Vernon Davis (1 Viewer)

[jurb26]

OK, looking over the recent TE rankings posted by the staff. All I can say is what in the world are you guys thinking ranking Davis at #4!?!? This is ahead of guys like Crumpler, Heap, Witten, Cooley and Miller to name a few. Simply shocking. Could we get some rational here please?

 

[The Mechanic]

Looking at past performances from S.F. and with the depth chart set-up as of now we have to guess that the "Performance indicator Guru from FBG" is not holding much hope for other offensive position players.

 

[Family Matters]

I don't think it's much of a stretch to rank him 4th in a dynasty ranking. Consider the abilities we know he possesses and how the TE is evolvong in the passing game ala Gates, Gonzo, Heap, Crumpler and Co. and you can see why people are so high on this guy.

Usually I am a show me something in the NFL guy before I go all crazy but I can see why people are so high on him. You don't have to be the man all year just show me something when your chances are there so I can see if you can make plays and then go crazy.

But if you want this guy you have to go all in on him to get him.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

OK, looking over the recent TE rankings posted by the staff. All I can say is what in the world are you guys thinking ranking Davis at #4!?!? This is ahead of guys like Crumpler, Heap, Witten, Cooley and Miller to name a few. Simply shocking. Could we get some rational here please?

I am not ready to put him at #4 because he's likely to only be an adequate starting TE for this year while he adjusts to the NFL, but I could see him as #4 going into next year if his development stays on track.

 

[Team Legacy]

Remember the hype on Kellen Winslow.

Buyer beware. Tight Ends, TOP Tight Ends are usually not high draft picks. (just historically speaking of course)

Also, San Fran's offense is in such disarray, what can he possibly accomplish there?

If Alex Smith throws in a good game for 200 yards and 2 TDs, how many will go to VD? Okay, all of them maybe, lol.

Seriously though, if he grabs 30% of the production, I'd be surprised. He's a great talent and will make plays but putting him in front of those guys is bold.

My dynasty projections are normally 3-5 years out. Any longer and we may all be dead.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Remember the hype on Kellen Winslow.

We will never know if the hype was deserved or not. This is not relevant for Davis unless he breaks his leg early this year and shows a penchant for doing wheelies off the field.

 

[kevthegrad]

Sometime very recently (I think in a daily e-mail update) it was suggested that Eric Johnson being back at full strength would cut into Davis' production.

So in light of that, I tend to agree that #4 is a tad high in the rankings here...I mean, has Alex Smith shown anything significant yet?

 

[SaintArnold]

Two words: DUMP OFF.

 

[wannabee]

Two words: DUMP OFF.

how did we get on the topic of Davenport?

 

[mightyeskimo]

OK, looking over the recent TE rankings posted by the staff. All I can say is what in the world are you guys thinking ranking Davis at #4!?!? This is ahead of guys like Crumpler, Heap, Witten, Cooley and Miller to name a few. Simply shocking. Could we get some rational here please?

Looks like the dynasty rankings were updated. Davis is now at #5 behind Alge. I think that's still a little high. I would also drop Gonzo down simply because he's 30 and this is a dynasty ranking. He may have a few more years but I don't think those years will be very productive. I'd put Davis behind Heap as well. I can see Vernon at 5-7 at this point.

 

[Big Score]

...I mean, has Alex Smith shown anything significant yet?

Smith doesn't have to think as much in new offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system. The West Coast offense of last season's coordinator Mike McCarthy was more rigid and complex.

Turner's offense allows Smith to meld his skills into the scheme. On most plays, Smith doesn't have as many progressions, and he has an opportunity to narrow his options based on defensive matchups.

Apprently last years offense was a little overwhelming for the kid and I'm not surprised.Many, many, many times we've heard both Coaches & NFL QB's, who have played in the West Coach offensive system, talk about how complex it is and how it can take 3 to 4 years to master.

Dumbing down the offense, can only help Smith.

