This list is provided to you courtesy of the commissioner of the 
New England's Ben Coates possesses all the tools
needed of an All-Pro tight end. He ranks #1 among FSM's list of tight ends for the
'98 season.Despite the fact that today's NFL game is a pass-oriented affair,
the value of the tight end position in fantasy football continues to remain somewhat
diminished.
Seven tight ends caught five or more touchdown passes last year, which was up from five players who accomplished that in '96. New England's Ben Coates led the way last year with eight TD receptions, but only 15 tight ends had more than two TD catches in '97.
With this position producing so little overall, is it really worth the effort to get a top tight end on Draft Day? After all, the difference between one of the top tight ends and a mid-level tight end is only 3-4 TD receptions over the course of a season. For that reason, most fantasy-leaguers choose to grab a second or third running back or wide receiver before they select their first tight end.
It's gotten so bad at this position that some fantasy football leagues no longer even bother drafting a tight end and instead use three wide receivers on their starting rosters.
We certainly don't recommend getting that drastic, but we also don't recommend putting a lot of emphasis on getting a tight end with one of your early picks on Draft Day. Fill your primary skill positions first and then grab the best tight end available when the time is right.
When that time comes, there's no question that players such as Denver's Shannon Sharpe and Coates are the top two men to get. But which other players at this position can help you? Over the next four pages, we'll try our best to answer that question.
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1. Ben Coates, Patriots: Coates has been more consistent than Sharpe over the last five years, collecting between six and nine TDs each year since '93. Last year, Coates caught 66 passes for 737 yards (11.2 yard average) with eight TDs. Coates is more of a short-yardage receiver than Sharpe and he's always been Drew Bledsoe's favorite target. Coates, 28, has topped the 1,000-yard mark only once in his seven-year career, so don't expect bonus points from Coates for 100-yard games. But if touchdowns is the main emphasis of your scoring system, take Coates just before Sharpe.
2. Shannon Sharpe, Broncos: This eight-year veteran topped the 1,000-yard mark last year for the third time in his career, catching 72 passes for 1,107 yards. His 15.4 yards-per-catch total was the highest of his career and the 68-yard TD reception he had against San Diego was the longest of his career. But Sharpe had only three TD receptions his lowest total since 1992 as Rod Smith became the go-to guy near the goal-line. That's a bit concerning, especially since Sharpe had 10 TD receptions in '96 and averaged seven TD catches from 1993-96. But forget about last year's low TD total and grab Sharpe during the third or fourth round, right after Coates.
3. Mark Chmura, Packers: Chmura earned Pro Bowl honors the season after Keith Jackson retired, becoming the goal-line favorite of his best friend, Brett Favre. The five-year veteran had only 38 receptions for 417 yards (11.0 ave.), but he finished with six TDs. Chmura now has 13 TD receptions over the last three years and will again be Favre's favorite target across the middle. In this high-powered offense, Chmura is a great choice as your starting tight end.
4. Wesley Walls, Panthers: Since arriving in Carolina two years ago, Walls has been one of the league's most productive tight ends. The eight-year veteran caught six TD passes last year and now has 16 TD receptions over the last two years. He had only nine TD receptions over his first six seasons when he was with San Francisco and New Orleans. But Walls has become one of Kerry Collins' favorite targets in Carolina and last year he caught 58 passes for 746 yards (12.9 average). He dropped only four passes all year long and will once again be Collins' go-to guy in '98. Expect another season of 60-65 receptions, 700-800 yards and 6-8 TDs.
5. Rickey Dudley, Raiders: Oakland's second-year tight end from Ohio State had a solid sophomore season, grabbing 48 passes for 787 yards and seven TDs. He became a deep threat for QB Jeff George, averaging 16.4 yards per catch, including a 76-yard reception. Dudley had four TD receptions during the team's first five games, but then had a stretch of eight weeks where he failed to get into the end zone. Dudley had 43 other passes thrown his way last year that fell incomplete, so you know that George likes to find his 6'6² tight end. His future looks mighty bright, so grab Dudley once the top tight ends start to get picked.
6. Tony McGee, Bengals: This five-year veteran missed the first four games due to injury last year, but came on strong during the second half of the season and finished with 34 receptions for 414 yards (12.2 ave.) and six TDs. He scored four of his six TDs during the team's final eight games to become one of the league's top tight ends. McGee, 27, has now caught 14 TD passes over the last three seasons and should be good for another 40-50 receptions and 5-7 TDs if he plays a full 16-game season. The former Michigan star is certainly a player on the rise.
7. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: This 22-year-old could be the best overall athlete at this position as he was a football and basketball star at the University of California. He didn't start a single game last year during his rookie season, but still came through with 33 receptions for 368 yards and two TDs. The 6'4², 244-pounder has the ability to be an All-Pro receiver soon and his potential is enticing. I'd take the chance on Gonzalez this year and hope for a season of 50-60 catches, 600-700 yards and 4-6 TDs if he becomes the Chiefs' starting tight end.
8. Frank Wycheck, Oilers: The Oilers have one of the best tight ends in the AFC, yet they went out and signed free agent TE Jackie Harris. But Harris is injury-prone and can't be counted on for a full season, so expect Wycheck to have another productive season. The 26-year-old product of Maryland set career highs in receptions (63) and yards (748) last year, while collecting four TDs. He caught at least one pass in every game, but failed to top the 100-yard mark in a single game or catch more than one TD. Still, he's a steady receiver who can be counted on for another season of 55-65 receptions, 700-800 yards and 4-6 touchdowns.
9. Eric Green Ravens: This eight-year veteran finally came into camp in good shape last year and played all 16 games for the first time since 1993. Green also had his most productive season since '93, catching 65 passes for 601 yards and five TDs. The Ravens felt so good about their big tight end that they re-signed him during the off-season, hoping for another season of 60-70 receptions, 600-700 yards and 4-6 TDs. He's a solid pick, unless he comes into camp tipping the scales at over 300 pounds. Get an early report on Green and then take appropriate action.
10. Troy Drayton, Dolphins: As the Dolphins' starting tight end last year, the former Penn State star caught 39 passes for 558 yards and four TDs. He dropped only two passes all year long and became a favorite target of Dan Marino late in the year. Drayton doesn't have great speed, but his 14.3 yards-per-catch average was among the best at this position and he should be good for another season of 40-45 catches, 500-600 yards and 3-5 TDs. He's a solid alternative at a relatively weak position.
11. Irv Smith, 49ers: San Francisco signed this five-year veteran during the off-season to replace Brent Jones, who retired at the end of last season. Smith could be stepping into an ideal situation as QB Steve Young loves to utilize his tight end. After catching six TD passes for New Orleans in 1994-95, Smith was a non-factor the last two years, catching only 32 passes for 324 yards and one TD. He should top those numbers this year alone and could bust out with numbers approaching 40 receptions, 500 yards and 3-5 TDs. He's a sleeper pick who could blossom by the Bay.
12. Pete Mitchell, Jaguars: Mitchell, a third-year pro out of Boston College, caught fewer passes last year but found the end zone more times. That's a tradeoff any fantasy-leaguer would gladly take. Mitchell caught 93 passes for 1,102 yards and three touchdowns during his first two seasons, but broke through for four TDs last year while catching only 35 passes for 380 yards. Like Drayton, Mitchell is a steady tight end who won't dominate in any game, but he's still an alternative for your starting lineup.
13. Ken Dilger, Colts: The Colts' tight end didn't score during the team's first 14 games, but then caught three TD passes against Miami in the 41-0 whitewash. Dilger was a non-factor most of the year, but caught five passes for 100 yards in that game and also had a big game in the upset win over Green Bay, collecting six passes for 92 yards. For the season, however, he had only 27 receptions for 380 yards. The three-year veteran isn't one of the top echelon tight ends, but he does have 11 TD receptions over his three-year career. Dilger will be good for another 30-40 receptions and 3-4 TDs, which makes him a potential candidate as a starting tight end in fantasy football.
14. Ernie Conwell, Rams: The Rams love this second-year pro out of Washington and for good reason. The 6'1², 253-pounder is a solid run-blocker and he also has good hands across the middle of the field. Last year, he caught 38 passes for 404 yards and four TDs, including a 46-yard TD. He went nine weeks without catching a TD pass, but closed the year strong with three TD receptions in the team's last five games. Conwell will continue to get better with experience, so make him a starter on your team.
15. Freddie Jones, Chargers: Jones turned out to be the best rookie tight end from last year's class that also included Gonzalez, David LaFleur and John Allred. The second-round pick out of North Carolina started eight games last year for San Diego and caught 41 passes for 505 yards and two touchdowns. The 6'5², 244-pounder missed the last three games of the season to injury or his final numbers would have been even more impressive. He's a solid prospect who deserves consideration as a starter on your team in '98.
16. O.J. Santiago, Falcons: Head coach Dan Reeves loves this second-year pro from Kent, who caught 17 passes for 217 yards and two TDs last year as a rookie. At 6'7², 270 yards, Santiago is a big target who is a tenacious blocker. He's still raw, but he made an impact despite fighting through early injuries. Santiago, 24, is a prospect worth watching and he will be a good choice as your backup TE in '98.
