In comparison to the 2017 rookie tight end class, 2016 offered less than desirable depth at the skill position for fantasy football purposes. Nonetheless, five tight ends in particular are set to enter their second seasons in the NFL with considerable statistical upside. Below, I examine each of these players and determine if any will see an increase in production or value compared to their rookie campaigns.
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Hunter Henry (LAC)
Far and away the most talented tight end from the 2016 rookie class, Henry emerged as a borderline elite asset in his first NFL campaign. The Arkansas product registered 36 receptions for 478 yards and eight touchdowns but shared time with Antonio Gates in the process. Outside of his end zone production, Henry’s output from a season ago should represent his receiving floor for 2017.
Assuming the 22-year-old tight end does indeed emerge as a near full-time player as a sophomore, it is reasonable to expect an improvement on his TE18 finish in PPR formats from last season. This offseason could represent a final opportunity to acquire Henry at a value in dynasty circles, as the NFL future of Antonio Gates is uncertain at 37 years old. Keep in mind that Henry (13.3) also outpaced Gates (10.3) in average yards per catch in 2016, which could be a predictive indicator for each of their respective usage rates downfield moving forward.
Austin Hooper (ATL)
After leading the Atlanta Falcons in targets (6) against the New England Patriots in last year’s Super Bowl, it became rather evident that Austin Hooper is an ascending talent in the NFL. The 22-year-old tight end will enter his sophomore campaign as the favorite to start for Atlanta now that Jacob Tamme is an unrestricted free agent.
In order to see an increase in production from his rookie campaign, Hooper will need to eclipse the receiving thresholds he set of 19 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns last season. On an impressive note, Hooper did manage to average 14.3 yards per catch in a limited sample size last year. With an inexpensive ADP in both redraft and dynasty formats, Hooper will enter 2017 as an excellent value pick with breakout potential in a potent Atlanta offense.
Tyler Higbee (LAR)
Entering the 2017 offseason, Higbee was considered a popular breakout candidate. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Los Angeles Rams decided to select Gerald Everett in the second-round of this year’s draft. The South Alabama product’s presence severely dampens Higbee’s statistical ceiling moving forward, but it is premature to rule out a consistent role for the sophomore tight end altogether.
From a redraft perspective, Higbee figures to offer next to no value in 2017 barring an injury to Everett. However, the former can be had at a significant value in dynasty because of an unclear depth chart in Los Angeles. The team’s new head coach Sean McVay has also supported Higbee’s athleticism, which makes the tight end a worthy roster stash at 6’ 6” / 250-pounds.
Nick Vannett (SEA)
Primarily viewed as a blocking option at the tight end position, Vannett collected a paltry three receptions for 32 yards receiving in his 2016 rookie campaign. Even so, the Ohio State product possesses ideal size and raw upside at 6’ 6” / 257 pounds.
Similar to other names included in this article, Vannett does not project to offer immediate redraft value. At the same time, he is a name to monitor in dynasty leagues since Seattle’s current backup at tight end is Luke Willson who is only under contract until 2018. This could provide Vannett an opportunity to earn an expanded role as a sophomore behind Jimmy Graham in the event that Willson is phased out of offensive packages.
Stephen Anderson (HOU)
Unknown outside of deep dynasty circles, Anderson is an intriguing asset to stash before the 2017 NFL season commences. The 24-year-old tight end was limited to 11 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown during his rookie campaign in 2016, but he owns an 80th-percentile SPARQ score.
Based on his superb athleticism and shallow depth at tight end behind C.J. Fiedorowicz in Houston, Anderson stands as an incredible value with a near free price tag. Remember the tight end’s name, as he earned an honorable mention for All-Pac 12 honors as a senior at California.
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Cory Evans is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Cory, check out his archive and follow him @CoryEvansNFL.