The fact that Norv doesn't have a ton of progressions for the kid to go through, tells me V. Davis will be a high option of that progression list.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

My Top 16:

1 Antonio Gates, SD - Really no question

2 Alge Crumpler, ATL - #1 Receiver in ATL

3 Tony Gonzalez, KC - still the best receiving option in KC, and Green produces

4 Vernon Davis, SF - likely to be the new "best friend" of Alex Smith

5 L.J. Smith, PHI - second best receiver option for McNabb

6 Randy McMichael, MIA - money TE, underrated, mostly due to Dec rolloffs

7 Chris Cooley, WAS - outperformed last year, will regress with ARE and Lloyd in WASH

8 Jeremy Shockey, NYG - Good TE, but gets nicked every year

9 Ben Watson, NE - Excellent talent, no real #2 WR at this point for a great QB

10 Zach Hilton, NO - Underrated, and Brees loves the TE

11 Todd Heap, BAL - Good when healthy, but gets dinged every year

12 Heath Miller, PIT - Likely 2nd best option for Big Ben

13 Jason Witten, DAL - Regression likely with TO in town

14 Jerramy Stevens, SEA - underrated, but SB dropsies need to fade away

15 Ben Troupe, TEN - also underrated in TE-happy offense

16 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE - still a talent and Frye is getting better

So regarding VDavis - young with a young QB. Could be the next QB/TE hookup tandem for the next few years. Who else is he throwing to - ABryant? Battle? Davis will likely get the most targets of anyone but Gates or Crumpler. (I say Gonzo must block again this year too much)

 

[LHUCKS]

Davis is the most surefire stud at TE that I've ever seen. The only question is whether Smith can get him the ball on a consistent basis.

 

[jurb26]

Davis is the most surefire stud at TE that I've ever seen. The only question is whether Smith can get him the ball on a consistent basis.

Seems we've been hearing this for years now at TE. Shockey, Winslow and now Davis.

 

[CEO of the Barefoots]

My Top 16:

1 Antonio Gates, SD - Really no question

2 Alge Crumpler, ATL - #1 Receiver in ATL

3 Tony Gonzalez, KC - still the best receiving option in KC, and Green produces

4 Vernon Davis, SF - likely to be the new "best friend" of Alex Smith

5 L.J. Smith, PHI - second best receiver option for McNabb

6 Randy McMichael, MIA - money TE, underrated, mostly due to Dec rolloffs

7 Chris Cooley, WAS - outperformed last year, will regress with ARE and Lloyd in WASH

8 Jeremy Shockey, NYG - Good TE, but gets nicked every year

9 Ben Watson, NE - Excellent talent, no real #2 WR at this point for a great QB

10 Zach Hilton, NO - Underrated, and Brees loves the TE

11 Todd Heap, BAL - Good when healthy, but gets dinged every year

12 Heath Miller, PIT - Likely 2nd best option for Big Ben

13 Jason Witten, DAL - Regression likely with TO in town

14 Jerramy Stevens, SEA - underrated, but SB dropsies need to fade away

15 Ben Troupe, TEN - also underrated in TE-happy offense

16 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE - still a talent and Frye is getting better

So regarding VDavis - young with a young QB. Could be the next QB/TE hookup tandem for the next few years. Who else is he throwing to - ABryant? Battle? Davis will likely get the most targets of anyone but Gates or Crumpler. (I say Gonzo must block again this year too much)

I think the Davis ranking is a little high but not outrageous. I could see ranking him anywhere from 4-6.Now...ranking Shockey at #8 is a little out there. Better stats last year than ToGo and Crumpler. Dinged up?? he has played 30 of the last possible 32 games and had a QB who in only his second year was fifth in the league in passing yards.

Crumpler may be a number one WR in his offense but his QB is about as accurate as an Iraqi Scud circa Gulf War I.

The Shockey ranking is so far off that it lends little credibility to the above overall tiering.

