Dynasty TE stashes (1 Viewer)

[Drinkin Buddy]

In an effort to land the next Jimmy Graham or Gronkowski I was hoping to get some feedback on good young TEs to stash for next year. Upside, situation, talent, opportunity should all be considered.

Housler (ARZ) - 3rd rnd 2011. He's a swift tight end with receiver's hands. QB issues.

Garrett Graham (HOU) - 4th rnd 2010. Daniels a UFA, Casey competing for touches. Schaub leaning on his TEs this year.

DJ Williams (GB) - rnd 5 2011. Finley can't catch so probably won't be back next year. Crabtree to compete for TE job next year?

Jordan Cameron (CLE) - rnd 4 2011. Cameron is a very raw prospect with a lot of upside potential. Will attract teams with his outstanding combination of height, speed and hands but overall awareness, blocking, and tenacity are not adequate. Ben Watson getting old.

Taylor Thompson (TEN) - rnd 5 2012. Jared Cook to compete with for touches.

How would you rank these guys?

Who's not on this list that you like long-term?

 

[MAC_32]

Truthfully, I like them all, which makes me think my evaluation methods on these types needs tweaked. I actually like Casey more than all of them though, free agent at season's end and some more favorable opportunities could be there for him. Quicker ROI with an added mix of it'll be easy to cut bait if he signs to an unfavorable spot.

If I had to put an order to your guys it'd be

Thompson - transitioning as quickly as he has from playing DE and Cook being an underwhelming free agent that is really only an asset in the pass catching game has the arrow pointing up

Housler - safer bet than Thompson because he's already etching a role (playing well too) and the Cards have much bigger issues on offense needing addressed before TE

Cameron - encouraging that he's getting so many red zone looks, but a lot needs to be refined with his game. Good news here, we'll quickly see how the new regime feels about his skills as the cupboard is bare around him so if they don't bring in new TE's they must really like him.

Williams - discouraged he's not getting any opportunities now with Finley almost certainly gone, but like Cameron we'll see how they really feel about him this offseason.

Graham - never been too thrilled with the upside, I don't think his ceiling is any higher than what Owen has done and that's not difference making production. When digging deep I want to find guys that could be top 5, top 7, not guys that could be adequate low end #1's or high end #2's.

 

[cusefan115]

Do any Giants fans have input on Adrien Robinson? Martellus Bennett and Travis Beckum come off the books this off-season but do the G-men view him as a starter yet?

 

[saintfool]

Do any Giants fans have input on Adrien Robinson? Martellus Bennett and Travis Beckum come off the books this off-season but do the G-men view him as a starter yet?

it's my understanding that the Giants have been pretty happy with Martellus thusfar. Beckum? not so much and I don't see any reason to think he'll stick around.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

I actually just traded Gonzo to a playoff team (i had bad luck this year) for Cook and 2 2nd Round Picks but also picked up Housler.

I really like Housler to take another step next year as I assume Arizona will address their QB issues.

 

[MAC_32]

Do any Giants fans have input on Adrien Robinson? Martellus Bennett and Travis Beckum come off the books this off-season but do the G-men view him as a starter yet?

it's my understanding that the Giants have been pretty happy with Martellus thusfar. Beckum? not so much and I don't see any reason to think he'll stick around.

I've heard the Giants aren't that positive on Bennett. He's not been a liability, which is what the Giants needed since they had nothing else in-house after losing Ballard, but a lot of the inconsistencies that kept him off the field in Dallas have followed him to New York.I think you can slot Robinson in the same conversation as Cameron and Williams, I don't think the guy in front of him is currently on the roster but that could change between March and May.

 

[10tihwj]

Graham and Williams are in stable situations, so whether you like them determines things.

As a browns fan I love Cameron and feel he's vastly underused

BUT

You have to take scheme into account when you have these hybrid types. TEN has played Thompson at Cook's expense because he can run block. What if coaches are fired? Cook doesn't produce consistent stats because he's not getting the snaps. A new coach with a different focus could change snap counts and then it's Cook to hold.

Same in CLE, new staff could up the snaps of Cameron and he won't be there to block.

Bottom line, hold as many as your dynasty roster will allow if you don't have a TE (or even if you do and you have space).

