2015 Fantasy Football: Tight End Sleepers
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Tyler Eifert, Bengals – I’ve ended up with Eifert in all three of my drafts so far and have been happy where I got him each time. He’s currently going in the 13th round despite the fact that he’s got the Bengals TE job all to himself now that Jermaine Gresham is gone. The 2013 1st round pick has the size, speed, and hands to be a weapon in the passing game. He had borderline value last season while splitting targets and with the TE job to himself could blow up this season.
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings -He’s in an ideal situation with a TE-friendly offensive coordinator and an accurate QB in Teddy Bridgewater (3rd in comp% as a rookie). The talent has always been there for Rudolph, but he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He’s missed 15 games over the last two seasons, which makes him a risky pick, but at his current ADP of 130 there is a lot of upside.
Larry Donnell, Giants – Came out of nowhere to be the 12th best fantasy TE last year. He finished the season with 63 catches, 623 yards, and 6 TDs. Half of his TDs came in one game, but he was a consistent red zone target for Eli Manning and that shouldn’t change this season. His yardage numbers may always be mediocre, but he has a chance to snag 8+ TEs.
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Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Bucs – Rookie tight ends almost always struggle and it was no different with Seferian-Jenkins who had just 21 catches for 228 yards and 2 TDs. He has elite size and athleticism and with a probable upgrade at QB in Jameis Winston, ASJ could have a breakout season. Like Rudolph, ASJ has had some trouble staying healthy so there is some risk here, but worth a flyer at his 133 ADP.
Virgil Green, Broncos – Owen Daniels is the popular sleeper TE for the Broncos, but Daniels will be 34 this season and has missed 12 games over the last two years. Peyton Manning has always been one of the most TE-friendly QBs in the league and whoever is the Broncos TE1 will have significant fantasy value. Their were a lot of suitors for Green in the offseason (including the Bears) but the Broncos made re-signing him a priority. Green’s had a stellar start to the preseason, but has been running exclusively with the 2nd team. He’s a better run blocker than Daniels and also a more athletic receiver. I’ve been hearing good things about Green for two years now and I wouldn’t be shocked if he is running with the starters by mid-season and finishes among the top-12 fantasy TEs.
Next: 2015 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Rankings (Part 1)