They’re the forgotten men; the filler picks at the end of any Fantasy Football Draft. Tight Ends, Kickers and Defenses 
make up most of the final rounds with few exceptions. The three or four elite TE on your draft list warrant mid round selections but, for the most part, its hard to pass on a productive WR or RB just to fill a required roster spot. Defense/Special Teams is next in the pecking order with Kickers bringing up the rear. Too many intangible factors determine the success or failure of these units to even consider taking any in the middle of the draft. Don’t think so? Ask anyone that drafted the highly rated Chargers last year before Shawn Merriman went down for the season.
Funny thing, though, championships are invariably won by the Fantasy Football Owner that pulls the winning ticket out of the hat: the kicker that becomes automatic from beyond fifty yards for an entire season, the tight end who suddenly finds himself with an aging QB coming out of retirement or the defense with the cornerback that starts returning every INT for six. So, in order to put you in the best position to grab some of that good luck, take a look at the Wagstaff rankings.
Fantasy Draft Preview: Tight End
Studs
Tony Gonzalez was the Falcons’ biggest off season acquisiton and could be the last piece of the offensive puzzle in Atlanta. He may not match the 96 REC and 10 TD he posted last year but the presence of Michael Turner and Roddy White should open things up enough for Gonzalez to remain at the top of the list… With the departure of Terrell Owens, Jason Witten becomes Tony Romo’s primary option in Dallas.
Stars
Dallas Clark sits on top of a lot of TE lists but not this one. He’s too much of a possession receiver to bust into the upper echelon and doesn’t catch enough TD. However, Peyton Manning makes him a valuable pick… Antonio Gates may be the best athlete at the position but is coming off an unproductive season due to injury. The return of his own health as well as a productive La Dainian Tomlinson, should boost his stats back to their previous levels.
Sleepers
The Jets’ Dustin Keller had a stretch last year as Brett Favre’s favorite target before disappearing over the last month. That probably won’t happen this year, as the Jets scale down their offense to accomodate rookie QB Mark Sanchez… Chase Coffman won’t even appear in some Fantasy Football rankings. However, the Bengals’ rookie left Missouri as the all time receptions leader for TE. If he wins the starting job in Cincy, expect a strong season.
Slippers
Denver’s Tony Scheffler registered just 3 TD last season with Jay Cutler under center. Doesn’t seem like stardom is in the offing with Kyle Orton aboard… An uncertain QB situation in Oakland in addition to the Raiders’ home run passing philosophy make it difficult to foresee Zach Miller getting many touches
FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKS
Professor Wagstaff’s Top 12 Fantasy Tight Ends
- Tony Gonzalez
- Jason Witten
- Dustin Keller
- Dallas Clark
- Antonio Gates
- Chris Cooley
- Kellen Winslow
- Visante Shiancoe
- Owen Daniels
- John Carlson
- Heath Miller
- Chase Coffman
Professor Wagstaff’s Top 12 Fantasy Kickers
- Stephen Gostkowski
- Rob Bironas
- Neil Rackers
- Adam Vinatieri
- Mason Crosby
- Jason Elam
- Ryan Longwell
- Robbie Gould
- David Akers
- Nate Keading
- Matt Bryant
- Kris Brown
Professor Wagstaff’s Top 12 Fantasy Defense/Special Teams
- Vikings
- Giants
- Steelers
- Titans
- Jets
- Chargers
- Ravens
- Cowboys
- Eagles
- Patriots
- Dolphins
- Colts
themselves in the final four of the McGee Survivor League. Riding the tails of the Johnson brothers, their two superstar wide receivers Andre and Calvin, Waggie and Tim have seen their Fantasy Football team, Home Alone 2, dodge every bullet thrown its way. Now, with two brothers and a cousin standing as the only obstacles between him and the grand prize, Tim is feeling his oats. ” I talked dad out of Carson Palmer last week and Joe Flacco came through. This week, it’s Michael Crabtree in for Mike Williams. If we win again, dad’s paying for the Harry Potter movie.” We’ll see, Tim. Continue reading »