 

[cstu]

I actually just traded Gonzo to a playoff team (i had bad luck this year) for Cook and 2 2nd Round Picks but also picked up Housler.I really like Housler to take another step next year as I assume Arizona will address their QB issues.

The only issues I have with Housler is that AZ has so many passing options and if they get a better QB more of the focus will go to the WR's. I think he get stuck in that low TE1 range like Gresham.

 

[cstu]

Graham and Williams are in stable situations, so whether you like them determines things. As a browns fan I love Cameron and feel he's vastly underused BUTYou have to take scheme into account when you have these hybrid types. TEN has played Thompson at Cook's expense because he can run block. What if coaches are fired? Cook doesn't produce consistent stats because he's not getting the snaps. A new coach with a different focus could change snap counts and then it's Cook to hold. Same in CLE, new staff could up the snaps of Cameron and he won't be there to block. Bottom line, hold as many as your dynasty roster will allow if you don't have a TE (or even if you do and you have space).

Ben Watson's contract is over after this season and if they don't resign him that could mean big things for Cameron.Similar situation with Cook - I don't feel like the Titans care for him enough to re-sign him. They obviously like Thompson quite a bit but I'm not sure he's ready for a big role in the passing game next year. With his blocking ability I think they may let Cook walk so they keep him on the field most of the time and work him into the passing game.

 

[10tihwj]

Not true re Watson/Cameron. Ones a traditional TE, one isn't. Watson leaving opens snaps for another TE who can block, if the coaches want one.

Evan Moore getting jettisoned was the shoe that needed to drop for Cameron, and it did. Now he gets the snaps of a hybrid TE. The first question for next year remains "what is the scheme". Like Cook, Cameron is hurt by an offensive scheme that gives snaps to FBs and 3 WR sets rather than the NE scheme that runs multiple TEs significantly more often.

Cook doesn't need Thompson to go away; he needs the TEN offense to value his skill set over the traditional TE.

 

[BlackMamba24]

good thread, ive been looking out for a TE to take a flyer on. I have gates and finley in one league and gates and d. allen in another, its been very frustrating so i really need to find a reliable TE. not sure if this is the right thread for this question, but is there a TE with top 5 TE potential in the 2013 draft? any thoughts on Eifert (ND), Jordan Reed (florida), or Zach Ertz (stanford?) Im trying to get an early look at where the TE's will come off the board in rookie drafts.

I like housler, williams, and cameron out of the TE's mentioned above, but 'zona has some qb issues and im not sure about weeden in cleveland either. I can remember hearing about housler and his potential at the beginning of the year but havent heard much after that. I dont know much about these guys, but it will be interesting to see what happens in GB with williams. Will he get his chance or does GB look at someone else or bring finley back?

 

[EBF]

I'm not really wild about any of those options, but the fact that Housler is already starting to put up halfway decent stats despite having utter trash at QB is encouraging. I would take him over the rest of that gang at this point in time.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Charles Clay looks pretty fluid, and he's young, and Fasano has to be on his way out. More like a Reece like player that doesn't run the ball though.

 

[Chazzhawk]

I like Cook a lot and he can be had cheap, I believe he is a free agent this season and I think he signs with a new team.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Housler's not really a stash at this point. He's putting up pretty respectable numbers the last few weeks already -- 22 catches in the last five games.

Charles Clay is someone I like a lot not on the OP's list. I think he's got Fred Davis upside on him and he's generating a fair bit of chatter from his teammates and coaches.

 

[Nucker101]

Just based on talent, I like Housler the best. Good combo of speed and hands for a TE.

 

[menobrown]

When it comes to evaluating TE's I stick to the second year breakout TE theory.

Graham, Gronk, Hernandez, Gates, Vernon Davis, Finley, Whitten, Tony G, Rudolph, Pettigrew, Fred Davis and Owen Daniels all either flat out broke out or showed a significant spike in production in their second seasons. These 12 TE's would probably comprise everyone's top 5, most peoples top 10 or at least 9 out of top 10 with Gresham being the one possible outlier. In fact if you were rating dynasty TE's and omitted this years rookie class I feel these 12 would make up no worse 12 out of the top 14 with Gresham and Olsen being the only two who might bump in.

