There is no doubt who will be the first fantasy football tight end off the board in drafts over the next several weeks. Even with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sidelined for the first four games of the season, tight end Rob Gronkowski has established himself as the best player at the position and will go off the board quickly. Gronkowski should be a first-round pick in many drafts and is especially valuable in leagues that make teams use a tight end in fantasy football wagering.
The one knock on Gronkowski through his career has been a penchant for missing time due to injury, but when he’s on the field there isn’t a more physically imposing pass-catcher in the NFL. Gronkowski caught 72 passes for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016 in 15 games, and should be able to post numbers that match or exceed those totals in 2016. The next tier is a bit more complicated, as several different tight ends can make their case as the second-best option.
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed had a breakout season in 2015, catching 87 balls for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. Reed has been injury-prone as well and was slowed early in the season, but came on very strong and has high expectations heading into 2016. Panthers tight end Greg Olsen is also among the best at the position. He was Cam Newton’s most reliable target a year ago, catching 77 passes for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns. The Panthers could have more weapons this year with the return of Kelvin Benjamin, but Olsen should still put up solid numbers.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is right in that mix, too, after catching 72 passes for 875 yards and five scores a year ago. Titans tight end Delanie Walker led the position group in receptions with 94 a season ago and added 1,088 yards but isn’t quite ranked that high as he could see some regression. Regardless if his numbers dip, Walker has proven himself to be a solid target for Marcus Mariota and he should be among the top tight ends in fantasy football.
An intriguing option is new Saints tight end Coby Fleener. He joins a passing attack highlighted by star quarterback Drew Brees in which the tight end is always a valuable component. Even though Fleener is coming from an offense that had Andrew Luck at the helm, his numbers could improve. An intriguing player is Lions tight end Eric Ebron, a former high pick who has not lived up to the billing in Detroit. With Calvin Johnson gone, the team could spread the ball around more, and maybe he takes advantage. It will be interesting to see where Jimmy Graham goes in mock drafts, as he is returning from a serious injury and still needs to find his groove in the Seahawks’ system.
Other tight ends to watch include the Browns’ Gary Barnidge, new Steelers tight end Ladarius Green, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz and new Packers tight end Jared Cook in fantasy football wagering.
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook for fantasy tight end rankings for the 2016 season, as the consensus top choice will be Rob Gronkowski, and other top tight ends include Jordan Reed, Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today!
