Fantasy Football Tight End Preseason Power Rankings

Tight ends are often an overlooked part of a fantasy team, but having the right tight end could push your team over the top any given week. This is the preseason power ranking for tight ends. The top 15 are listed and the top 10 have write-ups.

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers

Antonio Gates is far and away the top choice in fantasy drafts and for a good reason. Since breaking into the NFL after playing basketball at Kent State, Gates has racked up more fantasy points than any other tight end. Gates should be Rivers's #1 target in the red zone.

2. Tony Gonzales, Chiefs

Gonzales has been one of the top tight ends since he entered the league and he will enter the Hall of Fame at tight end. This season he should be one of the only reliable targets on the Chiefs, but the lack of a great quarterback should worry his owners. He should get a ton of receptions this season though.

3. Jeremy Shockey, Giants

Jeremy Shockey is always a popular fantasy pick at tight end. He has great size and speed for a tight end and he has great hands. He also has a knack for finding the end zone and should be a reliable starter this season.

4. Vernon Davis, 49ers

At this point Davis is a little more promise than proven. He has great size and strength and he really picked it up at the end of last season. If he and Alex Smith can get a chemistry going he has the chance to put up some major points.

5. Todd Heap, Ravens

Todd Heap is always a promising pick, but his productivity has been down since his leg injury a few seasons ago. With the lack of reliable receivers on the Ravens Heap should be a big target. Hopefully the Ravens can put the ball in the end zone enough for him to pay off.

6. Ben Watson, Patriots

Tom Brady loves to throw to his tight ends and with Daniel Graham out of the picture, Benjamin Watson should get some more receptions. The only question is whether the addition of big name receivers will affect his touchdown numbers.

7. Alge Crumpler, Falcons

Alge Crumpler was always a favorite target of Michael Vick and now with Bobby Petrino in charge he should be utilized as much as possible. Joey Harrington could look good, as well as Crumpler, if Petrino lives up to his passing guru reputation.

8. Chris Cooley, Redskins

Chris Cooley is the most versatile tight end. He sometimes lines up as a running back and sometimes as a tight end or a receiver. The Redskins just signed him to a major contract extension so they know his value and will get him the ball as much as possible.

9. Randy McMichael, Rams

Randy McMichael should benefit from going from one of the worst offenses in the NFL to one of the better passing offenses. The leading receiver on Miami last season had less than 800 yards so no one there did well fantasy-wise. McMichael will be getting the ball from a more reliable quarterback so his fantasy value is up.

10. Kellen Winslow, Browns

Kellen Winslow has a lot of promise. He should have a career year this season if he can stay healthy and if Charlie Frye (and eventually Brady Quinn) can find him over the middle.

and the next 5...

11.LJ Smith, Eagles

12. Jason Whitten, Cowboys

13. Heath Miller, Steelers

14. Dallas Clark, Colts

15. Greg Olson, Bears