Current viable starting TE's such as Dallas Clark, Gresham, Celek, Keller failed to take significant second year jumps. Olsen took a decent jump but not enough to call sizeable. Some of these are high quality TE's but the only one I'd probably put in the top 12 of my rankings would be Gresham and he'd be closer to 10 than to 5.

So I'm not saying a TE who fails to break out in year two can't succeed, but based on the performance of the current top fantasy TE's I'm left to conclude the odds are heavily stacked against them.

So out of the TE's brought up here I'd rate them this way:

1. Housler- I would not say he broke out but he meet the criteria of a second year TE who took a sizable leap. Fact he also passes the eye test and did with god awful QB play should of course makes his statistical improvement more impressive. Keep in mind he's playing on an offense that has people legitimately asking questions this week such as " should I bench Fitzgerald for Cecil Shorts?".

2. Thompson- Cook's probably gone and he meets the criteria of guys I go after which is possible starting TE's entering their second season.

Next is the tier of guys who failed to make second year leaps but based on fact they've had such limited playing time I'd say these are the possible future Dallas Clark's or Celeks, later bloomers who just did not get it done due to PT.

3. DJ Williams- success rate of smaller TE's is not strong but I'd put him here simply based on chance he could land starting job.

4. Garret Graham- He hardly played his first two seasons so really one of those guys who could really put the break out year rule two to he test as he barely played his second year. I like him as a player more than DJ Williams but as old as Owen Daniels seems he'll still be just 30 when the NFL kicks off next season and he's signed for two more years. Graham may not need that long to overtake him but I think he's someone you need to have the roster room to take real patient approach with and the reward could be huge. (As a side note I think he could pay dividends in your fantasy playoffs in week 15 or 16 as Daniels is getting beat up and depending on how Houston is in the standings I could see them resting OD)

I'd put Cameron last because his production increases but not sizable and overall based on his targets is poor. Maybe he'll be an outlier but I choose to stick to what normally works.

BTW- I'd be trying to acquire one or both of the Colts rookie TE duo right about now.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I think Adrien Robinson is the guy to get if you want to swing for the fences. Upside is huge in that offense, and as others have said, there have been tidbits here and there that the Giants aren't completely happy with Bennett. Robinson should also be virtually free to acquire in most leagues.

I'd add Ladarius Green to this discussion as well.

 

[Dawg Pound 69]

Evan Rodriguez on Chicago has a chance, considering how poorly K Davis has played ahead of him. Would like to see the Bears at least give him more playing time, which they probably would if they weren't a playoff team. Hopefully he shines in offseason workouts, similar to how Finley first started getting buzz in the offseason after his rookie year.

 

[EBF]

Orson Charles is a guy that I'm carrying in a few of my TE-heavy leagues. I don't know what his upside is with Gresham already on the roster, but we're seeing more teams get value out of multiple TEs and he fits the "move" mold pretty well. 4th rounder who could've gone higher if not for some off-field stuff. Not that it means much, but Mayock had him as the #1 rookie TE before his drug issues popped up. Charles doesn't appear to be the most instinctive player, but certainly looks the part athletically. He's already getting on the field and catching a pass here and there.

 

[JamesTheScot]

I actually just traded Gonzo to a playoff team (i had bad luck this year) for Cook and 2 2nd Round Picks but also picked up Housler.I really like Housler to take another step next year as I assume Arizona will address their QB issues.

The only issues I have with Housler is that AZ has so many passing options and if they get a better QB more of the focus will go to the WR's. I think he get stuck in that low TE1 range like Gresham.

You're complaining that a TE project could get stuck in a low TE1 range? For the guys on this list and what you have to spend to get one, landing in the top 10 would be a steal.Here's how I have them ranked:1) Housler can be the #2 receiving option in that offense behind Fitz. None of the other options in Arizona are so elite or locked in. I think Housler is a solid play for 2013, having another off-season to development his all-around TE skill set.2) I think Cameron has that same type of opportunity except that the WR's are even less imposing, though I think Gordon can improve significantly. But even if Gordon blossoms, Cameron could still be the #2 receiver on the team. It also meant something to me that Evan Moore was let walk despite Ben Watson's age.3) D.J. Williams is still blocked by the WR's around him and both Crabtree and Quarless are still present as well. I'm not sure he really has elite athleticism (relative to the position) to push his way past those obstacles. He's not just a guy, but I still think he needs some situational help to hit TE1 territory and he doesn't have that IMHO even if/when Finley leaves.4) Graham I think remains blocked as well. I think Casey is a better talent and the team likes his versatility well enough to keep him around. As Daniels gives ground, I'm not sure Graham in the beneficiary.I don't have a good read on Thompson.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Just ranked these guys in the order that I'd roster or cut them... not necessarily based on pure talent...

