- Maxx Williams, Baltimore Ravens
The second-round pick is a young talented receiving option that could possibly start from day one. The Ravens already have Dennis Pitta and Crockett Gillmore, who are both good receiving options too, however, Pitta has frequent injury issues, and Gillmore did not perform well when he got the starting job when Pitta went down. We all know a tight end is a quarterback's best friend, and Joe Flacco was giving high remarks about Williams throughout minicamp. There could be a special bond growing between them already. The former Minnesota Gopher would be a very much better option in a dynasty league because even if Pitta can eventually stay healthy, the franchise has already expressed that Williams is the tight end of the their future.
- Clive Walford, Oakland Raiders
The University of Miami is known for producing dangerously fast players and Walford is a clear example. Walford is a touchdown waiting to happen, and with promising quarterback Derek Carr, Walford could be in for a huge rookie season. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has already stated that the former Hurricane tight end brings the entire package to their offense. That means he could possibly be an every-down tight end, which makes him an even more valuable fantasy TE.
- Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers
James is my number 1 sleeper out of all the rookie tight ends. With better size and athleticism than most tight ends in this draft class, James is the Steelers future franchise tight end. Even with Heath Miller and matt Spaeth on the roster, Spaeth is more of a blocking tight end and Miller had issues staying healthy this past season, which means, James can get some valuable reps on passing downs and should be able to take the number 2 spot from Spaeth if he doesn't get the starting spot. James would be a great pickup in a dynasty league as Miller is digressing and noticeably getting slower.
- Tyler Kroft, Cincinnati Bengals
Kroft isn't a bad player, but he is stuck on a long list of options at tight end. He is currently the third string tight end, and with promising tight end Tyler Eifert expected to take a majority of snaps, it'll be hard for Kroft to find some playing time. Maybe the former Rutgers tight end could eventually get the second string spot behind Eifert, but that seems unlikely.
- MyCole Pruitt, Minnesota Vikings
Pruitt is a slightly undersized tight end with his six foot, 2 inch height, but nonetheless, he has some sleeper potential. He has very good speed and catching ability, and with offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who turns most tight ends into fantasy studs, Pruitt should be able to get some valuable snaps this season. Pruitt's athleticism alone should be able to carry him to the second string spot behind starter Kyle Rudolph, but if that doesn't work out, Turner has hinted at Pruitt possibly playing some fullback or could have a role as an h-back. With Rudolph's health still questionable, and Pruitt's versatility, the former Southern Illinois player could be a valuable late round option for dynasty leagues.
For the most in-depth TE fantasy football news, stay tuned to ASL all season long!
