Fantasy Football: Scouting the tight ends
By Ed Barkowitz
Philadelphia Daily News
Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Showed no signs of slowing down with 96 catches and 10 TDs last season at age 32. He should make quarterback Matt Ryan�s life even better, especially in the red zone.
Antonio Gates, Chargers: Gets into the end zone more than most at this position and seems to be as healthy as he�s been in a few years. San Diego ought to be the class of a bad AFC West, and Gates, thanks to Gonzalez� departure, will be the top tight end in the conference.
Jason Witten, Cowboys: No T.O. should mean more opportunities � and less drama � for Witten. It could also mean coverages focus more on Witten, like the ones Jim Johnson used to design.
Dallas Clark, Colts: Not a bad consolation if you miss out on the run of the first three tight ends.
Greg Olsen, Bears: He�s the chic sleeper tight end of the year . . . but you should hope he doesn�t follow in the footsteps of guys such as Kellen Winslow (2008), Vernon Davis (2007) and Jeremy Shockey (2006).
Chris Cooley, Redskins: Was second among tight ends, with 83 grabs. What killed fantasy owners was that only one of them went for a touchdown.
Owen Daniels, Texans: Wants to be the highest-paid tight end, which is admirable, but not deserving. Doesn�t get into the end zone enough (five total TDs over the last two years) to justify cracking the fantasy top five.
John Carlson, Seahawks: Had a decent rookie season with 55 catches and five scores, but the addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the return from injury of Seattle�s other wide receivers can�t be good.
Jeremy Shockey, Saints: Drew Brees threw 34 touchdowns last season. None of them went to Shockey, who also averaged a measly 40.3 yards per game.
Brent Celek, Eagles: The reworked offensive line hasn�t really played together, so Celek�s numbers will take a hit if he has to stay in and help with pass protection. Like him as a late sleeper, but not as an immediate starter.
QUICK HITTERS
On the way up: Antonio Gates, Chargers
On the way down: Jeremy Shockey, Saints
Riskiest pick: Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers
Sleeper: Dustin Keller, Jets
Please avoid: Vernon Davis, 49ers
Top rookie: Jared Cook, Titans
THE TOP 20 (with bye weeks for each team)
1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons 4
2. Antonio Gates, Chargers 5
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys 6
4. Dallas Clark, Colts 6
5. Greg Olsen, Bears 5
6. Chris Cooley, Redskins 8
7. Dustin Keller, Jets 9
8. Owen Daniels, Texans 10
9. John Carlson, Seahawks 7
10. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers 8
11. Zach Miller, Raiders 9
12. Brent Celek, Eagles 4
13. Jared Cook, Titans 7
14. Jeremy Shockey, Saints 5
15. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins 6
16. Vernon Davis, 49ers 6
17. Kevin Boss, Giants 10
18. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings 9
19. Travis Beckum, Giants 10
20. Heath Miller, Steelers 8