Tight Ends....what's your strategy this year? (1 Viewer)

[eoMMan]

What do you plan on doing for tight end this year?

Obviously, Gronk and Graham and the two best. After them, it's a little drop but not huge, imo. I think Gates and Hernandez will have very nice years. I'm worried about Finley, but he'll still have a decent to good season. You also have Vernon Davis and Jason Witten, who will both be solid this year.

Is it really worth spending an early pick (maybe 2nd round) on Gronk or Graham?

What are YOU doing?

 

[gandalas]

All depends on where you draft.

In Dynasty startups, those 2 are usually at the end of round 1, after the usual suspects are off the board. So if you have a late 1st rounder, they are an option for you, but if you pick at the beginning, you obviously are not getting them unless you trade down or up.

 

[MAC_32]

With Richardson no longer an option I'm reconsidering Gronk or Graham if they slip into round 2.

Plan all along has been watch for Hernandez or Gates in the 6th if they slip or Tamme in the 9th-10th range then come back with Rudolph. If I miss both Gates and Tamme get Rudolph and back him up with a Gresham or an Owen type.

 

[jurb26]

I'm going to be waiting on TEs this year. I'm not comfortable enough with the RB depth this year swill likely have 4 RBs on my roster in the 1st 7 picks. Depending how thing fall.

I'm drafting out of the 9 spot and will likely take MJD or McFadden. Both are high risk so I'm going to insure my RB position. It's a flex legue so I could start as many as 3 RBs if isn't too.

 

[Wild Young Billy]

As awesome as Gronk was/is, you can't count out Hernandez as being the more successful TE in NE this year. Hernandez was injured early in the season last year. I've been contemplating on waiting on a TE and looking at drafting Tamme.

 

[fightingillini]

If you're drafting late in a TE required PPR league, I am definitely considering Graham or Gronkowski with either my late 1st or early 2nd round pick, especially if the top 6-7 RBs are off the board as well as Rodgers and Calvin. If I am drafting early or middle, Graham and Gronkowski likely won't be there by my 2nd round pick, so I go to the next strategy, which is....I am looking to get a Hernandez/Gates/V Davis in Round 4 or 5. If I can't snag any of these guys, then I will wait and get a couple of TEs later with upside, like Greg Olsen and Jermaine Gresham.

I disagree with eoMMan in that Graham and Gronkowski will still be far ahead of the TE pack, enough to have value to warrant an early pick.

So you have 3 strategies...1) get Graham or Gronkowski very early, or 2) get a 2nd tier TE by Round 5, or 3) wait and get two TEs with upside late. I haven't mocked it out yet to see which strategy is the best yet.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think the real value play is Jason Witten.

Just wait until the top2 plus Gates and Vdavis are gone, then snag Jason.

No Lrob, and uncertainty with Dez/Miles Hammy - I think Witten could be the one constant in the passing game this year

 

[jurb26]

I think the real value play is Jason Witten. Just wait until the top2 plus Gates and Vdavis are gone, then snag Jason.No Lrob, and uncertainty with Dez/Miles Hammy - I think Witten could be the one constant in the passing game this year

Best value I'm seeing is Pettigrew.... By a mile. He can be had in the 8th rd.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I'm in a 10 team, 4 person PPR

I'm not touching one in the first 3 rounds...I'm swinging for the fences later with a Owen Daniels, Fred Davis, Tamme, Dwayne Allen type and if they don't work out I'll deal a pick for one.

 

[chickensoup]

I'm targeting Pettigrew and backing him with Rudolph in redrafts, especially in PPR leagues. I will likely not have Graham/Gronk in any money leagues as the price is too high and it's my belief that those two will have a very difficult time living up to their draft slot. They not only have to be TE1/TE2 but by a large enough margin to not be busts IMO

If I miss Pettigrew I'm going with an Olsen/Gresham combo likely

 

[eoMMan]

I'm targeting Pettigrew and backing him with Rudolph in redrafts, especially in PPR leagues. I will likely not have Graham/Gronk in any money leagues as the price is too high and it's my belief that those two will have a very difficult time living up to their draft slot. They not only have to be TE1/TE2 but by a large enough margin to not be busts IMOIf I miss Pettigrew I'm going with an Olsen/Gresham combo likely

That's the thing though, even if Graham and Gronk regress a little bit, they are still monsters. Look at their numbers from last year and figure on 80% of that. That's still silly good. I'd much rather have the assurance of one of those guys instead of playing TE match-up each week with so-so guys like Olsen, Gresham, Pettigrew, etc.

