Fantasy Football 2009: The Top 10 Tight Ends to Draft

Often as overlooked as Kickers, drafting a good Tight End in Fantasy Football can be a valuable asset to any team, especially when the there's a major discrepancy between the top tier players and the rest of your options. Here then are the top 10 Tight Ends available for the 2009 Fantasy Football season.

1) Jason Witten (Cowboys)

As sure a thing as they come in Fantasy Football, Witten who played hurt last season, still caught 81 passes for 952 yards, after having caught 96 for 1,145 yards in 2007. At home in the Cowboy's high powered offense, and a favorite target of Quarterback Tony Romo, look for Witten to get you +80 catches for +1,000 yards in 2009.

2) Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs)

Gonzalez put in his second straight +90 catch, +1,000 yard season in a row, catching 10 TDs in the process. But this future Hall of Famer has played in 190 games now, and he will be working with a new Quarterback in Matt Cassel. Will he still put up big numbers in 2009? Sure, but don't pass up on Witten to draft him.

3) Dallas Clark (Colts)

Clark stepped it up a notch last season, catching 77 passes for 848 yards and 6 touchdowns, after a 2007 which saw him compile 58 receptions for 11 touchdowns. This year, with Marvin Harrison no longer on the team, look for Clark to become an even more important part of Peyton Manning's passing attack. Clark will not disappoint you, draft him as high as you dare.

4) Antonio Gates (Chargers)

Though Gates' numbers have dipped drastically over the past three seasons, you should note that he also has scored 49 touchdowns in the last five seasons. Always capable of a big year, and one of Philip Rivers' favorite target, look for Gates to catch 65-75 passes for +900 yards and score 9 or 10 times in 2009.

5) Chris Cooley (Redskins)

Forget the fact that he got into the end zone only once last season, those things happen. Cooley still had a fantastic season last year catching 83 passes for 849 yards. There is no reason to believe that Chris won't hover near the 70 reception mark this season. Look for him to score a few more times in the process. Not the elite pick that the first four are, but a very solid option.

6) Zach Miller (Raiders)

Miller quickly became JaMarcus Russell's favorite receiver last season, a fact that should serve him well again this year. Interesting to note that he can catch the big pass as he had receptions of over 20 yards in 12 out of 16 games, including a season long of 63 yards against the Chargers.

Miller will continue to get better, and few good Tight Ends will come with as much room for improvement.

7) Owen Daniels (Texans)

There's a reason that the Texan's made Daniels the 4^th pick overall in 2006. Last season Daniels rewarded that selection with a 70 reception 862 yard performance. The fact that he has only gotten into the end zone 10 times in 3 seasons keeps him from getting rated higher.

8) John Carlson (Seahawks)

You could not ask for a better rookie season from John Carlson. The former Notre Dame standout caught 55 passes for 627 yards and 5 touchdowns. Regardless of who winds up at Quarterback this season, look for Carlson to be a favorite target. His numbers should slightly improve from last season.

9) Dustin Keller (Purdue)

A rookie with an even bigger upside than Carlson, Keller had an impressive rookie season catching 48 passes for 535 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those numbers include a four week spell in which he caught 27 passes. Few Tight Ends in the league are as athletically gifted as Keller. If you are looking for a TE with a athletic huge upside, then Dustin Keller may be your man.

10) Kellen Winslow (Buccaneers)

There is little doubt that if healthy, that Winslow is capable of huge numbers. But that is a big if for a player who has missed almost as many games as he has played in. Now with a different team, be careful in drafting Winslow, he may not go the distance. If you are not a gambler than maybe Heath Miller or Greg Olsen are the players for you. But if you like to roll the die, Winslow may get you to the title game.

Statistical Source:

www.sports. yahoo.com