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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

2018 ADP Throwdown - Trey Burton vs. Jordan Reed

Which tight end's ADP will lead to greater fantasy value in 2018: Jordan Reed or Trey Burton? RotoBaller writers Steve Rebeiro and Kev Mahjeresian throw down in a player vs player debate to help fantasy football owners prepare for their upcoming drafts.

Fantasy football draft season is upon us and RotoBaller is here to help! In this series, two RotoBaller experts will discuss the merits of two players with similar value and average draft position (ADP). Remember that situations will change for all players over the course of the summer and it may impact where they are selected in drafts.

This article comes from staff writers Steve Rebeiro and Kev Mahserejian, who compare two tight ends with mid-round ADPs that fall around the eighth round.

Perpetually injured Washington tight end Jordan Reed is defended by Steve, while Kev argues in favor of new Bears pass-catching TE Trey Burton. Who do you trust in 2018?

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

 

Opening Statements: Who Do You Draft?

Trey Burton is Ready to Bring the Philly Special to Chicago – Kev Mahserejian

Former Eagle/Current Bear Trey Burton doesn’t exactly have the surface numbers to back-up his draft position but he is definitely worth consideration at his mid-round ADP. For the past four years in Philadelphia, he had been behind Pro Bowler Zach Ertz and veteran Brent Celek.

His playtime was limited to just 741 career snaps, which leaves us with a pretty small sample size to evaluate him upon. However, in the four games that Ertz missed since 2016, Burton was able to hold his own as the primary receiving TE.

Ertz was absent against the Bears and Steelers in 2016 then also against the Broncos and Rams in 2017. Burton’s totals through those four games are 14 receptions on 23 targets, 180 yards, and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns came against the Rams in a brilliant performance by the Eagles offense but nevertheless, Burton managed to score at least 10 points in standard scoring formats for three of these four games.

He is a stud just waiting to break onto the scene and he is being given that opportunity for the first time at the prime age of 26. Burton saw his playtime and usage fluctuate throughout his first three seasons on the Eagles’ active roster and is now ready for a full-time role in a Matt Nagy led offense that catapulted Travis Kelce to TE1 status. Burton is primed for a breakout in his first season as Chicago’s starting tight end.

 

Jordan Reed Has Overall TE1 Upside - Steve Rebeiro

Jordan Reed is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL. Originally recruited to the University of Florida as a quarterback, Reed switched to tight end, had less than 1,000 total yards in his three years at Florida and was still drafted in the third round!

Reed saw his breakout year in 2015, where he ranked second in standard points per game among tight ends and first in PPR. Reed continued his streak as the top scoring tight end in PPR scoring in 2016 before injuries set him back in 2017.

At this point in his career, we remember Jordan Reed more for his injuries than for his play. But the man is an absolute force when he’s on the field. The head coach Reed flourished in still coaches in Washington. The quarterback has changed, but bringing in Alex Smith should be a positive for Reed. Smith’s favorite target in Kansas City was his tight end Travis Kelce.

As crazy as it sounds, Reed is a more talented pass catcher than Kelce. He’s faster, he’s more elusive, and he’s more dangerous in the red zone. Washington has a severe lack of proven pass catchers, and Reed is in line for a ridiculous target share should he remain healthy.

Obviously, health is a risk when it comes to Reed. But if you’ve waited on a tight end till the eighth round, why not swing for the fences? Reed has one of the highest ceilings of any player available at that ADP, let alone tight ends. The heights he reached in 2015 aren’t out of reach.

Plus, even if Reed gets hurt, Vernon Davis has proven to be a reasonable low-end fantasy tight end while serving as Reed’s backup. When you’ve struck out on hitting a home run, a single isn’t a bad thing. Davis is the single.

 

Rebuttals: Why Take One Over the Other?

Can Reed actually stay healthy??? – Kev Mahserejian

Jordan Reed is a monster of a football player but an absolute headache for fantasy owners. He has been consistently drafted in the top four rounds for the past few seasons and has not posted a single full season. The most games he’s played in a single year are 14 and the next best is 12. His other season game totals are 11, 9 and last season, 6.  It is not Reed’s fault that he is made of glass. He just should not be a detriment to fantasy rosters despite his relatively low price-tag. Reed’s game-by-game performances are solid, however, you don’t know when they’re going to happen given his yearly day-to-day status.

Taking Burton gives you a player who (in limited playing time) has been active for at least 15 games per season throughout his NFL career and is still available at a fairly decent price (around round). As a third-string tight end last season, Burton scored five touchdowns and finished as TE26 in half-PPR scoring.

He has nowhere to go but up and is basically a lock to finish top-12 at the position if he stays healthy. His only competition is Adam Shaheen who might have had an extra year to build chemistry with quarterback Mitch Trubisky but is not the as talented a pass catcher as Burton. Burton can be utilized in various ways for Nagy. Whether it be in the slot or out wide, Burton will have plenty of opportunities to provide a mismatch against defensive backs with his size and speed this coming season.

 

Burton’s situation may be more volatile than Reed’s - Steve Rebeiro

With Jordan Reed, the only thing holding him back is health. With Burton, it isn’t that simple.

Here’s a list of potential things that could hold Burton back this season:

  • A coach he’s never played for
  • A quarterback who is yet to prove himself as an NFL gunslinger
  • A new city and a new team
  • Talented running backs and receivers who could vulture targets
  • A backup who figures to see a good amount of snaps

On top of all of this, Burton’s sample size is ridiculously small. Burton’s breakout game of 71 yards and two touchdowns were both career highs. He hasn’t proven that he can be a consistently solid TE1 in the NFL just yet.

I will say that I am a Trey Burton believer, despite all of this. But he seems even riskier than Jordan Reed. There’s a lot of ways it can go wrong for Burton, but there’s only one way it can go wrong for Reed. Give me the guy with the proven track record, the higher ceiling, and the handcuff with the decent floor. Reed may very well win people some leagues this year.

 

More Draft Prep and Analysis


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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF