Drafting a quality tight end for the right price can allow an owner to focus on needs at other positions, while still getting value later on in the draft. There’s essentially five elite tight ends: Gates, Clark, Davis, Witten and Finley. The second and third levels will be closer together in terms of production and some players will significantly outplay their current expectations.
Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions – On paper, it’s shaping up to be a refreshing season for the Lions who could make some noise inside the NFC North this year as long as Matt Stafford stays healthy. The 26-year-old Pettigrew will look to build on his 71 receptions and 722 yards from last season when he had Shaun Hill completing most of those, as he enters his third season in the NFL. The Lions’ other tight end Tony Schefler may take away targets from Pettigrew, but not the ones that really count inside the 20 yard line. Don’t hesitate to grab him after all the big name players leave the board because he’s in a great situation to thrive.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers – Trading for Olsen might be the most beneficial move the Panthers made this offseason because he can serve as a safety valve for whichever young quarterback earns the starting gig. Rookie first overall pick Cam Newton and second round pick a season ago, Jimmy Clausen, will need a player who can catch short to medium range passes over the middle as well as move the chains on third downs. Olsen will also provide a big body to throw to in the red zone while seeing more targets then he saw a season ago in Chicago. At age 26, the former Miami Hurricane will be productive in the passing game and will likely be behind wide receiver Steve Smith in receptions and touchdowns this season. He is a sleeper because you can get him with a mid to late round pick with the upside of a top-10 TE.
Benjamin Watson, Cleveland Browns – Last season, the veteran had a career highs in catches (68) and receiving yards (763) in his first year in Cleveland acting as the check-down target for a sub-par passing attack. He had three games with at least six receptions and 88 yards, including 100 yards on 10 catches with a score in Week 13 in Miami. This year, second-year quarterback Colt McCoy will rely heavily on Watson because the other receiving options still aren’t very good. Watson’s lack of touchdowns, only three last season on nine total red zone targets, are numbers that will improve as McCoy gets better at running the offense.
Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings – Here’s a player who won’t get drafted in most leagues but Shiancoe is a year removed from scoring 11 touchdowns in 2009. The Vikings as a team hit a wall last year and the entire offense was a disappointment. With Donovon McNabb now the quarterback and Adrian Peterson still drawing a lot of attention, Shiancoe could be the guy who scores often near the goal line on roll outs and play-action passes. It could be a very nice bounce-back season for the 31-year-old journeyman.
Tony Moeaki, Kansas City Cheifs was on this list but has been placed on IR.