 

[jurb26]

Hear would be my TE Dynasty Rankings:

1. Gates

2. Shockey

3. Heap

4. Cooley

5. Crumpler

6. Witten

7. Miller

8. Gonzo

9. Davis

10. Winslow

11. McMichael

12. LJ.SMith

13. M.Lewis

14. Troupe

15. Watson

16. Stevens

17. Clark

18. Hilton

19. A.Smith

20. Wiggins

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest. Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out. Minority opinion, maybe. Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

 

[LHUCKS]

Hear would be my TE Dynasty Rankings:

1. Gates

2. Shockey

3. Heap

4. Cooley

5. Crumpler

6. Witten

7. Miller

8. Gonzo

9. Davis

10. Winslow

11. McMichael

12. LJ.SMith

13. M.Lewis

14. Troupe

15. Watson

16. Stevens

17. Clark

18. Hilton

19. A.Smith

20. Wiggins

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest. Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out. Minority opinion, maybe. Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo. He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest. Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out. Minority opinion, maybe. Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

How about the fact that Winslow has suffered a slew of serious injuries and Davis hasnt. That should separate them at least 5 slots.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo. He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I look at Gonzo the same as I look at Harrison. Throw out the normal age rules for these hall of famers. Theyre likely to remain elite options for at least 2 or 3 more years. Remember 900 yards was considered a down year for Gonzo last year. His skills are shows no signs of eroding, and the foot problem is seeming like much less of a concern.

 

[David Yudkin]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo. He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

 

[Banger]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo.  He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

I'm targeting Gonzo for that reason this year. He will be a "forgotten" man and will slip too far in many drafts.

 

[LHUCKS]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo.  He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I look at Gonzo the same as I look at Harrison. Throw out the normal age rules for these hall of famers. Theyre likely to remain elite options for at least 2 or 3 more years. Remember 900 yards was considered a down year for Gonzo last year. His skills are shows no signs of eroding, and the foot problem is seeming like much less of a concern.

so would you take two more elite years of Gonzo(stretching it IMHO)or

10 more years of Vernon Davis

I'll take Davis.

 

[jurb26]

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest. Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out. Minority opinion, maybe. Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

How about the fact that Winslow has suffered a slew of serious injuries and Davis hasnt. That should separate them at least 5 slots.

A slew? All repeorts are that Winslow looks GREAT in his recovery and nobody seems to be scared off by a similar injury to Walker (who had less time to recover).

 

[LHUCKS]

Gonzo appeared visibly slower to me.

TEs aren't like WRs...the lifespan of the elite TEs is significantly lower than that of the elite WRs.

 

[jurb26]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo. He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

Well, not only did Gonzo have an "off" year, but several yong and talented TEs seemed to step up. Remember this is a dynasty rank. In redraft, I have Gonzo higher based on past performace. In dynasty however, these young TEs are looking far more promising IMO.

 

[LHUCKS]

                +-------------------------+                 |        Receiving        |+----------+-----+-------------------------+| Year  TM |   G |   Rec  Yards   Y/R   TD |+----------+-----+-------------------------+| 1997 kan |  16 |    33    368  11.2    2 || 1998 kan |  16 |    59    621  10.5    2 || 1999 kan |  15 |    76    849  11.2   11 || 2000 kan |  16 |    93   1203  12.9    9 || 2001 kan |  16 |    73    917  12.6    6 || 2002 kan |  16 |    63    773  12.3    7 || 2003 kan |  16 |    71    916  12.9   10 || 2004 kan |  16 |   102   1258  12.3    7 || 2005 kan |  16 |    78    905  11.6    2 |+----------+-----+-------------------------+|  TOTAL   | 143 |   648   7810  12.1   56 |+----------+-----+-------------------------+78/905/2 is not what it used to be in today's NFL.Gonzalez will be overvalued if he's taken in the early rounds.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

My Top 16:

1 Antonio Gates, SD - Really no question

2 Alge Crumpler, ATL - #1 Receiver in ATL

3 Tony Gonzalez, KC - still the best receiving option in KC, and Green produces

4 Vernon Davis, SF - likely to be the new "best friend" of Alex Smith

5 L.J. Smith, PHI - second best receiver option for McNabb

6 Randy McMichael, MIA - money TE, underrated, mostly due to Dec rolloffs

7 Chris Cooley, WAS - outperformed last year, will regress with ARE and Lloyd in WASH

8 Jeremy Shockey, NYG - Good TE, but gets nicked every year

9 Ben Watson, NE - Excellent talent, no real #2 WR at this point for a great QB

10 Zach Hilton, NO - Underrated, and Brees loves the TE

11 Todd Heap, BAL - Good when healthy, but gets dinged every year

12 Heath Miller, PIT - Likely 2nd best option for Big Ben

13 Jason Witten, DAL - Regression likely with TO in town

14 Jerramy Stevens, SEA - underrated, but SB dropsies need to fade away

15 Ben Troupe, TEN - also underrated in TE-happy offense

16 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE - still a talent and Frye is getting better

