the rookie TE with the most fantasy points THIS year?? (1 Viewer)

[-OZ-]

Great point.  I really liked that I was able to grab Jonnu Smith so late in one of my dynasties.  He's got a great athletic profile and Delanie Walker is no spring chicken.  Mariota obviously likes throwing to the TE and even with Corey Davis as the potential main focus of his passes, there will be enough to go around... even in a run-first offense... for Smith to excel in a few years.

Fwiw, I don't think the Titans will be "run first" in a few years, any more than most teams anyway. 

 

[Bronco Billy]

Speaking of Kittle, I'm curious why he seems to be getting overlooked. I've scoured all the rookie drafts that have been posted and he's almost never even getting drafted. There seems to be a lot of positives in his favor:

*Beastly athletic profile.  https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/george-kittle/

*Apparent opportunity-reports that San Fran has been trying to deal McDonald, a new coach with some history of using the TE

*Not just an athletic freak-apparently a very good blocker AND has good hands (I read he only dropped one ball last year)

Iowa didn't use him much in the passing game but I can't find anything to suggest that he couldn't do well as a receiver. Should be able to stay on the field as opposed to being a package player. Seems like he should at least be getting drafted in rookie drafts. I took him 3 picks from the end of a rookie draft (6 rounds) and he wasn't even drafted in the other conference (two 16 team conferences). What am I missing? Seems like he should be getting more attention?

Kittle was considered a top TE going into last year and Iowa just decided not to utilize him.  Watched a few of their games and am still baffled by that decision.

He didn't drop 1 ball last year, he dropped 1 ball in 4 years at Iowa.  Former WR who put on 50 lbs to play TE.  He has made a few eye popping catches - much better receiver than his stats reflect.  Very good athlete.  Nasty blocker - he's undersized but has great technique, never stops his feet and has a real mean streak.  

Yeah, I'm on his bandwagon.  I think this guy has the goods to be a FF TE1.  Never has to come off the field.  Can play in line, in the slot, or set wide.  A lot of good things going on with him.  Loved getting him in the back half of the FF draft.

.

 

[-OZ-]

Kittle was considered a top TE going into last year and Iowa just decided not to utilize him.  Watched a few of their games and am still baffled by that decision.

He didn't drop 1 ball last year, he dropped 1 ball in 4 years at Iowa.  Former WR who put on 50 lbs to play TE.  He has made a few eye popping catches - much better receiver than his stats reflect.  Very good athlete.  Nasty blocker - he's undersized but has great technique, never stops his feet and has a real mean streak.  

Yeah, I'm on his bandwagon.  I think this guy has the goods to be a FF TE1.  Never has to come off the field.  Can play in line, in the slot, or set wide.  A lot of good things going on with him.  Loved getting him in the back half of the FF draft.

.

Any idea why he fell to the 5th round? Or why he had 48 catches in 4 years? 

 

[Bronco Billy]

Any idea why he fell to the 5th round? Or why he had 48 catches in 4 years? 

Don't know why the combine didn't help him more.  He put up some pretty good numbers, including I think like the 12th best 40 ever for a TE.  A lot of teams looking for the sexier TEs I guess.

I do know that the Iowa offensive scheme didn't make him any kind of priority, and he had to help block a bit.  When they actually threw to him he looked good.  His ypr is pretty decent, in the mid 14s if I remember correctly.

 

[RaiderBones]

Don't know why the combine didn't help him more.  He put up some pretty good numbers, including I think like the 12th best 40 ever for a TE.  A lot of teams looking for the sexier TEs I guess.

I do know that the Iowa offensive scheme didn't make him any kind of priority, and he had to help block a bit.  When they actually threw to him he looked good.  His ypr is pretty decent, in the mid 14s if I remember correctly.

It's baffling that Iowa didn't use Kittle more in the passing game. Their WR's sucked badly, especially after VandeBerg went down wiith injury. Kittle has the best hands on Iowa and he wasn't game planned into their scheme much. He has really good hands and is an excellent blocker. In my opinion the Hawkeyes passing game would have been better served if they had featured Kittle in the passing game.

 

[Biabreakable]

I somewhat don't understand why people think Kittle is such a good receiver? Based on what? Not saying you guys are wrong, just looking for some actual reasoning for this opinion?

College stats

22 receptions as a senior isn't exactly a lot to form any kind of opinion about him as a receiver in my opinion. He does have good yards per reception and 6 TD on 20 catches is a terrific scoring rate. So there are things to like here, just hard to fairly compare him to most of the other rookie TE drafted in 2017 who were more prolific than this.

