Fantasy football: Scouting the tight ends
Looking at the top tight ends in the NFL this season.
Dwayne Allen, Colts: Both Allen (foot) and teammate Coby Fleener (knee) missed valuable time in camp as new coordinator Pep Hamilton was installing his offense. Fleener played at Stanford when Hamilton was the OC, but this situation is a little too murky.
Jordan Cameron, Browns: He's a hot sleeper, because Cleveland coach (and former tight end) Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner are calling the shots. Cameron, who worked with Tony Gonzalez in the offseason, has 26 catches in 22 career games. Late-round flier for those who have a top-5 tight end.
Brent Celek, Eagles: Chip Kelly's offense uses a lot of tight ends, but not necessarily as receivers. In the 6 years Kelly was at Oregon (the first 2 as the offensive coordinator), the most passes a tight end caught was 43 by current Baltimore Raven Ed Dickson in 2007.
Jared Cook, Rams: Has never had 50 catches in what's been mostly a disappointing 4-year career with the Titans. There is a reason Jeff Fisher signed Cook, whom he drafted in 2009 when both were in Tennessee. And Fisher is astute enough to make Cook a decent sleeper.
Owen Daniels, Texans: Had a career-best 104 targets and six touchdowns in 2012. Not a bad option for those who prefer to wait on tight ends, but don't expect a full 16 games out of him.
Vernon Davis, 49ers: The loss of Michael Crabtree (Achilles') makes Davis the primary target for Colin Kaepernick. And former tight-end teammate Delanie Walker's defection to Tennessee isn't so bad, either.
Jermichael Finley, Packers: Green Bay was in a similar contractual position the Eagles were in with Michael Vick. The Pack gave Finley his $3 million roster bonus and are letting him play out the final year of his deal.
Antonio Gates, Chargers: Failed to hit 50 catches for the first time since his rookie year in 2003. As quarterback Philip Rivers has declined, so has Gates.
Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Ninety-three catches, 930 yards and eight touchdowns last year as a 36-year-old. Waiter, I'll have whatever he's drinking.
Jimmy Graham, Saints: Let everyone else clamor for Rob Gronkowski while you pluck Graham in the fourth round. He had nine touchdowns in 2012, despite being hindered by a wrist injury that required surgery.
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots: Due to return in mid-September after undergoing back surgery in June. He's going as high as the third round, which seems awfully dicey when other solid tight ends are out there.
Dustin Keller, Dolphins: Tore his knee up in the preseason and is out for the year. No Miami TE is worth considering at this point.
Heath Miller, Steelers: Has a knee injury and is uncertain for Week 1.
Brandon Myers, Giants: Came out of nowhere in 2012 to register 79 catches and 806 yards for the Raiders. The Giants have more receiving options, but Myers would be a good TE2 for those who own the Jimmy Grahams of the world.
Greg Olsen, Panthers: Olsen, coming off a career-best 69 receptions, is Cam Newton's best option after Steve Smith.
Dennis Pitta, Ravens: Likely out for the year with a hip injury. Teammate Ed Dickson (hamstring) is uncertain for Week 1, but not really a fantasy option even if he plays.
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings: His nine touchdowns from a year ago have tongues wagging, but only three of those scores came in the final 6 weeks, when he had just 19 catches.
Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten had only three touchdowns last year, but two came in the last 3 weeks, when teammate Dez Bryant was running wild. As long as Tony Romo is the QB, Witten will get fed.
QUICK HITTERS
On the way up: Jermichael Finley, Packers
On the way down: Antonio Gates, Chargers
Riskiest pick: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
Late-round look: Jared Cook, Rams
Please avoid: Heath Miller, Steelers
Top rookie: Tyler Eifert, Bengals
Sleeper: Martellus Bennett, Bears. In 76 career games, Bennett has as many 100-yard outings as I do. To be fair, Bennett spent his first four seasons behind Jason Witten, but put up career-high numbers (55-626-5) with the Giants last year. In Chicago, he could develop into Jay Cutler's second option (after Brandon Marshall), and is a popular sleeper pick as a result.
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On Twitter: @EdBarkowitz