Top 5 Fantasy Football Tight Ends

Below we have listed the Top 5 Fantasy Tight Ends in the NFL. Please keep in mind that our suggestions below as to what round these players should be taken only apply to leagues that require a tight end. If you play in a league where receivers and tight ends are mixed together, the value of these players goes down significantly.

1. Antonio Gates – This is an easy choice because Gates is the most dominant wide receiver in the game. It is so impressive that as a tight end this guy was able to pile up 1101 yards receiving, dwarfing all other tight ends along with 10 touchdowns. He’s been Drew Brees’ go to guy in the red zone the past few seasons but Brees is gone off to New Orleans. I think the inexperienced Philip Rivers will use Gates as his safety valve this season so I don’t expect his numbers to drop unless Rivers struggles tremendously. Look for him to have another great year and remember that Gates is really the only tight end that is worth a 3rd or 4th round pick in your draft.

2. Jeremy Shockey – Shockey is continuing to improve in his pro career and could be the next great tight end in the NFL. Last season he posted solid numbers with 891 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. He is one of Eli Manning’s primary weapons and as Manning improves so will Shockey’s numbers. He’s a big tight end with great speed for his size and could have a breakout season this year. Shockey is just 26 years old and his numbers have continually gotten better throughout his career. He’s a young man with tremendous upside. If you’re looking for a solid tight end, Shockey offers great value in the 5th round, where he is going in many drafts.

3. Todd Heap – Todd Heap is another guy who happens to be the primary vertical threat on an offense that lacks good wide receivers. I think the addition of quarterback, Steve McNair makes Heap an even fantasy tight end. With Kyle Boller out of the way, McNair should quickly find that Heap is his go to guy especially in the red zone. Heap collected 855 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. I look for him to keep on improving with veteran quarterback play from McNair. Heap is just 26 years old and has tremendous upside.

4. Tony Gonzalez – Tony Gonzalez was disappointing for fantasy owners last season as he only hauled in 2 touchdowns, a significant drop off from his past performances. The Chiefs are a run first offense but I think Gonzalez will improve upon his numbers. His 905 yards receiving still put him up at the top echelon of fantasy tight ends. Gonzalez is without question the go to guy for this passing attack as Kansas City is pretty weak at the wide receiver position. Don’t get me wrong, Gonzalez is still a quality tight end but his TD total needs to get better in 2006.

5. Alge Crumpler – Alge Crumpler is rising amongst fantasy tight ends this season. He had a solid season in 2005 and should produce again this year. Crumpler hauled close to 900 yards receiving last season along with 5 touchdowns. He, like many others is a productive weapon for quarterback Michael Vick. Atlanta doesn’t have a premiere receiver so that leaves plenty of fantasy points for Crumpler to accumulate. I look for him to have a similar season this year but probably with a few more touchdowns.

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For more 2006 fantasy football info check out the main 2006 fantasy football page which includes rankings on rb's, qb's, and wr's.