2019 fantasy football tight end guide: Sleepers, busts and strategy

What can you make of George Kittle's huge season in 2018?

A great deal of time goes into preparing to draft receivers and running backs for fantasy football. They comprise most of the roster, after all. But tight end can be a position which can help a team get a significant edge. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, for example, was a monster in fantasy (and in real life). Few saw his breakout season coming.

If you had him on your team, you were riding an impressive wave of production, which far exceeded his draft position. Ideally, you can identify the next Kittle, if that’s even possible. There are a few approaches you can take as you attempt to strategize around the tight end position. We’ll cover that, while also suggesting potential sleepers and busts at the position.

Strategy

Drafting a tight end can be a lot like drafting a quarterback. If you’re going to take one high, you’re making a significant wager that he’s going to be head-and-shoulders better than those at his position. With so few talented players, tight end has become an all-or-nothing position. You either land one of the premier tight ends — or you bank on a breakout year from someone in the later rounds (with an eye on the waiver wire market).

If you do wait until the late rounds for a tight end, it might be wise to draft two high-risk, high-reward players in the event one doesn’t pan out.

Sleepers

Jared Cook, Saints

The Saints offense can be generous for tight ends. Of course, Jimmy Graham thrived in it in from 2011 to 2014. But even Coby Fleeter managed 631 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. Cook, who is coming off a career-best season in 2018 with the Raiders, should be a productive pass-catcher in an offense that doesn’t seem to have a No. 2 wideout.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions

The Lions drafted him at No. 8 overall, because he’s one of the most complete and pro-ready tight end prospect in years. He’s going to contribute for the Lions immediately.

Greg Olsen, Panthers

He has been dealing with a foot injury for the last two seasons. Before that, he put up 1,000-yard seasons in consecutive years. Olsen may be a risk of injury, but he’s in an offensive devoid of pass-catchers. He could have a major comeback year.

Chris Herndon, Jets

He’s quietly one of the most promising young tight ends in the NFL, and Sam Darnold seems to favor Herndon as a check-down option. He’ll be suspended for four games but still keep him on your radar.

Busts

George Kittle, 49ers

We haven’t actually seen much from the Kittle-Jimmy Garoppolo tandem. Kittle excelled in a depleted offense in 2018, but I worry that, with weapons back, he may see diminished production. There’s too much risk that Kittle becomes Gary Barnidge 2.0. Let’s see if Kittle can put up big numbers for a second year in a row.

O.J. Howard, Buccaneers

He was excellent in the 10 games that he played, but Cameron Brate, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin play in the same offense. If they’re all healthy, Howard may struggle to get touches.

David Njoku, Browns

The Browns are getting so much love that I’m beginning to think their stock is inflated. Njoku had 639 yards and four touchdowns in an offense that didn’t feature Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018. It’s hard to imagine Njoku putting up better numbers in 2019.