Clay

Housler

Hanna

L Green

Robinson

Thompson

V Green

Charles

 

[lod01]

Just based on talent, I like Housler the best. Good combo of speed and hands for a TE.

Yep but man he has no QB.

 

[BallparkFrank]

If I owned Finley, I think I'd probably grab Williams even though I think he's probably an inferior talent to the likes of Housler. If you're swinging for the fences anyway, why not take a chance on a Rodgers pass catcher and the possibility of Finley being done in GB. Low floor pick, but a solid ceiling for end of roster stash.

 

[saintfool]

Evan Rodriguez on Chicago has a chance, considering how poorly K Davis has played ahead of him. Would like to see the Bears at least give him more playing time, which they probably would if they weren't a playoff team. Hopefully he shines in offseason workouts, similar to how Finley first started getting buzz in the offseason after his rookie year.

question is whether they develop a #2 WR, i think. rodriguez or any other TE brought in has to warrant enough touches to become fantasy viable. with forte a dual threat, the development of the #2 WR becomes the issue. Earl had no impact but maybe Alshon develops further? suddenly it becomes a lot of mouths to feed.

 

[cstu]

I actually just traded Gonzo to a playoff team (i had bad luck this year) for Cook and 2 2nd Round Picks but also picked up Housler.I really like Housler to take another step next year as I assume Arizona will address their QB issues.

The only issues I have with Housler is that AZ has so many passing options and if they get a better QB more of the focus will go to the WR's. I think he get stuck in that low TE1 range like Gresham.

You're complaining that a TE project could get stuck in a low TE1 range? For the guys on this list and what you have to spend to get one, landing in the top 10 would be a steal.Here's how I have them ranked:1) Housler can be the #2 receiving option in that offense behind Fitz. None of the other options in Arizona are so elite or locked in. I think Housler is a solid play for 2013, having another off-season to development his all-around TE skill set.2) I think Cameron has that same type of opportunity except that the WR's are even less imposing, though I think Gordon can improve significantly. But even if Gordon blossoms, Cameron could still be the #2 receiver on the team. It also meant something to me that Evan Moore was let walk despite Ben Watson's age.3) D.J. Williams is still blocked by the WR's around him and both Crabtree and Quarless are still present as well. I'm not sure he really has elite athleticism (relative to the position) to push his way past those obstacles. He's not just a guy, but I still think he needs some situational help to hit TE1 territory and he doesn't have that IMHO even if/when Finley leaves.4) Graham I think remains blocked as well. I think Casey is a better talent and the team likes his versatility well enough to keep him around. As Daniels gives ground, I'm not sure Graham in the beneficiary.I don't have a good read on Thompson.

I think Housler is probably already priced like he's going to be a TE1 so I don't think he's a much of a value. It's probably going to take a 2nd to get him vs. the rest of these guys who you can get either on waivers or a late pick.

 

[cstu]

Orson Charles is a guy that I'm carrying in a few of my TE-heavy leagues. I don't know what his upside is with Gresham already on the roster, but we're seeing more teams get value out of multiple TEs and he fits the "move" mold pretty well. 4th rounder who could've gone higher if not for some off-field stuff. Not that it means much, but Mayock had him as the #1 rookie TE before his drug issues popped up. Charles doesn't appear to be the most instinctive player, but certainly looks the part athletically. He's already getting on the field and catching a pass here and there.

Talented guy, but with Gresham signed through 2014 there's not much hope for him for awhile barring an injury. He's not a bad hold but I think there are other guys with a quicker path to playing time.

