Fantasy football tight ends have been all the rage the past few seasons. Yet, over the past two seasons, only Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce have been good enough to finish among the top twenty receivers. So, don’t overextend yourself on drafting a tight end too early. Last season, you did well to draft Zach Ertz or Evan Engram in the latter rounds of fantasy football drafts. This season, you’ll be fine even though Ertz and Engram will be long gone by then.
Zach Ertz is an interesting selection because he could have a much bigger role with the injury-prone Alshon Jeffery already battling the injury bug. Likewise, Kyle Rudolph and Trey Burton could be touchdown hogs in the red-zone given their quarterback situation.
As most fantasy football leagues are twelve-team leagues, we’ll focus on the top sixteen tight ends, then rank the next best sixteen. In most ten and twelve team leagues, you won’t need to draft a second tight end. Keep that bench spot for an extra running back or wide receiver. Short of an injury, you can pick up a tight end for your bye week off waivers.
The ranking below is for non-PPR fantasy football leagues. At the end, we’ll note which players get a boost in the rankings in PPR fantasy football leagues.
1. Rob Gronkowski Patriots
2. Travis Kelce Chiefs
3. Zach Ertz Eagles
4. Greg Olsen Panthers
5. Evan Engram Giants
6. Jimmy Graham* Packers
7. Trey Burton Bears
8. Delanie Walker Titans
9. Kyle Rudolph Vikings
10. Jordan Reed* Redskins
11. David Njoku Browns
12. George Kittle* 49ers
13. Eric Ebron Colts
14. Jack Doyle Colts
15. Tyler Eifert* Bengals
16. Hayden Hurst Ravens
In PPR fantasy football leagues, move up Evan Engram and Delanie Walker one to two spots.
17. Charles Clay Bills
18. Cameron Brate Buccaneers
19. Benjamin Watson Saints
20. Mike Gesicki Dolphins
21. O.J. Howard Buccaneers
22. Jake Butt Broncos
23. Ricky Seals-Jones Cardinals
24. Austin Hooper Falcons
25. A. Seferian-Jenkins Jaguars
26. Jordan Akins Texans
27. Antonio Gates Chargers
28. Ed Dickson* Seahawks
29. Luke Willson Lions
30.Vance McDonald* Steelers
31. Jared Cook Raiders
32. Dallas Goedert Eagles
“ * “ denotes an injury at the time of writing.
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