I looked up 2014 and Iowa had two other TE who likely played a lot more than him. So that somewhat explains why he didn't have more than one reception prior to 2015.

In 2015 Kittle had 23 targets 20 receptions (87%) 290 yards 12.6 yards per target (this is very good)

2016 40 targets 23 receptions (57%) 365 yards 9.1 yards per target (not very good catch rate could reflect worse QB play not sure)

I watched these two games of cutups on him.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread you see him doing a really good job blocking, that stands out and if he can bring that to the next level, it is going to help him see the field.

He seems like a better blocker than receiver to me. So that isn't a combination of traits that make much sense for choosing a rookie TE who will score the most fantasy points in 2017 (what I think the topic is about) but I do appreciate people bringing him up and causing me to take another look at him today.

For fantasy production I think you are looking for a combination of a team situation that may be favorable to the TE. There are several factors that can do this. Perhaps it would be good to talk about those. You want to match this situation to a player who is talented and there may be a lack of other receiving options around that player, on their thus increasing their opportunity.

SF does meet a lot of these criteria for a TE possibly being good for them this year. Lack of quality receivers (although Garcon is pretty solid)  Who is their QB though? 

The offensive line has been jettisoning proven talent as well making it more questionable (I would need to do some research on this point here) and Kittle being a good blocker, may be asked to support them more in that way, than as a receiving option.

Maybe I am not considering some other factors that make this a good situation this year for a TE?

We know that TE almost always take a year or more before they start producing competitively as receivers. McDonald is much more ready to play than Kittle this year. I know 9ers fans don't like him. But I would expect him to have more fantasty points than KIttle this year.

As a long term prospect I do like Kittle. He is being overlooked and so that is nice value to get him late or for free. He just doesn't seem like a good choice for 2017.  

Gerlad Everett may be in the best situation as far as that goes. He has a lot of the elements in place for a TE to do more than usual. I could see him outscoring the big 3 TE this year if that happens. I still think the top 3 TE are better bets in the long run though.

eta - reasons to look for early pop at positions for fantasy aside from redraft would be to have an early sell window. I think it makes more sense to factor this into your decision at the RB position than it does at the TE position.

 

[5Rings]

Speaking of Kittle, I'm curious why he seems to be getting overlooked. I've scoured all the rookie drafts that have been posted and he's almost never even getting drafted. There seems to be a lot of positives in his favor:

*Beastly athletic profile.  https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/george-kittle/

*Apparent opportunity-reports that San Fran has been trying to deal McDonald, a new coach with some history of using the TE

*Not just an athletic freak-apparently a very good blocker AND has good hands (I read he only dropped one ball last year)

Iowa didn't use him much in the passing game but I can't find anything to suggest that he couldn't do well as a receiver. Should be able to stay on the field as opposed to being a package player. Seems like he should at least be getting drafted in rookie drafts. I took him 3 picks from the end of a rookie draft (6 rounds) and he wasn't even drafted in the other conference (two 16 team conferences). What am I missing? Seems like he should be getting more attention?

Cole Hikutini is the TE to own in SF imo

 

[Snorkelson]

Cole Hikutini is the TE to own in SF imo

Another overlooked guy that looks the part. I know most of these tes will not have fantasy relevance but what a great year for teams to add good role players there.

 

[Ranethe]

Cole Hikutini is the TE to own in SF imo

Maybe. His profiles are mixed-NFL.Com 's profile is fairly positive. PFF's profile is pretty negative. He ran a 4.85 at his pro day and was undrafted. Who knows how it will play out. I'm still going with Kittle for all the reasons listed above. It appears that because he is SUCH a good blocker that people are mistakenly viewing him as a blocking TE (as well as his limited usage in the passing game at Iowa). That would be akin to saying OJ Howard is just a blocking te (PFF rated Howard #1 and Kittle #2 for blocking in this te class).

I've read in several places that Kittle will be a better pro than college player. That's my hope and all the information I could find tends to support that. His athletic ability alone warrants more attention than he has received.

The difference in workout metrics between Kittle and Hikutini is pretty stark FWIW. Here's Hikutini's:

 https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/cole-hikutini/

Except burst score he's sub 25th percentile in every other area. Kittle was over 85th percentile in every area if I recall. Obviously that's not the end all in judging players but it's hard to ignore.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

In FFPC format, which is almost entirely what I play, Jordan Reed has been the #1 TE in PPG the last two seasons so to me the bigger and more suitable for being an every down TE does theory not seem to be a big factor in determining a TE's long range dynasty attributes.

