For a complete list of sleepers and keepers, visit our draft kit.
Tight end talent in recent years has been down, making them almost an afterthought on draft day. However, things appear to be looking up. While the 2011 class is lacking in the "wow factor," there are some signs of renewed depth and players on the verge of breaking out. Let's take a look.
Breakouts - Guys who are stepping into a starting role ready for a breakout season. These are guys that are well known and will go high on draft day.
Sleepers - Similar to the above, but of the lesser known variety and much higher risk. They may or may not be late round picks in your draft.
Use Caution - Sure-to-be-drafted players that may not meet lofty expectations.
Breakouts
Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame - Eifert took over the starting job midway through last season when Kyle Rudolph went down with injury and gave us reason to be excited. More consistent quarterback play is the key to Eifert and receiver Michael Floyd's success in 2011, and I expect major improvement in this department in year two under coach Brian Kelly.
Ted Bolser, Indiana - The Hoosiers offense has not received much respect this offseason. Coach Kevin Wilson has a lot to prove and the Hoosiers are still looking for a starting quarterback. But Wilson has proven he can build a successful passing game and is known for utilizing his tight ends. Bolser had over 400 yards receiving and five touchdowns last fall. If everything falls into place, he'll exceed those numbers.
Orson Charles, Georgia - With receiver A.J. Green departing, quarterback Aaron Murray is looking for a new favorite target. And why not the 6-3 and 230 pound Charles? He has the speed to split the seam and make linebackers look silly, and the size to ward off pesky defensive backs. Look for Charles to see a boost in production this fall.
Sleepers
Dion Sims, Michigan State - After a one-year timeout to get his legal woes in order, Sims is back on the field for the Spartans. To put it simply, Sims is a freak of nature. He's 6-5 and 270 pounds, but runs like a guy half his size. He's athletic and even spent time with Coach Izzo and the basketball team in 2009. If the spring game is any indication (4 catches, 63 yards & 2 scores), Spartan fans will have plenty to smile about this fall. If there is one downfall, Michigan State is not short on tight end talent, and Sims will have to prove himself worthy of extended playing time. So these means he better block his tail off.
Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin - The Badgers will run multiple two-tight end sets with Jake Byrne and Jacob Pedersen. Byrne is the more physical of the two, while Pedersen is the better receiver. Wisconsin tight ends have always been solid fantasy producers, immediately elevating Pedersen to draftable status in any league format. Especially with quarterback Russell Wilson in the fold.
Use Caution
Rice Tight Ends - Offensive coordinator John Regan seems hell bent on putting the biggest lineup possible on the field. It is conceivable that tight ends Vance McDonald, Luke Wilson and Taylor Cook could all be on the field at the same time. Each goes over 6-5 and 250 pounds. McDonald and Wilson combined for 61 catches, 821 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. As we noted this spring, McDonald has spent time in practice working out with the receivers. However, he is still officially listed as a tight end. This is good news for fantasy owners. If your league counts McDonald as a tight end, he's an excellent pick. His value diminishes at receiver, however. And Cook's emergence at tight end could dilute Wilson's numbers. Pay close attention to this heading into draft day.
Jordan Reed, Florida - Reed has the talent to be a legitimate tight end threat; 400+ yards and a half dozen scores are not out of the realm of possibilities. However, with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis now calling the plays, look for his days of playing Wildcat quarterback to be over. He'll have to make his fantasy mark catching passes. And there is still a question of whether the Gators will be able to throw the football effectively.