So regarding VDavis - young with a young QB. Could be the next QB/TE hookup tandem for the next few years. Who else is he throwing to - ABryant? Battle? Davis will likely get the most targets of anyone but Gates or Crumpler. (I say Gonzo must block again this year too much)

I think the Davis ranking is a little high but not outrageous. I could see ranking him anywhere from 4-6.Now...ranking Shockey at #8 is a little out there. Better stats last year than ToGo and Crumpler. Dinged up?? he has played 30 of the last possible 32 games and had a QB who in only his second year was fifth in the league in passing yards.

Crumpler may be a number one WR in his offense but his QB is about as accurate as an Iraqi Scud circa Gulf War I.

The Shockey ranking is so far off that it lends little credibility to the above overall tiering.

CEO,To put this in context, this is a Dynasty ranking.

Granted I have Shockey as both the #8 TE this year and in Dynasty, but I would not argue if you said that if Jeremy plays 16 game this season he's a Top 5 TE.

I don't like his injury track record, and both of my rankings reflect that opinion.

In 2005, his ankle and chest hampered him throughout the season.

In 2004, he had hamstring and back issues.

Sure he played through most of that, but just because he played 30 games in two years and was productive, that doesn't mean he can do it again this season.

I see his career on the downturn sooner rather than later because of the cumulative wear and tear on his body.

He's still a viable TE in the NFL, but I think his production may have peaked.

On a PPG level - he's Top 3-5 for sure. Just have a good backup.

-JP

 

[LHUCKS]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo.  He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

Well, not only did Gonzo have an "off" year, but several yong and talented TEs seemed to step up. Remember this is a dynasty rank. In redraft, I have Gonzo higher based on past performace. In dynasty however, these young TEs are looking far more promising IMO.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo.  He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I look at Gonzo the same as I look at Harrison. Throw out the normal age rules for these hall of famers. Theyre likely to remain elite options for at least 2 or 3 more years. Remember 900 yards was considered a down year for Gonzo last year. His skills are shows no signs of eroding, and the foot problem is seeming like much less of a concern.

so would you take two more elite years of Gonzo(stretching it IMHO)or

10 more years of Vernon Davis

I'll take Davis.

I tend to not project out more than 3-5 years, which makes this decision much easier. If I was offered Davis for Gonzo, I would take it only if my team was in rebuilding mode. Of course, if I was as sold on him as you are, I would easily take Davis.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest.  Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out.  Minority opinion, maybe.  Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

How about the fact that Winslow has suffered a slew of serious injuries and Davis hasnt. That should separate them at least 5 slots.

A slew? All repeorts are that Winslow looks GREAT in his recovery and nobody seems to be scared off by a similar injury to Walker (who had less time to recover).

Broken leg before the motorcycle accident, torn ACL and internal injuries in the accident. Hasn't been in live game action forever. Im optimistic that he can return and be productive, but there's no way he's got the upside he had coming out of Miami after the wear and tear on his body and long layoff he's been through.

 

[Kleck]

OK, looking over the recent TE rankings posted by the staff. All I can say is what in the world are you guys thinking ranking Davis at #4!?!? This is ahead of guys like Crumpler, Heap, Witten, Cooley and Miller to name a few. Simply shocking. Could we get some rational here please?

I agree. I have Davis at #18 in my redraft rankings. Over-glorified rookie TEs are a dime a dozen. What percentage have been selected in the first round and were immediately successful? I don't care what kind of physical freak he is.

 

[jurb26]

OK, looking over the recent TE rankings posted by the staff. All I can say is what in the world are you guys thinking ranking Davis at #4!?!? This is ahead of guys like Crumpler, Heap, Witten, Cooley and Miller to name a few. Simply shocking. Could we get some rational here please?

I agree. I have Davis at #18 in my redraft rankings. Over-glorified rookie TEs are a dime a dozen. What percentage have been selected in the first round and were immediately successful? I don't care what kind of physical freak he is.

