2011 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings and Projections

The tight end position is considered an afterthought once the main three positions have been drafted. There are dynamic players at the position that offer promise of things to come such as Jermichael Finley, Vernon Davis and Mercedes Lewis. Here are the top 30 tight end rankings with projections for the top 5.

Rankings and points based on a standard scoring system:
Pass TD = 4, 25 Pass Yards = 1, Rush/Rec TD = 6, 10 Rush/Rec Yards = 1. Fumbles lost and 2PT conversions are calculated in projections.

2011 Fantasy football coverage: QB | RB | WR | TE | Love/Loathe

1. Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers

Despite missing 6 games to injury, Gates completely dominated the tight end position. In fact, 2010′s #1 TE Jason Witten didn’t pass him in fantasy points until Week 16, after Gates’ season had been done for three weeks. However, Gates comes with an injury risk. He’s battled toe and foot injuries for what seems like his entire career, but until 2010, the most games he had missed in a single season was one. Gates is a warrior and his reward is well worth the risk. However, the price may not be. His current ADP (via FFtoolbox.com) has him at 38.79, early 4th round. Owners can wait 15 picks and select guys like Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, and Vernon Davis. His potential points can blow other TE out of the water. It’s just a matter of whether he can do it without being injured.

2. Dallas Clark – Indianapolis Colts

Dallas Clark is one of Peyton Manning’s most trusted options, and it’s clear he is the #2 guy in Indy behind Reggie Wayne. The Colts love to air it out and Clark will get his targets, but if Austin Collie and/or Pierre Garcon play well and stay healthy, they could take some looks away from Clark. Nonetheless, that trust with Manning cannot be understated and with all the question marks surrounding Manning’s health and the running game, Clark is as consistent as they get at tight end. Draft with confidence.

3. Jermichael Finley – Green Bay Packers

The demolition of the top tight ends started with Jermichael Finley. He only played four games in 2010, but he produced two 100 yard games and recorded at least 4 receptions in each game. He has promised to change the tight end position and with the Super Bowl MVP throwing to him in a pass-happy offense, that is a believable statement. Draft him with expectations of a career season.

4. Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys

The #1 TE in 2010 certainly played well enough to denote the honor, but it was the above three TE going down to injury that basically handed it to him. He notched his second consecutive 94 catch, 1000 yard season and finally found the end zone more than two times. Witten is valuable in PPR leagues, averaging 91 catches the past four seasons. The return of Tony Romo will help him achieve his third straight 90 catch, 1000 yard season. He’s the safest pick of all tight ends.

5. Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers passing game has improved with the addition of Braylon Edwards and that bodes well for Davis’ prospects. Proving that his 2009 was not a fluke, Davis had 900+ yards and 56+ receptions for the second consecutive year. While it’s unlikely that he’ll ever approach 13 TD again, a range of 6-8 TD is very reasonable for Davis. He’ll be hampered by his quarterback as long as Alex Smith is under center and 2011 will see another year of Smith. Still, Vernon Davis is a top 5 TE and if the 49ers somehow upgrade at QB, he could very well catapult into the top 3.

6. Kellen Winslow
7. Owen Daniels
8. Mercedes Lewis
9. Chris Cooley
10. Jimmy Graham
11. Greg Olsen
12. Brandon Pettigrew
13. Benjamin Watson
14. Zach Miller
15. Dustin Keller
16. Tony Gonzalez
17. Rob Gronkowski
18. Aaron Hernandez
19. Brent Celek
20. Todd Heap
21. Tony Moeaki
22. Jared Cook
23. Visanthe Shiancoe
24. Kevin Boss
25. Heath Miller
26. Jermaine Gresham
27. Ed Dickson
28. Michael Hoomanawanui
29. Anthony Fasano
30. Dante Rosario