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RosterWatch provides dynasty football league news and updates all offseason, including a weekly look at value risers and fallers. This time, we look at TE Donald Parham, TE Dawson Knox, and TE T.J. Hockenson.
Each week, this column provides you with movement in the RosterWatch Dynasty Rankings. We highlight players who have gained or lost value recently.
Tracking these player value trends assists dynasty players in identifying opportunities to improve their rosters, as the landscape of the market is ever-changing.
This column was written by Alan Seslowsky (@alanseslowksy) and provided to RotoBaller by our friends at RosterWatch.
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Donald Parham Jr. (TE, LAC)
Age: 23
Movement: Rising
Previous Rank TE40
Updated Rank TE23
Parham, a player from Stetson that we scouted at the 2019 Senior Bowl, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) after the 2019 NFL draft. He was waived shortly after, then was briefly signed and waived by the Washington Football Team. Parham surfaced in the XFL, where he played for the Dallas Renegades. In just his second game, Parham hauled in five receptions for 76 yards and a score. He quickly became a fan favorite.
In April of 2020, Parham earned a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers to serve as Hunter Henry’s backup. Parham’s Week 4 touchdown catch from rookie Justin Herbert again put a small spotlight on the massive 6’8” TE.
Hunter Henry is a free agent who could possibly get franchised by the Chargers. But, with a salary ballooning 20% to almost $13 million, it is easy to see the Chargers letting Henry walk in favor of Parham. Parham’s fantasy value would increase significantly if he is named the starter. Dynasty players drafting prior to free agency need to be proactive on Parham while he is still dirt cheap. Parham may not materialize if Henry stays in LA, but there is obvious upside with a low cost right now.
Dawson Knox (TE, BUF)
Age: 24
Movement: Rising
Previous Rank TE28
Updated Rank TE20
Buffalo QB Josh Allen has ascended to a player that elevates the pass catchers attached to him. All Bills receivers get a boost in 2021 startup drafts. The case to move Knox into the top-20 TEs is easy to see. Tight ends usually take three seasons to fully reach their upside. The accepted narrative is that tight ends are learning two complicated NFL positions. They are learning to block like a lineman and they need to learn route concepts as a wide receiver.
Knox is entering that important third season; he has improved each year. It is encouraging that he was targeted eight times in the AFC Championship game. Knox was able to catch six of those passes and turned it into 42 yards with a score. Similar to 2020, TE15-TE30 have similar profiles, high upside young players ready to breakout. RosterWatch is excited to firmly plant Dawson Knox at the top of that group.
T.J. Hockenson (TE, DET)
Age: 23
Movement: Slightly Falling
Previous Rank TE1
Updated Rank TE4
RosterWatch is optimistic about T.J. Hockenson. His slight tick down our dynasty rankings is not a reflection of his talent. We still believe Hockenson is a player that if given 10+ targets a game, is a league winning pick. As dynasty players, we must adjust as the circumstances change. Detroit traded away Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff. This represents a downgrade at QB.
As much as dynasty is a long term game, it is sharp to think of dynasty in two to three-year intervals. When put to the test recently in a dynasty startup, RosterWatch was faced with choosing between all of the tight ends in the late third round. With money on the line, we took Travis Kelce. Though Kelce is 31 years old, tight ends tend to age better than most positions, especially the greats. Both Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez played at a high level well into their 30s.
In FFPC tight end premium leagues, Hockenson makes for a great dynasty pick in the fourth or fifth round should you want to pass on the position in the third round.
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