My thoughts exactly! I think this hoopla is all curtosy of his combine numbers and not actual on field play.

 

[David Yudkin]

There have been 14 times when a TE of 30 or more scored 100 fantasy points:

Todd Christensen 1986 30 163.30

Wesley Walls 1999 33 154.20

Shannon Sharpe 1998 30 136.80

Wesley Walls 1996 30 131.30

Shannon Sharpe 2003 35 125.00

Brent Jones 1994 31 121.00

Raymond Chester 1979 31 119.20

Jimmie Giles 1985 31 115.30

Shannon Sharpe 2000 32 111.00

Wesley Walls 1997 31 110.60

Keith Jackson 1996 31 110.50

Mickey Shuler 1988 32 110.50

Dave Casper 1981 30 105.20

Jay Novacek 1995 33 100.50

I do not totally agree with LHUCKS on WR lasting significantly longer than TE have, as there have been a lot fewer pass catching TE over the years at an uber elite level.

Hopefully, people will see Gonzalez more as a Sharpe than a Novacek.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo.  He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

Well, not only did Gonzo have an "off" year, but several yong and talented TEs seemed to step up. Remember this is a dynasty rank. In redraft, I have Gonzo higher based on past performace. In dynasty however, these young TEs are looking far more promising IMO.

I still think it speaks volumes that Gonzo gets more catches and yards in his down year than the youngins (Crumpler, Heap, Cooley, Shockey) got. Gonzo seems like a mortal lock for a top 3 (if not top 2) finish, and that is still worth a lot to me in dynasty leagues, especially PPR, and especially especially in TE premium leagues.

 

[jurb26]

What I don't understand is the top 5 rankings for Gonzo. He's obviously on the downside of his career and last year's numbers were unimpressive.

I don't understand why people are so down on Gozalez after last year. The only stat he suffered in was TD. His receptions and yardage numbers were on par or better than in other seasons. If he gets a few more TD like in seasons past, he will be every bit as good as before fantasy-wise.

Well, not only did Gonzo have an "off" year, but several yong and talented TEs seemed to step up. Remember this is a dynasty rank. In redraft, I have Gonzo higher based on past performace. In dynasty however, these young TEs are looking far more promising IMO.

I still think it speaks volumes that Gonzo gets more catches and yards in his down year than the youngins (Crumpler, Heap, Cooley, Shockey) got. Gonzo seems like a mortal lock for a top 3 (if not top 2) finish, and that is still worth a lot to me in dynasty leagues, especially PPR, and especially especially in TE premium leagues.

I don't want to hijack my own thread, but I for one havea lot of concerns with the KC O this year. Most all have to deal with age. I've just got this sneaking suspision that we could see the 2nd act to Oak 2003 in the near future.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

There have been 14 times when a TE of 30 or more scored 100 fantasy points:

Until fairly recently, any TE scoring 100 fantasy points in a season was a relatively rare event. Things have changed. Last year, fully seven TEs scored over 100 (including Gonzo in an off year). It's not the big deal it used to be. Gonzo has done it for the last seven years in a row, and will do it again.

 

[David Yudkin]

There have been 14 times when a TE of 30 or more scored 100 fantasy points:

Until fairly recently, any TE scoring 100 fantasy points in a season was a relatively rare event. Things have changed. Last year, fully seven TEs scored over 100 (including Gonzo in an off year). It's not the big deal it used to be. Gonzo has done it for the last seven years in a row, and will do it again.

7 guys in 05, 6 guys in 04. Before that, the last time there was a year with more than 3 TE with 100 points was in 1985 (with 6).The question is, is top TE scoring going to STAY with that many guys near the top or revert back to the almost 20 years in the middle where the pack was farther back.

I believe that in the early 80s there were rule changes that initially helped WR and TE get some higher receiving totals but that over the span of several years those high scoring levels slowly went back down. That may be the case currently, and that cylce may repeat itself in a nother season or two.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I just don't see how you can rank Davis much higher than Winslow to be honest.  Both are unproven and I think Winslow was a better prospect coming out.  Minority opinion, maybe.  Anyway, I give Davis the benifite of the doubt over Winslow due to the injury and well, just having a normally functioning brain.

