X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Late-Round Tight Ends Who Will Outperform Their ADP

Soon after your drafts have begun, you are presented with a decision concerning how quickly you will invest in the tight end position. There are advantages to making the sizable investment that is necessary in order to secure one of the elite options, although that also entails bypassing gifted running backs and wide receivers with a valuable early round pick. If you exercise patience until the middle rounds, then you can target one of the dependable options that will still remain.

But it will be important to avoid waiting too long as your draft progresses. Otherwise, you increase the risk of depending on tight ends whose production will be restricted by underwhelming snap counts. Or, you could experience an unwanted positional run between your picks, which will render you powerless as your best remaining options are eliminated.

If you remain uneasy about your situation at tight end once your draft has entered the later rounds, or are considering a tight end for any other reason, there are still viable options for you to target. Here are five that should outperform their current ADPS, and are worthy of strong consideration after your draft has entered its final stages.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

Tight End Sleepers

Charles Clay (TE18/ADP 188)

While several other late round options have a track record of inconsistency during their careers, Clay’s production has been largely predictable during his seven professional seasons. Between 2013-2017, his yardage total has only deviated between 759 and 558 yards, which results in an average of exactly 600. He has also averaged 57 receptions during that sequence, with totals that remained between 69 and 49, and his career best TE8 finish in fantasy scoring (2013) has been followed by remarkably steady results (TE15/TE18/TE16/TE18).

Those numbers should not prompt potential owners to consider him at an earlier round in their drafts. But he does offer a distinct role as the TE1 on his own team, while performing within an offense that is alarmingly devoid of receiving options. Buffalo will enter Week 1 with Kelvin Benjamin, Jeremy Kerley and Zay Jones as the top three wide receivers, which entrenches Clay as an integral component in the Bills’ talent deficient passing attack. He led the team in receiving yardage last season (558) while finishing second to LeSean McCoy in targets (74) and receptions (49).

Those are not inspiring numbers, but they did exceed the output of Buffalo’s wide receiving weaponry, and the release of Nick O’Leary has cleared the depth chart of any discernible threat toward siphoning Clay’s targets at his position. Clay does not present owners with an electrifying option, but he does supply an adequate floor -which can be a rarity at this position.

 

Eric Ebron (TE19/ADP 192)

Many of you have believed in him before. Then after you drafted him, he proceeded to let you down. Maybe you persuaded yourself to trust him a second time, only to become even more disgruntled with the recurrent pattern of underwhelming results.

Targeting has never been an issue, as he received a legitimate opportunity to thrive in Detroit. Ebron averaged 80 targets during his last three seasons as a Lion, and garnered 86 last season, which tied him for ninth among all tight ends. However, even if his target total regresses this year - and I fully expect that it will -  Frank Reich's expected deployment of the 6'4" Ebron in multiple positions on the field should impose matchup issues on the defenders that must contend with his combination of size and speed.

Still skeptical since Ebron was not a factor during the Colts preseason contests? Then here's a question: if you were Reich, had vigorously encouraged Ebron to join your team so that you could take advantage of the matchup nightmare that he can be through usage in various formations, would you a reveal them during August, or wait until Week 1? The belief from here is that it was strictly a decision not to unveil his role until his snaps are far more meaningful.

While Zach Ertz averaged 72% of Philadelphia's offensive snaps last season with Reich as the Eagles' offensive coordinator, Trey Burton and Brent Celek combined for 67.6%. If Reich apportions similar usage to his new tight end tandem, then Ebron will receive enough snaps to accrue numbers that eclipse his ADP.

 

Benjamin Watson (TE21/ADP 201)

Watson’s ADP continues to languish at 201, even though there are a myriad of reasons to expect a more favorable outcome if you include him on your roster. Since he has been included among my tight end sleeper candidates during the past several months, and I just made a bold prediction that he will finish as the TE1, the merits of targeting Watson will be discussed one final time.

During his last two healthy seasons (a torn Achilles sidelined him throughout 2016) he finished at TE7 in 2015 with the Saints (110 targets/74 receptions/825 yards/6 touchdowns), and finished at TE11 in 2017 with Baltimore (79 targets/61 receptions/522 yards). Watson also led the Ravens in receptions and red zone targets (13), which also tied him for seventh among all tight ends. He also played in all 16 games, while his output and favorable track record during his previous tenure with New Orleans prompted the Saints to secure him with a one-year contract.

That supplies the framework for a reunion with Drew Brees, and the Sean Peyton offense. Brees has already established his comfort level with the 13-year veteran, who amassed career-best numbers in every major receiving category during his last season with the team. Watson will also be performing as the Saints’ unquestioned TE1, as opposed to other tight end options that will be functioning in production inhibiting time shares. Watson’s favorable situation and sustained skill should boost his numbers beyond other late round options, while also exceeding his ADP.

 

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE22/ADP 203)

He only played in 25 games from 2014-2016, which left him with uninspiring seasonal averages during that span (18 receptions/237 yards). But after playing 655 offensive snaps in 13 games for the Jets last season, Seferian-Jenkins easily eclipsed those numbers (50 receptions/357 yards). He also generated three touchdowns, while being subjected to having multiple scores absconded by officials due to replay overturns or penalty.

Seferian-Jenkins also led the team with 11 red zone targets, collected at least five targets in seven of Gang Green’s first nine games, and amassed 41 of his catches during that sequence of contests. All of which compelled the Jaguars to secure him with a two-year contract, while entrusting him with the team’s TE1 responsibilities. At age 25, he now has an excellent opportunity to establish new career highs once again, and consistently reward owners for the minimal investment of a 14th round pick.

