Fantasy Football Offseason: Tight Ends

Anybody who has talked football with me, knows how much I believe that having a pass-catching tight end is of VITAL importance to having a strong offense. If you don't believe me, tell me one good offense in the NFL that is without one. As far as fantasy football is concerned, as the game is evolving this position is getting deeper and deeper every year.

Top Gun: Antonio Gates. A perennial top 3 TE, Gates will benefit from the loss of LT who seemed to get forced the rock in the red zone last season, and now the 3 game suspension of star WR Vincent Jackson. Look for a spike in his touchdown value and for him to finish at the top over Dallas Clark and Vernon Davis.

Value Pick: Brent Celek...How can I talk about this position without discussing my man crush. As the Eagles transition from the McNabb to Kolb eras, Kolb will rely on Celek even more than McNabb did as a safety valve and in the red zone. Celek who has a remarkable penchant for getting open will find the seams in defenses as Jackson and Maclin spread the field creating space for him. Celek will finish with numbers similar to Clark and Davis and can be had a couple rounds later than either of them.

Breakout: Jermichael Finley. The combination of great athleticism, great hands, and perhaps the league's best fantasy offense all combine to make him Aaron Rodgers' #2 man which will put him in the tier 1 of fantasy tight ends.

Bounce back: Jason Witten and Owen Daniels. Witten had 94 receptions but a meager 6 red zone looks and 2 touchdowns last season. This 100+ reception end will surely see a better side of touchdown variance this year. Many forget that Daniels was the #1 tight end until he got injured last year mid-season. Someone has to step up to be Schaub's #2 guy after Andre Johnson and Daniels will be it. A FANTASTIC value pick if you miss on the first tier guys.

Bust: Visanthe Shiancoe. ALL of his value came from his touchdown output last year, and with the plethora of weapons at Favre's disposal, and the addition of Gerhart, Shiancoe's red zone looks will go way down, killing his value.