Steals of the Draft: TE Edition

Fantasy Pros grabs the rankings and current ADP of every player using all of the major fantasy platforms: ESPN, Yahoo, CBS and FFC. They put that information here. I’m grabbing my knife and dissecting that bitch like a frog in 8th grade bio. In these columns, I’ll be choosing three ballers at each position whose ADPs are way too low. You can call them sleepers, risk-reward reepers, Bill Cosby creepers, I don’t care. For whatever reason, you get these guys at a fraction of what they’re worth. They have third round value, but they’re ADP has them going in the late fourth. You don’t have to feel bad for reaching far above their ADP because, ultimately, they’re worth it.

Jimmy Graham 2015 Fantasy Outlook

Over the last four years, it’s hard to argue that anyone has been more valuable in fantasy at their respective position than Jimmy Graham. Since 2011, a typical Graham cracker year, on average, looks like 1,100 yards and 11.5 touchdowns on 89 receptions. He’s been a top-3 fantasy TE each year, including the number one overall TE in 2012 and 2013.

In a trade that shocked the fantasy world, the former U tight end finds himself in Starbucks city hauling in passes from Russell Wilson. The trade has placed a bit of uncertainty on a player that’s been the farthest thing from a question mark over the last four years. 

Martellus Bennett 2015 Fantasy Outlook

In 2014, Martellus Bennett led all tight ends in receptions (90) and finished second in targets, behind only Gronk (128 to 131). It’s unlikely that Bennett sees that many passes thrown his way in 2015 with the addition of rookie stud wideout Kevin White and slot man Eddie Royal. It’s also worth noting that Bennett tied Jimmy Graham for most drops in the NFL by a tight end with 8.

Bennett’s value should still remain intact despite a dip in targets, though. New OC Adam Gase loves using his big men in the red zone (I.E. Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas), so

Zach Ertz 2015 Fantasy Outlook

Zach Ertz, a guy that’ll be on plenty of breakout lists this summer, should fulfill these predictions as long as his snap count rises in 2015. He played on roughly 50% of Philly’s offensive snaps last season while Brent Celek, 30, earned his time in the trenches by being a superior run blocker. Despite the low volume of snaps, Ertz was able to rack up over 700 receiving yards, a testament of his efficiency and ability to catch and run with the ball at an elite level. The former Stanford standout is a super smooth athlete, capable of making plays all over the field given his mix of size and quickness.

Jason Witten 2015 Fantasy Outlook

There’s not much to read about Jason Witten that you don’t already know. He’s been consistent throughout his career to say the least and has served as all the past Cowboy Qb’s safety blanket during his 12-year career.

Exempting his rookie campaign, Witten’s been a top-12 fantasy option at his position every single season. If you’re not good with math, that’d be 11 straight years. His performance dipped a bit in 2015 but that’s likely due to a drop in targets (90, lowest since 2006) as the Cowboys tattooed the ground and pound into every game plan.