Reminds me of the old Gronk vs Hernandez debates after their rookie season when people were trying to determine which "one" was the guy to own. Gronk supporters said his blocking kept him on the field more while Hernandez supporters argued Gronk's blocking would keep him from running as many routes. In this case they were both good but goes to point of more snaps does not always equate to more routes being run.

The G-Men want Engram to improve his poor blocking which he admits is a weakness.  Inability to block will effect him being on the field.  If he's not on the field he won't have the opportunity to make catches that OJ, or Njuko or bigger and stronger TEs like Shaheen will have. PFF has determined the only real chance he has to improve his blocking is to bulk up which could effect his speed or agility as a receiver that OJ or Njuko have with larger and more physical frames.

http://nypost.com/2017/06/09/evan-engrams-glaring-weakness-doesnt-scare-giants/

Evan Engram’s glaring weakness doesn’t scare Giants

...the Giants have no interest in splitting Engram out wide play after play and ignoring the more physical requirements of his position.

...The conclusion from PFF: “Engram offers little as a blocker so until he bulks up and cleans up that aspect of his game, he could struggle to see the field.’’

 

[Bronco Billy]

Cole Hikutini is the TE to own in SF imo

He looks like a guy who is going to really struggle to make a roster to me.  There's a lot of sub-NFL characteristcs there to go with some of the positives.  Maybe a PS candidate?

 

[Bronco Billy]

Here's where I'm stuggling with Engram.  Given the current weapons on the Giants' squad it seems to me that, regardless of the position title, given his game he's competing directly with Marshall for targets.  If that's the case, I know which guy wins that battle hands down.

 

[nirad3]

Re:  Kittle

C.J. Fiedorowicz managed 45 catches for 433 yards in '12 and 30/299/6 in '13 for Iowa.  Use that as you see fit.

 

[5Rings]

Maybe. His profiles are mixed-NFL.Com 's profile is fairly positive. PFF's profile is pretty negative. He ran a 4.85 at his pro day and was undrafted. Who knows how it will play out. I'm still going with Kittle for all the reasons listed above. It appears that because he is SUCH a good blocker that people are mistakenly viewing him as a blocking TE (as well as his limited usage in the passing game at Iowa). That would be akin to saying OJ Howard is just a blocking te (PFF rated Howard #1 and Kittle #2 for blocking in this te class).

I've read in several places that Kittle will be a better pro than college player. That's my hope and all the information I could find tends to support that. His athletic ability alone warrants more attention than he has received.

The difference in workout metrics between Kittle and Hikutini is pretty stark FWIW. Here's Hikutini's:

 https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/cole-hikutini/

Except burst score he's sub 25th percentile in every other area. Kittle was over 85th percentile in every area if I recall. Obviously that's not the end all in judging players but it's hard to ignore.

Cole wasn't healthy for testing iirc.  Good reads about how Lynch and Shan called him 8 times and gave him a huge guaranteed $ to sign as an udfa.  Lots of talk out of camp that he's gonna be Shanahans move TE.  Just saying he's got an opportunity and I like his profile in this O.

 

[Tau837]

Here's where I'm stuggling with Engram.  Given the current weapons on the Giants' squad it seems to me that, regardless of the position title, given his game he's competing directly with Marshall for targets.  If that's the case, I know which guy wins that battle hands down.

The Giants had 598 passing attempts in 2016; 623 in 2015; 607 in 2014. It seems reasonable to assume 600.

Last year, WRs had 370 targets; RBs had 114; and TEs had 113. (All numbers from PFR.)

Jennings is gone and had 42 of the RB targets, but I think most of those will be absorbed by Perkins/Vereen. I'll go with 110 RB targets. On the one hand, in 2015, the Giants had 129 RB targets, and Vereen himself had 81; but, on the other hand, they have more talent at WR/TE now, and some of those 2015 RB targets were likely due to poor options behind Beckham at the other positions. I'll call it a wash. So 110 for RBs.

Last year, Beckham had 169 targets, Shepard had 105 as a rookie, Cruz had 72, and the rest of the WRs combined for 24. Now Cruz has been replaced by Marshall and Shepard has a year of experience. Marshall had 128 targets in 15 games last season and 173 the year before with the Jets. He won't get that volume with the Giants, but the point is that his age (33) does not seem to be a reason to think he will not be productive and demand 100+ targets. On the other hand, his productivity dropped off a lot from 2015 to 2016, so perhaps 100 targets is better for him at this stage of his career.