 

[The_Fonz]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

 

[jurb26]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

 

[fightingillini]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I don't agree. Sure he caught 83 passes, but his YPC is weak and he isn't a big TD producer. He scored only 5 TDs in a year that Stafford tossed 41. I don't see his upside at all. He is serviceable in a PPR league, but I would rather get Olsen, Gresham or Tamme, guys that can score 8 TDs and produce a much better YPC. Round 8 is a fair price for Pettigrew, nothing more.

 

[jurb26]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I don't agree. Sure he caught 83 passes, but his YPC is weak and he isn't a big TD producer. He scored only 5 TDs in a year that Stafford tossed 41. I don't see his upside at all. He is serviceable in a PPR league, but I would rather get Olsen, Gresham or Tamme, guys that can score 8 TDs and produce a much better YPC. Round 8 is a fair price for Pettigrew, nothing more.

Why exactly can't Pettigrew score 8 TDs? You do realize another TE in Det scored 6 last year. The bottom line is that he gets targets and he will produce. He had 124 targets last year and 111 the year prior. He's had 83 and 71 receptions the past 2 seasons & was over 700 yds both times. His average dropped to its lowest in 3 years last year and his career average is 10.The anomaly last year was Scheffler scoring 6 TDs in only 42 targets.Pettigrew is a steal.

 

[The_Fonz]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I don't agree. Sure he caught 83 passes, but his YPC is weak and he isn't a big TD producer. He scored only 5 TDs in a year that Stafford tossed 41. I don't see his upside at all. He is serviceable in a PPR league, but I would rather get Olsen, Gresham or Tamme, guys that can score 8 TDs and produce a much better YPC. Round 8 is a fair price for Pettigrew, nothing more.

Why exactly can't Pettigrew score 8 TDs? You do realize another TE in Det scored 6 last year. The bottom line is that he gets targets and he will produce. He had 124 targets last year and 111 the year prior. He's had 83 and 71 receptions the past 2 seasons & was over 700 yds both times. His average dropped to its lowest in 3 years last year and his career average is 10.The anomaly last year was Scheffler scoring 6 TDs in only 42 targets.Pettigrew is a steal.

yep that is what I thought last year when I drafted him. really liked what I saw in 2010 from him. But Scheffler kept getting TD's over him. Take away Sheffler's vulturing and he would have been better for sure. If I stay away from him this year you can guarantee he will be top 3.

 

[chickensoup]

I'm targeting Pettigrew and backing him with Rudolph in redrafts, especially in PPR leagues. I will likely not have Graham/Gronk in any money leagues as the price is too high and it's my belief that those two will have a very difficult time living up to their draft slot. They not only have to be TE1/TE2 but by a large enough margin to not be busts IMOIf I miss Pettigrew I'm going with an Olsen/Gresham combo likely

That's the thing though, even if Graham and Gronk regress a little bit, they are still monsters. Look at their numbers from last year and figure on 80% of that. That's still silly good. I'd much rather have the assurance of one of those guys instead of playing TE match-up each week with so-so guys like Olsen, Gresham, Pettigrew, etc.

Let's take 80% since you threw that out thereGronk turns to: 72/1061/14 for 262 pointsGraham turns to: 79/1048/9 for 237 pointsHernandez last year: 79/910/7 for 212 and was hurtThat's why I don't like them, especially Gronk. you will probably out score others at TE but you are making a gigantic leap of faith that last year (record breaking for both) was not the anomaly and that they are what they were last year. Any regression means you are picking up 1-2 points per week for 3 rounds or do.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I don't agree. Sure he caught 83 passes, but his YPC is weak and he isn't a big TD producer. He scored only 5 TDs in a year that Stafford tossed 41. I don't see his upside at all. He is serviceable in a PPR league, but I would rather get Olsen, Gresham or Tamme, guys that can score 8 TDs and produce a much better YPC. Round 8 is a fair price for Pettigrew, nothing more.