Jacksonville's offense runs through Leonard Fournette, and Blake Bortles will certainly target his cluster of wide receivers. But offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will also keep Seferian-Jenkins involved in the Jaguar attack. With only Niles Paul and James O'Shaughnessy occupying spots on the depth chart, Seferian-Jenkins owners will not be impacted by the fluctuating target totals that exist with burdensome time shares. He not only supplies you with viable protection in case your theoretical TE1 is sidelined or frequently ineffective, but Seferian-Jenkins also offers the potential to function as your starter when he is the beneficiary of favorable matchups.

 

Jared Cook (TE24/ADP 208)

There is a lengthy list of dissatisfied former owners who entrusted the 31-year old Cook on their rosters during his career. But he clandestinely finished at TE12 in 2017, after collecting a career-best 54 receptions, and leading the Raiders with 688 yards. That yardage total also exceeded the output of Jimmy Graham and Kyle Rudolph, while placing him seventh among all tight ends. The lack of enthusiasm surrounding Cook is understandable, but he is in position to exceed expectations once again while operating as Oakland's unchallenged TE1.

In the aftermath of the substantial changes that have transpired since the arrival Jon Gruden, Oakland will enter the season with blocking specialists Derek Carrier and Lee Smith as the only other tight ends on the roster. This will sustain Cook’s responsibilities as the team's pass-catching tight end, while enabling the Raiders to take advantage of the matchup challenge that the 6'5" veteran can provide. This could result in a cluster of big plays during the year, as he was one of only five tight ends to amass at least 10 catches of 20+ yards in 2017.

His size should also be a factor when Derek Carr and the Raider offense approaches the end zone. This could provide Cook with an increase in red zone targets beyond his 2017 total (9), while allowing him to join Jordy Nelson in functioning as Carr’s most targeted weapons near the goal line. While becoming passionate about owning Cook might be a challenging goal, there are justifiable reasons for designating him as a viable late-round option.

 

More Draft Sleepers and Values




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Nick Senzel3 hours ago

Expected To Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jon Gray3 hours ago

To Start On Sunday
Justin Steele3 hours ago

Likely To Go On Injured List
Anfernee Simons5 hours ago

Out Against The Heat
Max Kepler5 hours ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Max Kepler
Keldon Johnson5 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Justin Steele5 hours ago

Has Left-Hamstring Tightness
Matisse Thybulle5 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Davis Bertans5 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Friday
Jusuf Nurkic6 hours ago

Questionable Against Oklahoma City
Dario Saric6 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Noah Clowney6 hours ago

Probable For Nets Friday
Jonathan Kuminga6 hours ago

Questionable For Warriors Friday
Jerami Grant6 hours ago

Considered Doubtful For Friday
Dennis Smith6 hours ago

Jr. Probable For Friday
Lauri Markkanen6 hours ago

Questionable Against Houston
Toumani Camara6 hours ago

Will Not Play Friday
Justin Steele6 hours ago

Exits Thursday's Start
Richaun Holmes6 hours ago

Out Versus Pistons
Cameron Johnson6 hours ago

Out Against Chicago On Friday
Luka Doncic6 hours ago

On The Injury Report For Friday
David Bednar7 hours ago

Still Dealing With Lat Injury
Deandre Ayton7 hours ago

Is Questionable For Friday
Rudy Gobert7 hours ago

Might Miss Friday's Game
Tyus Jones7 hours ago

Unavailable For Friday
Zeke Nnaji7 hours ago

Ruled Out Against Minnesota
Jaden Ivey7 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Rhys McKee7 hours ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Anthony Edwards7 hours ago

Uncertain For Friday Night
Chidi Njokuani7 hours ago

Drops Back Down To Welterweight At UFC Atlantic City
Kyle Nelson7 hours ago

An Underdog Again At UFC Atlantic City
Bill Algeo7 hours ago

Eyes Sixth UFC Win
Joaquin Buckley7 hours ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Vicente Luque7 hours ago

Gets Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Eduardo Rodriguez8 hours ago

Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 Days
Max Kepler8 hours ago

Leaves On Opening Day With Injury
Nick Senzel8 hours ago

Suffers Broken Thumb
Jason Foley8 hours ago

Earns The Save For Tigers
Tarik Skubal9 hours ago

Tosses Six Scoreless Innings On Opening Day
Corbin Burnes9 hours ago

Pitches A Gem On Opening Day
Royce Lewis10 hours ago

Exits With Quad Injury
Max Scherzer11 hours ago

Throws Bullpen Session
Clayton Kershaw11 hours ago

"Ahead Of Things" Timetable-Wise
Walker Buehler11 hours ago

Ahead Of Schedule
Corey Seager12 hours ago

Active On Opening Day
Oneil Cruz12 hours ago

Batting Sixth On Opening Day
Bryan Reynolds14 hours ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Jordan Romano15 hours ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Aaron Ekblad16 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Nikita Kucherov16 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto16 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Valeri Nichushkin17 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard17 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins17 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist17 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear17 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Mark Hubbard1 day ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson1 day ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia1 day ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen1 day ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers1 day ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers1 day ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers1 day ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers2 days ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels2 days ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby2 days ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds2 days ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA2 days ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry2 days ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox2 days ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak2 days ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan2 days ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg2 days ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn2 days ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby2 days ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord2 days ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala2 days ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler2 days ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder2 days ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen2 days ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama2 days ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin2 days ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans3 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott3 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley3 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs3 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad3 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson3 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo4 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron4 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley4 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo5 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal5 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman5 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott5 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa5 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams5 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson5 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala5 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen5 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland5 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron5 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More