How about the fact that Winslow has suffered a slew of serious injuries and Davis hasnt. That should separate them at least 5 slots.

A slew? All repeorts are that Winslow looks GREAT in his recovery and nobody seems to be scared off by a similar injury to Walker (who had less time to recover).

When Winslow got drafted, a former NFL scout told me that Winslow's lower body was not strong enough and that his smallish legs would make him succeptable to leg injuries. Bad luck or not, that has transpired.

 

[CEO of the Barefoots]

My Top 16:

1      Antonio Gates, SD  - Really no question

2  Alge Crumpler, ATL  - #1 Receiver in ATL

3  Tony Gonzalez, KC  - still the best receiving option in KC, and Green produces

4  Vernon Davis, SF  - likely to be the new "best friend" of Alex Smith

5  L.J. Smith, PHI  - second best receiver option for McNabb

6  Randy McMichael, MIA  - money TE, underrated, mostly due to Dec rolloffs

7  Chris Cooley, WAS  - outperformed last year, will regress with ARE and Lloyd in WASH

8  Jeremy Shockey, NYG  - Good TE, but gets nicked every year

9  Ben Watson, NE  - Excellent talent, no real #2 WR at this point for a great QB

10  Zach Hilton, NO  - Underrated, and Brees loves the TE

11  Todd Heap, BAL  - Good when healthy, but gets dinged every year

12  Heath Miller, PIT  - Likely 2nd best option for Big Ben

13  Jason Witten, DAL  - Regression likely with TO in town

14  Jerramy Stevens, SEA  - underrated, but SB dropsies need to fade away

15  Ben Troupe, TEN  - also underrated in TE-happy offense

16  Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE - still a talent and Frye is getting better

So regarding VDavis - young with a young QB.  Could be the next QB/TE hookup tandem for the next few years.  Who else is he throwing to - ABryant?  Battle?  Davis will likely get the most targets of anyone but Gates or Crumpler.  (I say Gonzo must block again this year too much)

I think the Davis ranking is a little high but not outrageous. I could see ranking him anywhere from 4-6.Now...ranking Shockey at #8 is a little out there. Better stats last year than ToGo and Crumpler. Dinged up?? he has played 30 of the last possible 32 games and had a QB who in only his second year was fifth in the league in passing yards.

Crumpler may be a number one WR in his offense but his QB is about as accurate as an Iraqi Scud circa Gulf War I.

The Shockey ranking is so far off that it lends little credibility to the above overall tiering.

CEO,To put this in context, this is a Dynasty ranking.

Granted I have Shockey as both the #8 TE this year and in Dynasty, but I would not argue if you said that if Jeremy plays 16 game this season he's a Top 5 TE.

I don't like his injury track record, and both of my rankings reflect that opinion.

In 2005, his ankle and chest hampered him throughout the season.

In 2004, he had hamstring and back issues.

Sure he played through most of that, but just because he played 30 games in two years and was productive, that doesn't mean he can do it again this season.

I see his career on the downturn sooner rather than later because of the cumulative wear and tear on his body.

He's still a viable TE in the NFL, but I think his production may have peaked.

On a PPG level - he's Top 3-5 for sure. Just have a good backup.

-JP

I hear you on it being a dynasty ranking but I just don't see there being that much wear and tear on a 25 year old body. It is tough to accept his production peaking yet given that he is playing with an improving Eli Manning and only 4 years under his belt. I agree to disagree on this one.

 

[toxicbees]

Hmm lets see:

He's a freak of nature. Never has there been a TE that was as physical as him and could run a 4.3 40.

He's playing with a young QB that is likely going to rely on his TE.

He's playing in a TE friendly offense with Norv Turner.

He's the best wideout on his team and the number 1 option, even ahead of Bryant.

What's not to like? He's going to be given every opportunity to succeed.

 

[Aaronur]

I bought high on VD in a dynasty but it has as much to do with being a 9er fan and expecting him to succeed and be a gamebreaker as anything, but I do see him as a guy who led the ACC in recieving last year with a YPC of 17. I know it is college but they guy can make big plays and be the man on a team. He is coming into SF, I team without any offensive ID, and is expected to be the man. To me that is talent and oportunity. Will he produce as a top 5 TE for his whole carreer, I drafted him as TE 3, I don't know, but I was willing to take the risk.