 

[saintfool]

Orson Charles is a guy that I'm carrying in a few of my TE-heavy leagues. I don't know what his upside is with Gresham already on the roster, but we're seeing more teams get value out of multiple TEs and he fits the "move" mold pretty well. 4th rounder who could've gone higher if not for some off-field stuff. Not that it means much, but Mayock had him as the #1 rookie TE before his drug issues popped up. Charles doesn't appear to be the most instinctive player, but certainly looks the part athletically. He's already getting on the field and catching a pass here and there.

Talented guy, but with Gresham signed through 2014 there's not much hope for him for awhile barring an injury. He's not a bad hold but I think there are other guys with a quicker path to playing time.

nevermind the fact that gresham has been *very* productive in that offense. i know they don't want to overpay for talent there but it's hard for me to believe they'll just let him walk away.

 

[EBF]

Orson Charles is a guy that I'm carrying in a few of my TE-heavy leagues. I don't know what his upside is with Gresham already on the roster, but we're seeing more teams get value out of multiple TEs and he fits the "move" mold pretty well. 4th rounder who could've gone higher if not for some off-field stuff. Not that it means much, but Mayock had him as the #1 rookie TE before his drug issues popped up. Charles doesn't appear to be the most instinctive player, but certainly looks the part athletically. He's already getting on the field and catching a pass here and there.

Talented guy, but with Gresham signed through 2014 there's not much hope for him for awhile barring an injury. He's not a bad hold but I think there are other guys with a quicker path to playing time.

nevermind the fact that gresham has been *very* productive in that offense. i know they don't want to overpay for talent there but it's hard for me to believe they'll just let him walk away.

Agree with all of that, but the 2 TE thing hasn't hurt Gronk/Hernandez and it hasn't stopped people from getting excited about Fleener/Allen. I wouldn't rate Charles on par with any of those guys, but he has a very different skill set from Gresham.

 

[lsutigers]

I'd add Ladarius Green to this discussion as well.

Agreed, he'll be a player next season with Gates as ineffective as he's been this year. Also, a possibility for a pure swap to WR ala Colston.

 

[Nucker101]

I'd add Ladarius Green to this discussion as well.

Agreed, he'll be a player next season with Gates as ineffective as he's been this year. Also, a possibility for a pure swap to WR ala Colston.

Thing is, he's owned in most dynasty leagues so I'm not sure if he qualifies as a "stash" unless your in a shallow dynasty league.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Hanna intrigues me. Incredibly athletic guy learning behind one of the premier technicians at the position? Worth a look in deep leagues. He blew up the combine but is raw.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I don't think any guys being mentioned here is going to be the next Gronk or Graham, some may have the skill but none have the offense in place to produce those numbers

Housler - hes my favorite, I drafted him in just about every league I was in and held him in most. He showed some great production considering the offense but until that O-Line and QB get revamped, his ceiling is 60 / 600-ish

O Daniels signed a contract last yr and will have 2 more yrs on it. Graham owners need to hold for another yr IMO or need an injury.

Watson's contract is up and he turns 32 this week, Cleveland is going to turn to Cameron and I expect him to become an every-down TE and produce the most on this list in 2013

Thompson - Cook will most not have a big market so these 2 may cancel each other out.

Stocker - hes pretty much on all my WWs and I'm a little surprised. Drafted in 2011 and looked to be heading into a full-time role until Clark beat him out; I know it looks bad when a 33 yr old on their last legs beats out anyone but I'm willing to scoop him up at the end of the yr and see how the off-season turns out. Getting beat out by Clark and team looking to be run 1st during off-season (BTW they are 15th in passing yds) made a lot of owners sour on Luke and was most likely clipped early in the yr.

Green - Maybe has to wait till 2014 but Gates looks terrible, SD won't give up on him all together but may start a timeshare next yr.

 

[bonesman]

Stocker - hes pretty much on all my WWs and I'm a little surprised. Drafted in 2011 and looked to be heading into a full-time role until Clark beat him out; I know it looks bad when a 33 yr old on their last legs beats out anyone but I'm willing to scoop him up at the end of the yr and see how the off-season turns out. Getting beat out by Clark and team looking to be run 1st during off-season (BTW they are 15th in passing yds) made a lot of owners sour on Luke and was most likely clipped early in the yr.

