Gronk’s oft-injured body continues to be a cement block tied around the legs of his fantasy value but somehow, that metaphorical heavy object can’t still sink experts’ hopes for a huge year from the Patriots tight end. The arrival of Brandin Cooks and some other weapons in the team’s fold could hurt Gronk’s production, but when he’s healthy, he’s still the best bet among all tight ends.
2. Jordan Reed
2016 Stats: 686 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 98 (No. 9 TE)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 155.5
Just like Gronk, Reed’s health has always hindered him from fulfilling his potential both in fantasy and in real-life football. Reed has missed 22 games in his four years in the league, including five last season when he posted 686 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. With all that said, Reed should remain as Kirk Cousins’ favorite target, which is saying something considering that the Redskins ranked fourth in 2016 in pass completions and second in passing yards.
Hey, Jeremy Maclin is gone so that should be a welcome development for those eyeing Kelce in the draft. Kelce paced all TE’s last season in fantasy points, thanks in part to his durability that other top apparently do not have. In fact, Kelce hasn’t missed a regular season game since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2013. His targets have gradually increased over the years with his 117 last season representing his career best.
While his three receiving touchdowns last season was his fewest since his rookie year, Olsen posted the third-most fantasy points among tight ends in 2016. Olsen is 32-years-old but you’ll have a hard time finding as consistent a tight end today as the Panthers’ 11-year veteran.
5. Delanie Walker
2016 Stats: 800 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 117 (No. 5 TE)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 109.9
Arguably just as durable as Olsen, Walker has played at least 15 games in nine of his 11 seasons so far in the NFL. He’s coming off a year in which he had career-best numbers of eight targets in the end zone and seven receiving touchdowns. Even with the arrival of Erick Decker in Tennessee, Walker is bound to get good looks in the end zone. The Titans were tops in the NFL last season in red zone scoring percentage.
