Updated Tight End Rankings

Dalton’s Tight End Rankings

1. Antonio Gates

I wouldn’t overly concern myself about Philip Rivers. Sure, he’ll make mistakes common with first year starters that will hurt the Chargers, but that doesn’t mean he won’t target Gates 150 times.

2. Todd Heap
3. Jeremy Shockey
4. Tony Gonzalez

Not much separation in this group. Steve McNair loves his tight ends, and Heap has a great shot at being the second most productive TE in the league this year.

5. Ben Watson
6. Chris Cooley
7. Heath Miller
8. Alge Crumpler
9. L.J. Smith
10. Jason Witten
11. Randy McMichael

Watson’s draft stock has risen about as much as any other player this preseason. If Deion Branch truly sits out, he’s the Pats’ No. 1 receiver. I bumped Crumpler down some because of his lack of receptions, but if your league is not PPR, then feel free to move him up a couple slots.

12. Ben Troupe
13. Alex Smith
14. Kellen Winslow
15. Dallas Clark

These all make fine TE2s.

Robby’s Tight End Rankings

The way I see it there are four ways to draft tight ends this year. . .

1. Antonio Gates

Take Gates with a late third/early fourth round pick.

2. Jeremy Shockey
3. Tony Gonzalez
4. Todd Heap

Take whichever one of these guys falls the furthest in the sixth round or so (it should be Heap).

5. Alge Crumpler
6. Randy McMichael
7. Chris Cooley
8. Jason Witten
9. Heath Miller
10. L.J. Smith
11. Ben Watson

Wait on this group and get a quality guy late in the draft.

12. Vernon Davis
13. Kellen “Warrior” Winslow
14. Ben Troupe
15. Alex Smith

Grab two of these guys at the end of the draft and hope one turns into a star.

Jeff’s Tight End Rankings

Tier Gates
1. Antonio Gates
‘Nuff said.

Tier Two
2. Todd Heap
3. Jeremy Shockey
4. Tony Gonzalez

If he can stay healthy, Heap will be a monster this season.

Tier Three
5. Chris Cooley
6. Jason Witten
7. Alge Crumpler
8. Heath Miller
9. Randy McMichael
10. Ben Watson

I am becoming a Ben Watson believer. If Deion Branch does not suit up for the Pats in ’06, pencil Watson in as Brady’s new favorite receiver (next to Sirius Satellite Radio, of course).

Tier Four
11. L.J. Smith
12. Kellen Winslow II
13. Vernon Davis
14. Jermaine Wiggins

While serviceable, I wouldn’t want one of these guys as my starting tight end.