Stocker and Virgil Green are my current TE stashes.

 

[mere blitzianity]

Just ranked these guys in the order that I'd roster or cut them... not necessarily based on pure talent...ClayHouslerHannaL GreenRobinsonThompsonV Green Charles

You forgot Cameron

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You forgot Cameron

He's actually someone I wouldn't roster. I don't think he did enough his senior year at USC (16-126-1). If I were going to target a pure developmental guy I'd take Thompson, just because I'd rather gamble on a guy with no NCAA track record than one with a small-sample record that suggests he's not all that good.But that's mostly me being rigid. Realistically he's not much different than Thompson and I because I own so many other guys on the list I don't have either one on my teams.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Unfortunately Williams just hasn't been that impressive, which is upsetting considering this is his 2nd year and they expected big things from him. He has squandered the few chances he's had, by dropping the ball, etc. I'd roster him just in case, but he's a longshot unless he suddenly figures things out in the offseason.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Stocker - hes pretty much on all my WWs and I'm a little surprised. Drafted in 2011 and looked to be heading into a full-time role until Clark beat him out; I know it looks bad when a 33 yr old on their last legs beats out anyone but I'm willing to scoop him up at the end of the yr and see how the off-season turns out. Getting beat out by Clark and team looking to be run 1st during off-season (BTW they are 15th in passing yds) made a lot of owners sour on Luke and was most likely clipped early in the yr.

Stocker and Virgil Green are my current TE stashes.

Virgil is interesting since hes been getting PT however hes blocked by 2 older TEs that just signed in 2012 so I think you'll be holding onto VG for another yr. And J Thomas is also there as well.Also, as I was researching Green's numbers I noticed that its been Stocker and not Clark starting most games and playing roughly 51% of the snaps. So his #s are very disappointing considering hes had all those snaps this yr and only had 17 targets and 8 recs. But still, Clark is only on a 1 yr contract and if not re-signed which I doubt Stocker will be an every-down TE and should be roster if u have the room.

 

[loose circuits]

You forgot Cameron

He's actually someone I wouldn't roster. I don't think he did enough his senior year at USC (16-126-1). If I were going to target a pure developmental guy I'd take Thompson, just because I'd rather gamble on a guy with no NCAA track record than one with a small-sample record that suggests he's not all that good.But that's mostly me being rigid. Realistically he's not much different than Thompson and I because I own so many other guys on the list I don't have either one on my teams.

With that logic, would you not roster Jimmy Graham either?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You forgot Cameron

He's actually someone I wouldn't roster. I don't think he did enough his senior year at USC (16-126-1). If I were going to target a pure developmental guy I'd take Thompson, just because I'd rather gamble on a guy with no NCAA track record than one with a small-sample record that suggests he's not all that good.But that's mostly me being rigid. Realistically he's not much different than Thompson and I because I own so many other guys on the list I don't have either one on my teams.

With that logic, would you not roster Jimmy Graham either?

I preferred Gronkowski and Gresham in that draft, but 17-237-5 is almost double the yardage and 5x the TDs on basically the same number of catches. So the logic isn't at all the same. And Graham is a great example of how small sample sizes can be right despite the increased likelihood that they are wrong.

 

[loose circuits]

You forgot Cameron

He's actually someone I wouldn't roster. I don't think he did enough his senior year at USC (16-126-1). If I were going to target a pure developmental guy I'd take Thompson, just because I'd rather gamble on a guy with no NCAA track record than one with a small-sample record that suggests he's not all that good.But that's mostly me being rigid. Realistically he's not much different than Thompson and I because I own so many other guys on the list I don't have either one on my teams.

With that logic, would you not roster Jimmy Graham either?

I preferred Gronkowski and Gresham in that draft, but 17-237-5 is almost double the yardage and 5x the TDs on basically the same number of catches. So the logic isn't at all the same. And Graham is a great example of how small sample sizes can be right despite the increased likelihood that they are wrong.

or it could just be that Cameron had more competition for targets & touches in the RZ?? Wasn't Graham on a pretty weak Miami team? Wouldnt you need to know the target #'s ?

 

[BeTheMatch]

What about David Paulson now that Heath Miller has suffered such a big injury at an advanced age?