Last year, Tye had 70 targets, Donnell had 22, and Adams had 21. Donnell is gone, but Tye and Adams remain.

How to divide up WR and TE targets is tough to project, especially since Engram could really eat some WR targets as well as TE targets. Perhaps something like this:

• Beckham 150
  
• Marshall 100
  
• Shepard 85
  
• Other WRs 25
  
• Engram 85
  
• Tye 25
  
• Other TEs 20
  

Of course, all of this assumes full health, which presumably won't be the case, so we know there will be fluctuation from a reasonable starting point, we just don't know who will miss time.

I'm sure some will say that one or more of Beckham, Marshall, Shepard will have more targets. Those probably either have to come from the RBs or from more passing attempts. (Or injuries, as noted above.)

I also might be a bit low on targets for TEs other than Engram, since he is a rookie and Tye and Adams combined for 91 targets last season.

Anyway, I think 85 targets for Engram could mean 55-60 receptions, 600-700 yards, 3-7 TDs. Would that be good enough to win the rookie TE fantasy points title? There is a good chance it would be, especially if the TDs are on the higher end of the range. The main threat to that is probably the addition of Marshall to combine with Beckham as two strong red zone threats at WR.

 

[Bronco Billy]

The Giants had 598 passing attempts in 2016; 623 in 2015; 607 in 2014. It seems reasonable to assume 600.

Last year, WRs had 370 targets; RBs had 114; and TEs had 113. (All numbers from PFR.)

Jennings is gone and had 42 of the RB targets, but I think most of those will be absorbed by Perkins/Vereen. I'll go with 110 RB targets. On the one hand, in 2015, the Giants had 129 RB targets, and Vereen himself had 81; but, on the other hand, they have more talent at WR/TE now, and some of those 2015 RB targets were likely due to poor options behind Beckham at the other positions. I'll call it a wash. So 110 for RBs.

Last year, Beckham had 169 targets, Shepard had 105 as a rookie, Cruz had 72, and the rest of the WRs combined for 24. Now Cruz has been replaced by Marshall and Shepard has a year of experience. Marshall had 128 targets in 15 games last season and 173 the year before with the Jets. He won't get that volume with the Giants, but the point is that his age (33) does not seem to be a reason to think he will not be productive and demand 100+ targets. On the other hand, his productivity dropped off a lot from 2015 to 2016, so perhaps 100 targets is better for him at this stage of his career.

Last year, Tye had 70 targets, Donnell had 22, and Adams had 21. Donnell is gone, but Tye and Adams remain.

How to divide up WR and TE targets is tough to project, especially since Engram could really eat some WR targets as well as TE targets. Perhaps something like this:

• Beckham 150
  
• Marshall 100
  
• Shepard 85
  
• Other WRs 25
  
• Engram 85
  
• Tye 25
  
• Other TEs 20
  

Of course, all of this assumes full health, which presumably won't be the case, so we know there will be fluctuation from a reasonable starting point, we just don't know who will miss time.

I'm sure some will say that one or more of Beckham, Marshall, Shepard will have more targets. Those probably either have to come from the RBs or from more passing attempts. (Or injuries, as noted above.)

I also might be a bit low on targets for TEs other than Engram, since he is a rookie and Tye and Adams combined for 91 targets last season.

Anyway, I think 85 targets for Engram could mean 55-60 receptions, 600-700 yards, 3-7 TDs. Would that be good enough to win the rookie TE fantasy points title? There is a good chance it would be, especially if the TDs are on the higher end of the range. The main threat to that is probably the addition of Marshall to combine with Beckham as two strong red zone threats at WR.

That's a lot of thinking.  So the end result of all your data manipulation and speculation is your assumption that a rookie TE who struggles badly in blocking will get less than one target per game less than a proven stud WR like Marshall (who btw is a strong blocking asset for the run game as well) who still has some gas in the tank?

I guess I'll disagree, but without all the mental gymnastics.

 

[Tau837]

That's a lot of thinking.  So the end result of all your data manipulation and speculation is your assumption that a rookie TE who struggles badly in blocking will get less than one target per game less than a proven stud WR like Marshall (who btw is a strong blocking asset for the run game as well) who still has some gas in the tank?

