X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Rankings Analysis – Tight Ends in Dynasty Leagues

One of the best features of any dynasty league is the fact that it takes place year-round. Owners do not have to wait until late July or August to draft their rosters, they can make moves to positively or sometimes negatively impact their fantasy teams throughout the off-season, pre-season and regular season.

As with any season-long format, rankings are consistently shifting and moving depending on player performance and outlook for the remainder of that season. For dynasty rankings, the jostling not only has to do with 2017 projected performance, but also performance in future years.

Here is the list that we will be going by to determine the quarterback tiers, which is subject to change throughout the 2017 preseason and regular season.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

2017 Dynasty Tight End Tiered Rankings

Tier One

1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Travis Kelce
3. Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed and Rob Gronkowski could be placed in a tier of their own, but they come with too much injury concern to pull away from Travis Kelce. Each of the three tight ends come with elite receiving abilities, and they are in high powered offenses. This group is essentially based around the amount of risk one wants to take as a fantasy owner. If you are looking for a safe option without much injury concern, Kelce is the best option. If you would rather have injury concern, but also bring in elite fantasy upside, Gronkowski and Reed are slightly better. Overall, these three options are head and shoulders over the other players at their position, especially since no one in the group is older than 28 years old.

 

Tier Two

1. Hunter Henry
2. Tyler Eifert
3. Jimmy Graham
4. Zach Ertz
5. O.J. Howard

This group is filled with high-upside, young tight ends. Hunter Henry split snaps with Antonio Gates last season, but was still able to transition to the NFL much easier than most rookie tight ends. Tyler Eifert likely would have been placed in the first tier if it were not for his injury history. He has not played 16 games since entering the NFL, but if he can find a way to stay healthy, he's an elite tight end. Jimmy Graham is an aging tight end that continues to post elite numbers. He's currently a top-five tight end in the NFL, but he likely only has a few seasons left, as he'll turn 31 this season. Zach Ertz has looked outstanding in each of his last two seasons, as he has caught at least 75 passes with 800 yards in those seasons. The only concern with his game is his touchdown production. O.J. Howard was unmatched potential at the tight end position, but it is a tough position in the NFL, and it is far from a guarantee that raw talent equates to guaranteed success. If he hits his potential, he will be an All-Pro tight end.

 

Tier Three

1. Greg Olsen
2. Eric Ebron
3. Evan Engram
4. David Njoku
5. Kyle Rudolph

Greg Olsen will seemingly be an elite tight end until he retires, but he recently turned 32 years old and the Panthers have stated that they do not want to commit another deal to him. He's in the same boat as Jimmy Graham, but at a slightly older age. Eric Ebron has been the "breakout candidate" for the last three years, but this year seems more likely than others. He's young, athletic, has shown consistent improvement, and is playing in a dominant offense. Evan Engram and David Njoku are two rookies that come with elite potential, but are very specific players. If they both hit their full potential, they could be Pro Bowl players, but this position is not one to assume players will reach their potential. Kyle Rudolph broke out last season, but there are too many question marks surrounding him to have him any higher. Can he stay healthy? Was last season a fluke? Will he be the same player once Sam Bradford leaves?

 

Tier Four

1. Martellus Bennett
2. Austin Hooper
3. Delanie Walker

Martellus Bennett is an aging tight end that is in a great position. He's now in an elite situation in Green Bay, and he should find success as long as he can avoid injury. Austin Hooper displayed good potential in limited games last season and he's still only 22 years old. He's also playing in an elite offense. Delanie Walker has been a top-5 tight end, but he's 32 years old and only has a few years left, especially with Jonnu Smith now in the mix.

 

Tier Five

1. Cameron Brate
2. Jack Doyle
3. Gerald Everett
4. Julius Thomas
5. Adam Shaheen
6. Coby Fleener
7. Tyler Higbee
8. Dwayne Allen

Cameron Brate is still only 26 years old and a favorite of Jameis Winston, but with O.J. Howard in the mix, it is only a matter of time before he is the backup right end. Jack Doyle broke out in a big way last season, but he's already 27 years old and fairly unproven for his time in the NFL. Gerald Everett and Adam Shaheen are in the same boat. They both came out of small schools, but are high upside prospects. Julius Thomas is coming off two bad seasons, but he is now reunited with Adam Gase, who he averaged a 54/640/12 line with in two seasons. Coby Fleener had somewhat of a disappointing season last year, but there have been positive reports in the Saints camp and he is till only 28 years old. Tyler Higbee was an elite prospect coming out of college, and there is little reason to believe he does not come with tremendous upside in Sean McVay's offense. Dwayne Allen is in the same position as Martellus Bennett last season, but Allen is not seen nearly as valuable. He's the handcuff to Rob Gronkowski, but Allen will also be a red zone factor for New England.