Why exactly can't Pettigrew score 8 TDs? You do realize another TE in Det scored 6 last year. The bottom line is that he gets targets and he will produce. He had 124 targets last year and 111 the year prior. He's had 83 and 71 receptions the past 2 seasons & was over 700 yds both times. His average dropped to its lowest in 3 years last year and his career average is 10.The anomaly last year was Scheffler scoring 6 TDs in only 42 targets.Pettigrew is a steal.

you need to look at Pettigrews production with Scheffler in vs out. And Pettigrew seemed to dominate Minnesota.Fine pick in Pettigrew but Im leery based on his high drop percentage, his splits with Scheffler out and titus yougn and Broyles improving.

 

[RalphMouth]

Fred Davis can be had in the 7th to early 8th round-

He could be a Top 5 guy.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Fred Davis/Celek/Greshem/ Kyle Rudoulph combo. Depends how my draft falls. For a mid to late second I'd get Gronk or Graham and back them up w Rudoulph/Greshem potential in the late rounds hoping they hit and I can induce a trade. After the 10th or so once Pettegrew or Gonzalas goes that's my Fred Davis/Celek que, most likey use back to back picks.

Another combo I like is Witten and Owen Daniels.

 

[Instinctive]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

obviously a ton depends on your league scoring, starting lineup options, etc....VBD will play a large part in your decision here....

but general thoughts...

I think there may be kind of a little TE frenzy this year after the years put up by some of those guys last year....meaning not only will the top 2 go very early, but it will then also cause a few others owners to "panic" so to speak and maybe take a few of the next TE's a round or two earlier than where they should be going...those owners will kind of feel the need grab one of the next few studs to keep up with the "big boys"...I think this may allow other owners to scoop up some value at other positions that shouldn't really fall....

you can maybe load up elsewhere (where you can make up the points you think you are losing)and then target the Pettigrew's and Gresham's late when those owners already with TE's are fighting over sucky RB2's or something....

depending on the league...I'll be targeting Hernandez anywhere around round 4-5....if I miss after that I would be ok with Pettigrew or Gresham a few rounds later....Keller or Olsen even later if I am feeling to much value fall...

 

[steelcityman]

i am in ppr leagues, so i will take Graham after Calvin is off the board if no qb I want is there or all the top elite RBs are gone.

Rodgers

Rice

Foster

McCoy

Calvin

Mathews - maybe

and then I would consider Graham, I like him a bit more than Gronk.

80+ catches, 1000 yards and 10 TDs approx....thats PDG for a WR.

We have to start a TE.

Had Gronk last year and it won me weeks, and lots of money.

 

[chickensoup]

i am in ppr leagues, so i will take Graham after Calvin is off the board if no qb I want is there or all the top elite RBs are gone.RodgersRiceFosterMcCoyCalvinMathews - maybeand then I would consider Graham, I like him a bit more than Gronk.80+ catches, 1000 yards and 10 TDs approx....thats PDG for a WR.We have to start a TE.Had Gronk last year and it won me weeks, and lots of money.

You had Gronk in the 7th or 8th last year though.....

 

[amicsta]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

Whats detroits motivation to run more? They have a slee of young offensive weapons in thr passing game. At rb they have a guy who may never play again and is risky at best, a guy who is suspended and coming off an achilles injury, and a guy who came back off the street last year and while he looked good, showed again that hes made of glass. Its going to be more of the same in detroit this year, throw throw throw.

 

[Instinctive]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

Whats detroits motivation to run more? They have a slee of young offensive weapons in thr passing game. At rb they have a guy who may never play again and is risky at best, a guy who is suspended and coming off an achilles injury, and a guy who came back off the street last year and while he looked good, showed again that hes made of glass. Its going to be more of the same in detroit this year, throw throw throw.

Want to bet on it? I just think it's reasonable that with more viable WR targets and the high unlikeliness (so not a word) that they throw more than all but two teams in NFL history again, I think Pettigrew is do for regression.I'll put $20 that they throw less than 650 times (they had 670 pass attempts last season).

 

[amicsta]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

Whats detroits motivation to run more? They have a slee of young offensive weapons in thr passing game. At rb they have a guy who may never play again and is risky at best, a guy who is suspended and coming off an achilles injury, and a guy who came back off the street last year and while he looked good, showed again that hes made of glass. Its going to be more of the same in detroit this year, throw throw throw.

Want to bet on it? I just think it's reasonable that with more viable WR targets and the high unlikeliness (so not a word) that they throw more than all but two teams in NFL history again, I think Pettigrew is do for regression.I'll put $20 that they throw less than 650 times (they had 670 pass attempts last season).