That's one way to put it. Another way to put it is that I think the Giants' #1 pick in the draft at #23 overall will average just over 5 targets per game, which is about 1 target less per game than 33 year old Marshall, whose performance dropped off to terrible career low levels just last season (59/788/3 receiving on 128 targets :X ) and who was signed to a pedestrian free agent contract in the offseason (#40 among WRs, team has easy out after this season). 

How's that for mental gymnastics?

 

[Bronco Billy]

That's one way to put it. Another way to put it is that I think the Giants' #1 pick in the draft at #23 overall will average just over 5 targets per game, which is about 1 target less per game than 33 year old Marshall, whose performance dropped off to terrible career low levels just last season (59/788/3 receiving on 128 targets :X ) and who was signed to a pedestrian free agent contract in the offseason (#40 among WRs, team has easy out after this season). 

How's that for mental gymnastics?

I feel the need to point out the overwhelmingly obvious, since you seem willing to dismiss or ignore it.  I expect Marshall's performance to improve with a competent QB.  Perhaps you don't.  

I also expect a rookie TE with Engram's blocking issues to struggle to get on the field at times, not to mention the learning curve normal to most rookie TEs.  Guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Ranethe]

Cole wasn't healthy for testing iirc.  Good reads about how Lynch and Shan called him 8 times and gave him a huge guaranteed $ to sign as an udfa.  Lots of talk out of camp that he's gonna be Shanahans move TE.  Just saying he's got an opportunity and I like his profile in this O.

Yep, I've read that as well how they went to the fence to convince him to sign with them as an UDFA. Can't underestimate that, I personally weigh that pretty heavily as well. Don't blame you at all for focusing on him as a potential "sleeper". You very well could be right. I guess when all is said and done I just can't ignore the measurables and draft position.  My initial point in posting about him was only that his measurables deserved more attention and that I was surprised that he wasn't even being drafted in like 99% of rookie drafts. You also can't dismiss the lack of production-if he was such a stellar athlete how do you not exploit that? So I get it to a degree. Just wondering if there was something else I was missing. If there is-I haven't found it yet.

 

[RaiderBones]

49ers fifth-round TE George Kittle is getting first-team reps at minicamp.

Vance McDonald appears to be on the outs in San Francisco, while Garrett Celek and Logan Paulsen are mostly blockers. Kittle played "exclusively" with the starters on the first day of minicamp and "for long stretches was (Brian) Hoyer's go-to guy." A superb athlete with 4.52 speed at 6-foot-4, 247, Kittle has a realistic chance to earn a significant rookie-year role. Jun 13 - 9:46 PM

Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/12276/george-kittle

 

[Noah Davis]

I made an assumption that this was a redraft question.  I can't really think of a context where a dynasty owner was focusing only on first year scoring by a TE.

I'm guessing the OP is looking for a late round flyer to roster because the lower half of the vet TE2s are really not very different and you can probably get one off the WW any given week that will score as well as say TE18.

I'd take Hooper in ATL over any of the rookies as a late round flyer.  Matt Ryan has targeted TEs in the past.  Granted under a different OC & system.

2008: 30 TE Targets: Justin Peelie
2009: 151 TE Targets: Tony Gonzales
2010: 132 TE Targets: Tony Gonzales
2011: 134 TE Targets: Tony Gonzales
2012: 134 TE Targets: Tony Gonzales
2013: 137 TE Targets: Tony Gonzales
2014: 55 TE Targets: Levine Toilolo
2015: 98 TE Targets: Jacob Tamme
2016: 77 TE Targets: Jacob Tamme

To me it appears the targets are dependent on the talent.  Tony G averaged around 120 targets per year for three years even with Julio, Roddy and a pass catching RB (JaQuizz, Steven Jackson, etc..).  I think 100 to 120 targets to the TE position is achievable this year with 80-85%% going to Hooper.  He averaged 14 yards per catch and a 70% catch rate last year.  I'd bump both those down to be conservative.

He's more talented than Tamme and less talented than Tony G. But there isn't a strong second option for receptions after Julio. So I think it bodes well for him.

 

[Bronco Billy]

I'd take Hooper in ATL over any of the rookies as a late round flyer.  

Okay.  That really doesn't respond to the OP though.

 

[Noah Davis]

Okay.  That really doesn't respond to the OP though.

It was more to the point you made where you said:

I'm guessing the OP is looking for a late round flyer to roster because the lower half of the vet TE2s are really not very different and you can probably get one off the WW any given week that will score as well as say TE18.

I think the cream of the crop lower end TE2 (Hooper is at about TE21) is way above everyone else.

