Tyler Eifert is one of several late-round TEs that could provide significant value

Adam Inman gives us insight into which TE2s have the best chance at delivering TE1 numbers.

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Over the last few fantasy seasons we’ve seen a fairly consistent output from players at the top of the tight end ranks. If you look at the top 10 tight end lists over the past three seasons, you’ll find six of the same 10 names are virtually repeated. By looking at the actual fantasy points scored, we can derive two main points:

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• If his name is Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, his exact finish among the position is difficult to speculate on. These two have performed regardless of scheme and personnel shifts on their respective teams. Both have posted outstanding fantasy numbers while consistently being an integral cog in their team’s success. Prior to the 2015 season, it didn’t really matter whether or not the Patriots or the Saints were winning or losing. These two still had unparalleled upside. Now that Graham is in Seattle, the elite tier at the position is now comprised of one player, Rob Gronkowski.

• If you aren’t reaching for one of the game’s elite tight ends, you are as likely to select a solid TE1 as you are to select a player who is destined for the waiver wire. It’s on that note that I appeal to fantasy owners, if you do not end up with Gronkowski, please forgo selecting a tight end until the later rounds as the value that’s available outside the top 14 is outstanding.

Here are three tight ends that could return top 12 value:

Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings (Current ADP – TE15)

The Minnesota Vikings, under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, saw a sizable uptick in their passing attack last season. Kyle Rudolph would have been the recipient of a nice spike in production if a groin injury hadn’t cost him half of the NFL season. Still, working within the new scheme, Vikings tight ends posted a 67-713-5 line despite the fact that their most skilled tight end was absent or restricted for over half of the season.

Heading into 2015, Rudolph is looking to put together his first full season in three years and figures to be a safety valve for second year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Last season’s tight end group saw over 100 targets, which means it’s conceivable that Rudolph could account for 80+ himself this season. Given his career conversion rate (67%), we can expect a healthy Rudolph to challenge his career high in both catches and yards while still being a threat for double digit touchdowns.

Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers (Current ADP – TE 17)

Vernon Davis has been one of the most consistent “elite” tight ends for the past half-a-decade. In the five seasons prior to the 2014 debacle, Davis finished in fantasy scoring among tight ends second, 13th, fifth, third and first, respectively, and was a fixture at the top of the rankings. He was San Francisco’s No. 1 red zone priority and had the vertical speed to beat defenders up the seam for long touchdowns at least a few times a year. From 2009-2013, Davis accounted for 44 receiving touchdowns and averaged 59 receptions a season. Last year, Davis found the end zone only twice while logging a paltry 26 catches and a career-low 245 receiving yards.

The 49ers looked lost on offense last season, as the reported strife between the coaches and management clearly spilled onto the field. The output resulted in the fantasy value of almost everyone associated with the team being severely discounted. The arrival of deep threat Torrey Smith should only ensure that Davis is routinely facing mismatches. Plus, the offseason work that quarterback Colin Kaepernick has put in will hopefully improve the overall efficiency of the passing game. Massive changes in ADP from a year-to-year basis should only occur as a result of injury or a player losing their job. Davis still has all the tools to be an elite player and it’s very easy to see him finishing as a top 10 fantasy football tight end, something he’s done the majority of his career.

Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals (Current ADP – TE21)

Tyler Eifert is a name that fantasy owners need to familiarize themselves with. He’s a fluid route runner with outstanding hands who has more vertical appeal than people realize. As a rookie in 2013, Tyler Eifert and incumbent starter Jermaine Gresham combined for an 85-903-6 line as the rotational options among the Cincinnati passing offense. If even 75% of that production had gone to one player, he would have been a top 10 player at the position.

Heading into the 2015 season, Eifert is no longer competing for snaps with Gresham, Gresham recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and is looking to breakout on an offense that features defensive magnets A.J. Green, Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard, not to mention the return of the red zone magician Marvin Jones. Eifert will be the hot-read for signal caller Andy Dalton and should regularly find himself lined up against a linebacker who simply will not be able to keep up athletically. While Eifert has the lowest ADP of these TE2 bargains, it’s very easy to tell the story that sees him finishing with the highest point total of the three.

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