I hope it wasn't JUST my homer glasses but I know that was part of it.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

He is the best RECEIVER let alone TE on the Niners.

I can understand their line of thinking.

The Rams and Cards outside linebackers blow too. That's four easy games.

 

[jurb26]

He is the best RECEIVER let alone TE on the Niners.

I can understand their line of thinking.

The Rams and Cards outside linebackers blow too. That's four easy games.

No his is not. Bryant is their best WR and rec option. Hell, Johnson may even prove a better TE than him for the 1st year or so.

 

[toxicbees]

No his is not. Bryant is their best WR and rec option. Hell, Johnson may even prove a better TE than him for the 1st year or so.

As much as I like Eric Johnson, the Niners just can't rely on him to stay healthy. Johnson doesn't have speed, he's not the best blocker, I mean he played for Yale in college. The one thing Eric Johnson has is soft hands. He's not going to be a better TE than Vernon Davis, but he's a great option in the 2 TE sets.Also, what makes you think that Bryant is so much better than Vernon Davis? I think they both finish with about the same number of receiving yards this year, but with more TDs going to Vernon Davis.

 

[David Yudkin]

I was curious as to how other first round TE have done, and here are the other guys taken in the first round from the past 20 years:

2005 1-30 Heath Miller

2004 1-6 Kellen Winslow Jr

2004 1-32 Ben Watson

2003 1-24 Dallas Clark

2002 1-14 Jeremy Shockey

2002 1-21 Dan Graham

2002 1-28 Jerramy Stevens

2001 1-31 Todd Heap

2000 1-14 Bubba Franks

2000 1-27 Anthony Becht

1997 1-13 Tony Gonzalez

1997 1-22 David LaFleur

1996 1-9 Rickey Dudley

1995 1-9 Kyle Brady

1995 1-27 Mark Bruener

1993 1-20 Irv Smith

1992 1-14 Derek Brown

1992 1-15 Johnny Mitchell

1990 1-21 Eric Green

1988 1-13 Keith Jackson

It looks like most of these guys became fairly productive, so the bust rate on first round TE seems on the low side.

 

[jurb26]

No his is not. Bryant is their best WR and rec option. Hell, Johnson may even prove a better TE than him for the 1st year or so.

As much as I like Eric Johnson, the Niners just can't rely on him to stay healthy. Johnson doesn't have speed, he's not the best blocker, I mean he played for Yale in college. The one thing Eric Johnson has is soft hands. He's not going to be a better TE than Vernon Davis, but he's a great option in the 2 TE sets.Also, what makes you think that Bryant is so much better than Vernon Davis? I think they both finish with about the same number of receiving yards this year, but with more TDs going to Vernon Davis.

So you think tha Davis will have 1000+ rec yards as a rookie? I find that highly unlikely. I can see the TDs being close, but nothing else. Bryant has prven capable of being a WR1 the last 2 years in Clev, a just as bad situation as SF.

 

[jurb26]

I was curious as to how other first round TE have done, and here are the other guys taken in the first round from the past 20 years:

2005 1-30 Heath Miller 39/459/6

2004 1-6 Kellen Winslow Jr N/A

2004 1-32 Ben Watson 2/16/0

2003 1-24 Dallas Clark 29/340/1

2002 1-14 Jeremy Shockey 74/894/2

2002 1-21 Dan Graham 15/150/1

2002 1-28 Jerramy Stevens 26/252/3

2001 1-31 Todd Heap 16/206/1

2000 1-14 Bubba Franks 34/363/1

2000 1-27 Anthony Becht 16/144/2

1997 1-13 Tony Gonzalez 33/368/2

1997 1-22 David LaFleur 18/122/2

1996 1-9 Rickey Dudley 48/787/7

1995 1-9 Kyle Brady 15/144/1

1995 1-27 Mark Bruener 26/238/3

1993 1-20 Irv Smith 16/180/2

1992 1-14 Derek Brown 4/31/0

1992 1-15 Johnny Mitchell 16/210/1

1990 1-21 Eric Green 34/387/7

1988 1-13 Keith Jackson 81/869/6

It looks like most of these guys became fairly productive, so the bust rate on first round TE seems on the low side.