 

[Bronco Billy]

It was more to the point you made where you said:

I'm guessing the OP is looking for a late round flyer to roster because the lower half of the vet TE2s are really not very different and you can probably get one off the WW any given week that will score as well as say TE18.

Okay

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Kittle was considered a top TE going into last year and Iowa just decided not to utilize him.  Watched a few of their games and am still baffled by that decision.

He didn't drop 1 ball last year, he dropped 1 ball in 4 years at Iowa.  Former WR who put on 50 lbs to play TE.  He has made a few eye popping catches - much better receiver than his stats reflect.  Very good athlete.  Nasty blocker - he's undersized but has great technique, never stops his feet and has a real mean streak.  

Yeah, I'm on his bandwagon.  I think this guy has the goods to be a FF TE1.  Never has to come off the field.  Can play in line, in the slot, or set wide.  A lot of good things going on with him.  Loved getting him in the back half of the FF draft.

.

Good call on Kittle.

 

[Snorkelson]

I think another reason to like kittle is lack of WRs, and moving forward who knows, his college qb could be the guy there in the future. He got overlooked due to the fact that there are a lot of very good, very different types of te. He wasn't in a prolific passing offense, and while he had a solid combine, he didn't stand out either. Certainly can do worse with a 5th rd rookie pick. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Given the general unpredictability of rookie TEs, it makes sense to go other here. 

 

[RaiderBones]

John Lynch excited and surprised by George Kittle

By Clinton Ho

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/player-news.php

The Niners GM, John Lynch raved about rookie tight end, George Kittle, when he spoke on the local sports radio show in the Bay Area. “He’s got some suddenness to him in his movements. He catches the ball extremely well... I think George gives us something we don’t have in a playmaker down near the red zone... We feel like George Kittle maybe gives us something where he is that guy, in a one-on-one situation you can flex him out, put him in the middle of the field and he can kind of impose his will and just out-athlete people. That has been extremely positive. We thought that coming in, but he probably exceeded our expectations.” (Source: KNBR 680)

 

[Bracie Smathers]

TB plays NYG and Engram is following the other rookie TEs to see how he matches up.

Thought it would be interesting to see the stats to date.

http://nypost.com/2017/09/30/giants-evan-engram-making-sure-he-measures-up-vs-draft-rival-te/

Giants’ Evan Engram making sure he measures up vs. draft rival TE

... Engram also has some curiosity in how his fellow rookies are faring across the league.

“I keep a close eye on it,” Engram said ...

... The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has recorded 13 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown while Howard has just two receptions for 29 yards in Tampa Bay’s two games.

Here are the raw stats to date:

O.J Howard 

• receptions - 2
  
• yards - 37
  
• TDs - 0
  

Evan Engram

• receptions - 13
  
• yards - 138
  
• TDs - 1
  

David Njuko

• receptions - 7
  
• yards - 59
  
• TDs - 2
  

So far Evan leads in all but TDs.  OJ has Brate in front of him and Njuko has DeValve in front of him but Engram really doesn't have anyone contending for receptions from the TE position.

 

[NREC34]

I dropped OJ for Jonnu today. 

 

[The Frankman]

So far Evan leads in all but TDs.  OJ has Brate in front of him and Njuko has DeValve in front of him but Engram really doesn't have anyone contending for receptions from the TE position.

Also TB uses OJ Howard as primarily a blocker so far and they line up Brate in the slot so he stays on the field. Engram is the only TE who doesn't have another pass catcher in front of him (Rhett Ellison is used as a blocker for the Giants mostly)

 

[Tau837]

So the end result of all your data manipulation and speculation is your assumption that a rookie TE who struggles badly in blocking will get less than one target per game less than a proven stud WR like Marshall (who btw is a strong blocking asset for the run game as well) who still has some gas in the tank?

Through 3 games:

• Marshall: 20 targets for 10/93/0
  
• Engram: 19 targets for 13/138/1
  

Just a fluke so far, @Bronco Billy?

 

[Bronco Billy]

Through 3 games:

• Marshall: 20 targets for 10/93/0
  
• Engram: 19 targets for 13/138/1
  

Just a fluke so far, @Bronco Billy?

Crowning yourself a genius after 3 games?  Congrats, you got one right a fifth of the way into the season.

 

[Tau837]

Crowning yourself a genius after 3 games?  Congrats, you got one right a fifth of the way into the season.

I didn't refer to myself at all. I questioned whether you still feel the same way you did when you made the post I quoted. And you didn't answer.