650 is alot different than "600 tops"

 

[Instinctive]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

Whats detroits motivation to run more? They have a slee of young offensive weapons in thr passing game. At rb they have a guy who may never play again and is risky at best, a guy who is suspended and coming off an achilles injury, and a guy who came back off the street last year and while he looked good, showed again that hes made of glass. Its going to be more of the same in detroit this year, throw throw throw.

Want to bet on it? I just think it's reasonable that with more viable WR targets and the high unlikeliness (so not a word) that they throw more than all but two teams in NFL history again, I think Pettigrew is do for regression.I'll put $20 that they throw less than 650 times (they had 670 pass attempts last season).

650 is alot different than "600 tops"

I'll put down $20 on 600 attempts too.

 

[amicsta]

Pettigrew was a letdown last year i thought. I am hoping to grab gates in the 3rd or 4th. A lot will depend on where I am in the draft but I think Gates is going to have a bounce this year without VJax there.

Pettigrew caught 83 passes last year. The only reason that isn't being talked about more is because of the seasons some of the other guys put up. In a PPR league, Pettigrew is an absolute steal right now.

I think people are forgetting just how often Detroit threw the ball last year and assuming it will continue. I may have to publish my expectations for their passing game and really think through it...but until I do, my gut feeling says they don;t come close to 670 passing attempts again. I'm thinking 600 tops. That's a lot less passes.

Whats detroits motivation to run more? They have a slee of young offensive weapons in thr passing game. At rb they have a guy who may never play again and is risky at best, a guy who is suspended and coming off an achilles injury, and a guy who came back off the street last year and while he looked good, showed again that hes made of glass. Its going to be more of the same in detroit this year, throw throw throw.

Want to bet on it? I just think it's reasonable that with more viable WR targets and the high unlikeliness (so not a word) that they throw more than all but two teams in NFL history again, I think Pettigrew is do for regression.I'll put $20 that they throw less than 650 times (they had 670 pass attempts last season).

650 is alot different than "600 tops"

I'll put down $20 on 600 attempts too.

Detroit threw it 633 times in 2010 with Shaun Hill as their primary, qb. Ill take the over on 600 attempts for them this year. This coaching staff has shown they are not afraid to throw and throw often. Very aggressive team

 

[mbuehner]

It wouldn't be shocking to see Hernandez outscoring Gronk this season. I think Hernandez in the 4th is the shark move.

 

[Mr. Soup Nazi]

What does everyone think of Tony Gonzalez this year? 80 catches and 7 TD's last season. Sure he is 36, but he has kept himself in great shape and is hardly a focal point so he has more one on one coverage than ever.

Where does 75-800-5 rank? I'd think that is a strong possibility with an 85-1000-9 ceiling. Not bad for a guy drafted as late as he is going. People always forget about the old guys who have been there for years.

 

[Run It Up]

In the leagues where I can keep players I acquired him during this offseason, (Welker straight up for one league, moving back in a few mid rounds and steve smith in another).

In redrafts I try to grab Gronk (or graham if gronk is gone) in the 10-16.

If I cant get either I try for Vernon Davis, if I cant get Davis I try for a committee of Pettigrew and Tamme/Gresham.

 

[solorca]

My situation is a bit different, because I play in a two player keeper league and Jimmy Graham will be available, so I'll be grabbing him as my top pick if he's available (Forte, Mcfadden, and Chris Johnson will be the only three available I would take earlier). Beyond that, I love the following...

Aaron Hernandez - He's my favorite TE play this year if I can grab him in the 5th. I was able to get him in the fifth in earlier mocks, but he's getting a little too rich for my now. usually going in the fourth.

Fred Davis/Brandon Pettigrew/Jason Witten - Both can be had in the 6-8 round range, and I like all as value picks. I'll look to grab the one that happens to be available when the pick is right for me. If I have my choice of all three, I'll go Witten, Pettigrew, Davis in that order.

Brent Celek/Greg Olsen - If I wait even longer, I'll take one of these two as a cheap TE1. I think both guys will finish in the top 8 this year, and I'm happy to have either. In many cases, I'm grabbing them as a backup/flex play in the 10th+ round range.

Kyle Rudolph - I prefer him as a backup rather than a TE1, but I'm trying to target him as the first or second TE2 off the board if he hangs around.