For some perspective, the Rookie season Rec/yds/TDs are now up there on the list. I don't think these numbes are doing much to help support Davis for this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

I was curious as to how other first round TE have done, and here are the other guys taken in the first round from the past 20 years:

2005 1-30 Heath Miller 39/459/6

2004 1-6 Kellen Winslow Jr N/A

2004 1-32 Ben Watson 2/16/0

2003 1-24 Dallas Clark  29/340/1

2002 1-14 Jeremy Shockey 74/894/2

2002 1-21 Dan Graham 15/150/1

2002 1-28 Jerramy Stevens 26/252/3

2001 1-31 Todd Heap 16/206/1

2000 1-14 Bubba Franks 34/363/1

2000 1-27 Anthony Becht 16/144/2

1997 1-13 Tony Gonzalez 33/368/2

1997 1-22 David LaFleur 18/122/2

1996 1-9 Rickey Dudley 48/787/7

1995 1-9 Kyle Brady 15/144/1

1995 1-27 Mark Bruener 26/238/3

1993 1-20 Irv Smith 16/180/2

1992 1-14 Derek Brown 4/31/0

1992 1-15 Johnny Mitchell 16/210/1

1990 1-21 Eric Green 34/387/7

1988 1-13 Keith Jackson 81/869/6

It looks like most of these guys became fairly productive, so the bust rate on first round TE seems on the low side.

For some perspective, the Rookie season Rec/yds/TDs are now up there on the list. I don't think these numbes are doing much to help support Davis for this year.

I thought we were looking at dynasty potential, not redraft. I am always skeptical on how much impact a rookie TE can have.

 

[jurb26]

I was curious as to how other first round TE have done, and here are the other guys taken in the first round from the past 20 years:

2005 1-30 Heath Miller 39/459/6

2004 1-6 Kellen Winslow Jr N/A

2004 1-32 Ben Watson 2/16/0

2003 1-24 Dallas Clark 29/340/1

2002 1-14 Jeremy Shockey 74/894/2

2002 1-21 Dan Graham 15/150/1

2002 1-28 Jerramy Stevens 26/252/3

2001 1-31 Todd Heap 16/206/1

2000 1-14 Bubba Franks 34/363/1

2000 1-27 Anthony Becht 16/144/2

1997 1-13 Tony Gonzalez 33/368/2

1997 1-22 David LaFleur 18/122/2

1996 1-9 Rickey Dudley 48/787/7

1995 1-9 Kyle Brady 15/144/1

1995 1-27 Mark Bruener 26/238/3

1993 1-20 Irv Smith 16/180/2

1992 1-14 Derek Brown 4/31/0

1992 1-15 Johnny Mitchell 16/210/1

1990 1-21 Eric Green 34/387/7

1988 1-13 Keith Jackson 81/869/6

It looks like most of these guys became fairly productive, so the bust rate on first round TE seems on the low side.

For some perspective, the Rookie season Rec/yds/TDs are now up there on the list. I don't think these numbes are doing much to help support Davis for this year.

I thought we were looking at dynasty potential, not redraft. I am always skeptical on how much impact a rookie TE can have.

Yes, generally we are. I'm relplying to those that keep trying to say that Daivs will be the WR1 in the SF O this year. It is very unlikely that that will be the case.

 

[lord_helmet]

No his is not.  Bryant is their best WR and rec option.  Hell, Johnson may even prove a better TE than him for the 1st year or so.

As much as I like Eric Johnson, the Niners just can't rely on him to stay healthy. Johnson doesn't have speed, he's not the best blocker, I mean he played for Yale in college. The one thing Eric Johnson has is soft hands. He's not going to be a better TE than Vernon Davis, but he's a great option in the 2 TE sets.Also, what makes you think that Bryant is so much better than Vernon Davis? I think they both finish with about the same number of receiving yards this year, but with more TDs going to Vernon Davis.

Bryant is going to surprise alot of people this year, you see the rookie TE having the same number of yards