-2017 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2017 Draft Kit
No one's questioning whether or not Greg Olsen is a fabulous tight end, but maybe some of us are a little scared of buying into him when the inevitable decline hits. Olsen went over 1,000 yards for the third year in a row but scored just three times last season. Nevertheless, he was once again a Top 5 Fantasy tight end, with seven games with eight-plus Fantasy points. At 32 year's young, Olsen remains a staple in a Panthers passing game in need of reliable targets. Olsen should remain a pivotal Fantasy tight end in that role. While others in your league might turn their noses up at him on Draft Day, you can snatch him in Round 5, knowing you have a reliable weekly starter.
Jordan Reed has proven to be among the best tight ends in the NFL over the past two years, but injuries continue to be what make or break him each season. In 2015, Reed was healthy, and his production was off the charts with 87 catches for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns, which allowed him to finish as the No. 3 Fantasy tight end in standard leagues. He was limited to 12 games in 2016, and he still produced at a high level with 66 catches for 686 yards and six touchdowns. But he finished as just the No. 8 tight end in standard formats. Reed has yet to play 16 games in a season, but when he's healthy he's certainly a must-start option in all Fantasy leagues. And he could benefit this year with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon gone, which could lead to more targets. We consider Reed a top 5 tight end coming into the season, and he's worth drafting no later than Round 4 in all formats.
Travis Kelce finally had the breakout season we've been for in 2016, and hopefully he will stay on this level for this season. Kelce finished as the No. 1 Fantasy tight end in standard leagues, with 85 catches for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns on 117 targets. While the touchdowns aren't ideal -- he only has 14 over the past three seasons, he set career highs in catches, yards and targets. Now, playing with quarterback Alex Smith limits his upside, but Kelce is in the mix to be the No. 2 tight end drafted in all leagues behind Rob Gronkowski, especially with Jeremy Maclin now gone to Baltimore. His competition at the position is Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen and Jordan Reed, but Kelce could easily be the best of the bunch if he plays like he did in 2016 in this coming season. We'd draft Kelce as early as Round 4 in most formats, with his value slightly higher in PPR.
Rob Gronkowski partied like he won Super Bowl 51, but he was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Patriots beat the Falcons because of a back injury that sent him to injured reserve in Week 11. It shows how good Gronkowski is that he appeared in eight games (only six of those with Tom Brady because of his suspension) and still finished as the No. 20 Fantasy tight end in standard leagues with 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 38 targets. Gronkowski hasn't played 16 games since 2011, but he has two seasons with 15 games over that span. You hope he plays at least 13 games because when he's healthy he's easily the best Fantasy tight end in any format. He expects to be ready for training camp, and if that happens then he's worth drafting toward the end of Round 2 or beginning of Round 3 in all leagues.