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So far we've looked at the biggest risers and fallers at the quarterback , running back and wide receiver positions. This time we're looking at tight ends who improved their stock or saw it plummet.
Tight end isn't the most glamorous position, especially in terms of fantasy numbers, but it's an essential part of the game nonetheless. If you hitched your TE wagon onto one of these rising stars early, it may have made a huge difference. On the other hand, clinging onto perenially-injured players who never quite produce may have doomed you to a season of playing the waiver wire each week to stream tight ends.
As we prepare for an extended break from live football leading up to the 2018 NFL season, let's look back at the biggest risers and fallers of 2017 at the tight end position.
Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.
Biggest Risers of 2017 - Tight Ends
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI), ADP: TE7
Ertz was one of fantasy football's biggest breakout, and was the most consistent tight end week to week. Not counting the two games he missed, and the two games he played less than a half, Ertz only had one single digit PPR game and didn't score less than 13 PPR points in any other game. He kept his momentum rolling even with Nick Foles, and capped off an incredible season with the game winning touchdown in Super Bowl 52. There is no doubt he will enter the top-tier of tight ends when 2018 drafts kick-off.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG), ADP: NA
Engram was a popular pick in dynasty formats entering 2017, but the rookie's value in redraft was deemed very low on an offense with weapons like Odell Beckham, Jr., Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard. However injuries decimated the Giants receiving corps and Engram was thrust into a much larger role. He excelled with his new found opportunity, finishing the year with 64 catches, 722 yards and six touchdowns, coming in as TE5 in PPR formats. Entering his second year Engram should continue to be a big part of this passing game and will likely be drafted inside the top-10 tight ends.
Jack Doyle (TE, IND), ADP: TE13
Doyle was on a lot of experts sleeper lists, and after a slow start he rewarded his owners handsomely. He finished second to only Travis Kelce among tight ends with 80 catches, and finished as PPR TE7. Even if Andrew Luck returns Doyle should carry plenty of value as Luck has shown a love for targeting tight ends especially around the end zone. Doyle will be a top-12 tight end selection in 2018 drafts regardless.
Other Risers: Delanie Walker (TE, TEN), ADP: TE8, Jason Witten (TE, DAL), ADP: TE15, Hunter Henry (TE, LAC), ADP: TE11, O.J. Howard (TE, TAM), ADP: TE17
Biggest Fallers of 2017 - Tight Ends
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS), ADP: TE5
Reed is a great tight end... when he is actually on the field. And that is the problem, owners can never rely on him week to week. In his six-year career, Reed has only played 52 games (8.6 per year) and has yet to play more than 14. Even when healthy in 2017 Reed wasn't his usual self, scoring just one game over 20 PPR points and posting four single-digit games out of six played. Reed could still be a value in the later rounds, but there is no way he should go towards the top of boards.
Tyler Eifert (TE, CIN), ADP: TE6
Owners are still viewing Eifert based on his 2015 production, when he played 13 games and hauled in 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately the last two years have seen him deal with a back injury that just won't seem to heal. Maybe 2018 will be the year he gets fully healthy and returns to form like we saw with Keenan Allen, but the risk is extremely high and Eifert will likely be nothing more than a late round flyer in drafts.
Eric Ebron (TE, DET), ADP: TE12
Ebron was a popular late-round tight end selection, and yours truly was all over him and grabbed him in a lot of leagues. Unfortunately, after three years of trending upwards, Ebron took a step back in 2017. Plagued with drops and what appeared to be a loss of confidence from quarterback Matthew Stafford, Ebron regressed in every statistical measure except touchdowns. Worst of all, his best games came at the very end of the year when practically nobody had him in their lineups. Ebron was a fringe TE1 in 2017 drafts but it's unlikely he will be selected in leagues that start just one tight end in 2018.
Other Fallers: Martellus Bennett (TE, NA), ADP: TE10, Austin Hooper (TE, ATL), ADP: TE14, Coby Fleener (TE, NO), ADP: TE16