 

Tier Six

1. Jesse James
2. Jonnu Smith
3. Jared Cook
4. Maxx Williams
5. Charles Clay
6. Jake Butt
7. George Kittle

This tight end is oozing with young, high upside players. Only two players are older than 28 years old (Jared Cook and Charles Clay), while the other five tight ends are 23 years old or younger. Cook and Clay are the players that are going to be more relevant this season, while the younger tight ends have significantly brighter futures. James, Williams, and Kittle all have the potential to produce this year, as well. Of the group, Smith brings the most upside, as he's an athletic receiving tight end that will be learning behind Delanie Walker. It's also easy to get excited about Jake Butt and George Kittle, although they are not nearly the same receiver as Smith.

 

Tier Seven

1. Zach Miller
2. Jason Witten
3. Antonio Gates
4. Gary Barnidge
5. Jordan Leggett
6. A.J. Derby
7. Vance McDonald
8. Austin Seferian-Jenkins

This group has a wide variety of players. Zach Miller, Jason Witten, and Antonio Gates all have the potential to contribute this season at a high level, but none of the trio will likely play more than one or two years. Gary Barnidge worked his way into this tier because of his unknown situation. If he signs with a team, he will likely start and make a great option. For now, he is unemployed, though. Jordan Leggett, A.J. Derby, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins are three tight ends with some upside, but could only see limited opportunities in their careers. Vance McDonald is another player that has upside when given the opportunity, but it's tough to assume he will see that at age 27.

 

Tier Eight

1. Vernon Davis
2. Jermaine Gresham
3. Clive Walford
4. Ben Watson
5. Eric Swoope
6. Josh Hill
7. Will Tye
8. Ryan Griffin
9. Xavier Grimble
10. Ladarius Green

This is essentially the extra tier. None of these tight ends make great options, as they are either aging, injured, or lacking talent. Of the group, Eric Swoope comes with the most upside, as he could potentially form the same way Jack Doyle did before him. Aside from that, there are older backup tight ends that do not possess much consistency or upside, but could produce value if someone ahead of them on the depth chart is injured.

 

More 2017 Dynasty League Strategy


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Wiggins

Sidelined Friday
Luguentz Dort

 Questionable for Friday
Chet Holmgren

Available for Friday's Matchup With Kings
Zach LaVine

Set to Return Friday
Domantas Sabonis

Questionable to Suit Up Friday
Terance Mann

Considered Probable for Friday's Cup Game
Taurean Prince

Questionable to Play Bulls
Dean Wade

Out Against Wizards
Ayo Dosunmu

Questionable for Friday's Game
Kelly Olynyk

Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Jeremy Sochan

Listed as Questionable for Meeting With Rockets
Steven Adams

May Remain Out Friday
Collin Sexton

Listed as Probable for Friday
Dereck Lively II

Expected to Return Next Week
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Friday
Grayson Allen

Good to Go Thursday
Jalen Green

Upgraded to Available
De'Aaron Fox

Not Ready to Play Friday
De'Andre Hunter

on Track to Return Friday
Lonzo Ball

to Sit Out Friday's Game
Tobias Harris

Out on Friday
Brock Purdy

Getting Closer, Still Questionable for Week 10
Chris Godwin

Might Not Return Until Late November, Early December
Daniel Jones

Colts Believe in Daniel Jones as Their Franchise QB
Puka Nacua

Practices in Full, Says he Feels Good
A.J. Brown

Listed as Full Participant in Thursday's Practice
Saquon Barkley

Practicing in Full Coming Out of Bye Week
Kyle Tucker

Headlines List of 13 Players to Receive Qualifying Offers
Pete Fairbanks

Becomes a Free Agent
Filip Hallander

Out Against Capitals
Tyson Kozak

Available Versus Blues
Cody Glass

Returns to Action Thursday
Connor Brown

Out on Thursday
Mats Zuccarello

Could Be an Option Friday
Matt Duchene

Remains Out Thursday
Harold Fannin Jr.

Misses Practice With Hamstring Injury
Roope Hintz

a Game-Time Call Thursday
CFB

Luke Fickell Will Return as Wisconsin's Head Coach in 2026
NFL

Antonio Brown Extradited to the United States on Attempted Murder Charge
Aaron Jones Sr.

Returns to Practice in a Limited Capacity on Thursday
D'Andre Swift

on Track to Return After Full Practice
A.J. Brown

Back at Practice After Bye Week
Saquon Barkley

Practicing on Thursday
Rhamondre Stevenson

Misses Another Practice, Availability in Doubt
Garrett Wilson

Cleared for Week 10 Matchup
Rico Dowdle

Back at Practice on Thursday
Bo Bichette

Blue Jays Extend Qualifying Offer to Bo Bichette
Craig Stammen

Named Padres New Manager
Michael Pittman Jr.

Returns to Thursday's Practice
James Cook

Back on the Field on Thursday
Nick Chubb

Back at Practice on Thursday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Not at Practice Again on Thursday
Chris Godwin

Misses Thursday's Practice
Bucky Irving

to Miss Another Week of Practice?
K'Andre Miller

Could Return to Action Thursday
Sean Monahan

Injured in Wednesday's Loss
Tyler Bertuzzi

Pots Third-Period Hat Trick Wednesday
Macklin Celebrini

Leads Sharks Past Kraken
Jakob Chychrun

Records Three Assists Wednesday
Alex Ovechkin

Scores 900th Career Goal
Jorge Polanco

Declines his 2026 Option to Become a Free Agent
Adam Gaudette

Available Against Kraken
Scott Laughton

Set for Season Debut Wednesday
Justin Brazeau

Ruled Out for Four Weeks
Tristan Jarry

Expcted to Miss Three Weeks
Conor Garland

Returns Against Blackhawks
Rasmus Sandin

Back for Capitals Wednesday
Denton Mateychuk

Out on Wednesday
Chris Sale

Braves Picking Up Chris Sale's 2026 Option
Michael Thorbjornsen

Poised to Continue Hot Play in Mexico
Davis Riley

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of World Wide Technology Championship
Taylor Montgomery

Leaning on Putter at World Wide Technology Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Offers Strong Value at World Wide Technology Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Stay Hot at El Cardonal
Nick Dunlap

Looking to Find His Game at El Cardonal
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Consistency at El Cardonal
Michael Brennan

Aims to Extend Fairytale Start at El Cardonal
Nathan MacKinnon

Extends Point Streak to Seven Games
Shane Bieber

Staying in Toronto for 2026
Salvador Perez

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Royals
Trevor Story

Opts in for Remaining Two Years on his Contract
Yu Darvish

to Miss All of 2026 Following Flexor-Tendon Surgery
Shota Imanaga

Becomes a Free Agent
Luis Robert Jr.

White Sox Pick Up 2026 Option on Luis Robert Jr.
CFB

LJ Martin Expected to Play in Top-10 Matchup Against Texas Tech
PGA

LIV Golf Expanding To 72-Hole Format In 2026
Atlanta Braves

Braves Hire Walt Weiss as Their Next Manager
Kris Bubic

Cleared to Begin a Throwing Program
Brandon Woodruff

Declines Mutual Option for 2026
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Exercise 2026 Option on Freddy Peralta
Lucas Giolito

Declines his 2026 Player Option
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Sixth at Procore Championship
PGA

Matti Schmid Finishes Tied for 46th at Baycurrent Classic
Keith Mitchell

Finishes Tied for 10th at Baycurrent Classic
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied for 21st at Genesis Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Misses The Cut at Sanderson Farms Championship
Max Greyserman

Finishes Second at Baycurrent Classic
Austin Eckroat

Finishes Tied for 56th at Baycurrent Classic
Luke Clanton

Finishes Tied for 56th at Bank of Utah Championship
Pete Alonso

Officially Opts Out of his Contract With Mets
Alex Bregman

Opts Out of his Contract With Boston
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz on the Open Market This Winter
Cody Bellinger

Becomes Free Agent After Opting Out
Kyle Larson

Wins His Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix
Ryan Blaney

Concludes the 2025 Season with A Win at Phoenix
William Byron

Strong Championship Effort Ends With Late-Race Flat-Tire Crash
Denny Hamlin

Overtime Four-Tire Call Costs Denny Hamlin the Championship
Chase Briscoe

Championship Bid Never Really Started After Two Tire Failures
Brad Keselowski

Nearly Steals Phoenix Race
David Onama

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Steve Garcia

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Ante Delija

Suffers His First UFC Loss
CFB

Dylan Raiola Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Gets Knockout Win
Themba Gorimbo

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 110
Jeremiah Wells

Gets Back In The Win Column
Yadier del Valle

Remains Undefeated
Isaac Dulgarian

Cut By UFC Following Submission Loss
Daniel Frunza

Still Winless In The UFC
Charles Radtke

Dominates Daniel Frunza
Allan Nascimento

Gets Submission Win
Cody Durden

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Austin Cindric

is A Driver to Avoid for Phoenix DFS Lineups
Alex Bowman

Could Alex Bowman be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Phoenix?
Noah Gragson

Should DFS Players Roster Noah Gragson At Phoenix?
Erik Jones

Is Erik Jones Worth Rostering for DFS at Phoenix?
Michael McDowell

an Easy Recommendation for DFS at Phoenix
Chase Briscoe

Probably Won't Win the Title
Joey Logano

Could Play Spoiler in Championship Battle at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Seeking to End Winless Drought, but Probably Won't Have the Speed
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looks to Protect Top-10 Points Finish at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Hasn't Been Fast at Phoenix With RFK Racing
Daniel Suarez

With Nothing at Stake, Expect Little From Daniel Suarez
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well, but Will Probably Finish Worse Than he Starts
Chris Buescher

Ryan Preece has a Shot to Overtake Chris Buescher as RFK Racing's Lead Driver
Austin Dillon

Looks to Avoid Finishing Last in NASCAR Playoffs
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Might be a Worthy DFS Option

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP