is easy to overlook Doyle, but the more we researched, the more we liked what we saw. The Hilltoppers are moving away from the spread and installing a West Coast-style offense. The short passing game and traditional sets should benefit the 6-5 Doyle who had 37 receptions in 2009 as true freshman.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 37-365 ReYd 1 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 41-444 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 92 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 5
Stocker made huge strides as a junior, posting five touchdowns among his 29 catches. And while Lane Kiffin's departure does hurt the fantasy potential of some Vol skill talent, we're not sure Stocker is one who will see his looks/touches/numbers diminish under Derek Dooley, an old school coach who knows how to use a big fella to catch passes.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-389 ReYd 5 ReTD 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 31-381 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 86 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
We'll have to see exactly how Reed fits in at the tight end spot as he didn't exit spring as the sure-fire starter. But the potential for him to see snaps as the wildcat quarterback makes him a very intriguing fantasy tight end. He's an athletic kid that should find a role in the Gators' offense.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 21-86 RuYd 2 RuTD 28-287 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 24 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Smith registered 23 receptions last season, 16 of which came came in the last four weeks of the season after Cody Slate went down with a knee injury. 40 receptions is not out of the realm of possibility, which would put him amongst the top tight ends in 2010.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 23-335 ReYd 0 ReTD 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 36-425 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 14 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
UAB is breaking in a new quarterback which means one of two scenarios for Anderson. The offense could struggle to regain its form from last year, and he could see a dip in production. Or they could lean on the big fella a little bit more. He's a three-year starter and proven performer, thus we are leaning toward the latter.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 26-398 ReYd 5 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 30-423 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 55 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
We really like Orson Charles heading into 2010; he's coming off 23-373-3 as a freshman, and he'll have his old high school quarterback, Aaron Murray, throwing him the ball. A big year is on the horizon.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 23-373 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 31-381 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 81 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 6
Noble is a very underrated MAC tight end. He's built like a big receiver and presents significant matchup problems whether running against linebackers or spread out wide. With the graduation of WR Stephen Williams, Noble could become the Rockets big target. A definite sleeper prospect in all-120 leagues.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 26-257 ReYd 1 ReTD 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 35-377 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 13 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Virgil Green often gets lost amongst Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua. He collected five touchdowns in 2009, but only had 36 receptions the last two seasons combined, so he's not a focal point of the offense. A decent backup fantasy tight end that could pay dividends.
2009 Stats: 1-16 RuYd 0 RuTD 23-260 ReYd 5 ReTD
2010 Projs: 1-9 RuYd 0 RuTD 28-305 ReYd 5 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 49 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Saunders has caught three touchdowns in each of the last three years. Not exactly staggering fantasy production, but if you are in a pinch, Saunders could prove valuable as a backup.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 32-353 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 33-367 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 22 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 11
Efaw only has one career touchdown, not exactly the production fantasy owners are looking for. But there are a signs that he could do more. First off he's in a high-powered offense. He had 31 receptions for 444 yards in 2009 (not too shabby) and Boise tight ends caught eight touchdown passes as a whole last season. Efaw is their best pass catching tight end. So eventually you have to assume some of those redzone looks will come his way.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 31-444 ReYd 1 ReTD 2 ReConv
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-398 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 58 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
California native caught 27 balls for 323 yards and two scores last season. He was a very well-regarded JUCO tight end, so clearly there is talent present. We'll see if the new coaching staff can inspire big strides.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 27-323 ReYd 2 ReTD 1 Fumb
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 30-390 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 17 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 4
The Southern Miss offense is tight end friendly and Massey will assume the role of top pass catching tight end with the graduation of Leroy Banks. He might have a tad more upside than some of the others listed ahead of him due to the Eagles' offense. But his lack of past production is also a concern.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 7-62 ReYd 2 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 30-330 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 45 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Green will line up at tight end and split out as a slot receiver. Always a good thing for a fantasy tight end. He's also a former running back and could take a handoff or two. The only downfall is the Bulldog offense is not geared toward the passing game, which could limit his production.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 27-306 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 2-12 RuYd 0 RuTD 30-366 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 25 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Holt is a feast or famine pick. He spent the last year on his Mormon mission and missed spring ball. Mike Muehlmann and Devin Mahina exited spring practice atop the depth chart. But keep an eye on Holt this August. He's a natural pass-catching tight end and should move up the depth chart quickly.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 0-0 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 28-372 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 75 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Miller is an excellent sleeper selection in BCS leagues. He presents nice hands and surprising speed, and it wouldn't stun us to see Miller catch 40+ passes for over 500 yards and 5-6 scores.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 26-357 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 28-363 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 72 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 6
Sure he only caught ten balls in 2009, but three of them went for six. The fact that starting TE Michael Palmer has moved on means that Allen could emerge as one of the ACC's top fantasy tight ends.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 10-108 ReYd 3 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-295 ReYd 4 ReTD
Home Games: 8 EOS Off: 82 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Terrelle Pryor had nothing but great things to say about this tight end, and it's his speed that has most intrigued. There is a very good chance that we see Stoneburner split out and used to stretch the field with frequency, thus he's a definite candidate to emerge as the league's #2 tight end behind Lance Kendricks.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 2-30 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 25-343 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 54 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Kyle Adams is due to catch some more touchdowns. He showed great flashes in 2007, snaring two touchdowns among his eight catches. Then he lost his 2008 only to rebound with a 29-catch campaign for 249 yards a season ago. He's the clear #1 guy for a program that has produced some decent tight ends over the years, thus he should be one of the top Big Ten tight ends taken off the board on drafty day.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-249 ReYd 0 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 32-339 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 67 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Gantt is a very solid tight end with surprising speed. The veteran will have to fend off some very talented tight ends behind him, and guys like Brian Linthicum and Dion Sims are too good to keep off the field, which hurts Gnatt's projected output. Gantt has caught six touchdowns over the past two seasons, and this would be his ceiling for 2010.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 22-348 ReYd 2 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 26-335 ReYd 3 ReTD
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 105 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 7
In a college football world where tight end production is becoming harder and harder to find, Brandon Barden may be the most draftable Commodore. He's caught 57 passes for five scores over the past two seasons; if he can up the scores then we may have something.
2009 Stats: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 29-367 ReYd 1 ReTD
2010 Projs: 0-0 RuYd 0 RuTD 28-334 ReYd 3 ReTD