17. Mark Bruener, Steelers: It's hard to count on another season of six touchdown receptions unless Bruener catches more passes this year. After all, the three-year veteran from Washington had only 18 receptions last year and has now averaged only 19 receptions per year during his brief career. But remarkably, he found the end zone six times on only 18 catches last year, making him one of the top scoring tight ends in the league. The 6'4², 254-pounder is a solid run-blocker, but he has trouble shaking a linebacker to get open. For that reason, I'd forget about last year's high touchdown total and make Bruener a backup on my team.
18. Eric Bjornson, Cowboys: Admit it, the Cowboys badly miss Jay Novacek. The former All-Pro tight end was Aikman's favorite target who was an unstoppable target near the goal-line. But the Cowboys no longer have Novacek and Bjornson has had trouble filling his shoes. This three-year veteran out of Washington caught 47 passes for 442 yards last year, but failed to get in the end zone after collecting three TD passes in '96. The 6'4², 236-pounder will split playing time with LaFleur and should come through with 45-55 catches and 2-3 TDs.
19. Ryan Wetnight, Bears: The Bears are always looking for the next Mike Ditka, which is why they've drafted a pair of tight ends the last two years. But this five-year veteran is still the best option, even though he will never become a Hall of Famer like Ditka was. Wetnight, 27, set career highs last year with 46 catches and 464 yards, but found the end zone only once. He's the best pass-catching tight end the Bears have, so expect another season of 40-50 catches, 400-500 yards and 2-3 TDs.
20. Jamie Asher, Redskins: Asher, 25, set a career high last year with 49 receptions for 474 yards, but was held out of the offense for much of the year. His one TD reception was a dropoff from the four he had in '96, but he remains a vital part of Washington's offense. Look for better numbers from this three-year veteran, who should increase his TD total to 2-4 as the Redskins make a push for the playoffs.
21. David LaFleur, Cowboys: The Cowboys' top draft pick out of LSU last year struggled during his rookie season, starting only five games and grabbing 18 passes for 122 yards and two TDs. He's a big target at 6'7², 278 pounds, but he had trouble getting open last year. He's a solid run-blocker, but he needs plenty of work on running his pass routes. His better days are definitely ahead of him, so don't expect more than 20-30 receptions and 2-3 TDs from LaFleur in '98.
22. Lonnie Johnson, Bills: The Bills will implement the tight end more this year in their revamped offense, which has to be good news for Johnson. This four-year veteran out of Florida State caught 41 passes for 340 yards and two TDs last year and even had a 62-yard TD reception. Johnson has averaged 45 receptions per year since he became a starter in '95 and he will top that in '98. Expect 45-55 receptions, 400-500 yards and 2-3 TDs.
23. Ted Popson, Chiefs: This 31-year-old veteran started 12 games for the Chiefs last year, but missed three games to injury. Popson, who signed a free agent contract with Kansas City last year after catching six TD passes with San Francisco in '96, was limited to two TD receptions last year despite catching 35 passes for 320 yards. Popson is still a solid receiver, but the emergence of Gonzalez will cut into his playing time. Because of that, expect another season of limited production from Popson.
24. Andrew Glover, Vikings: The move from Oakland to Minnesota was a good one for this seven-year veteran as Glover made an immediate impact. The 6'6², 250-pounder caught 32 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns despite missing the first three games of the season to injury. Glover is a solid blocker who should post even better numbers in '98 if he can remain healthy.
25. Jackie Harris, Oilers: Will a change of location propel Harris' career? Probably not, but it can't hurt. Harris was a productive tight end when he was with Green Bay from 1990-93, but he was held to only six TDs during his four-year career in Tampa Bay. Now he's with Tennessee after signing a free agent contract and looking to battle Wycheck for playing time. Harris should top last year's numbers (19 receptions, 197 yards, 1 TD), but not by much, even with the move to Nashville.
25. Dave Moore, Bucs: Now that Harris has left for the big bucks in Tennessee, Moore will be the Bucs' starting tight end. The six-year veteran caught 19 passes for 217 yards and four TDs last year after grabbing three TD passes in '96. He's not a dominating receiver, but in this offense he's worth a look as your backup tight end.
26. Kyle Brady, Jets: Brady has as much potential as any tight end in the league, but thus far he's been a non-factor in the Jets' offense. He was Kerry Collins' favorite target at Penn State, but in three seasons with New York he's caught only 63 passes for 634 yards and five TDs. He had 22 receptions and two TDs last year and will be lucky to duplicate those numbers in '97. At 6'6², 260 pounds, he's a great target, but he needs to find a way to get open against NFL linebackers. Until he does that, make him the backup TE on your team.
28. Jason Dunn, Eagles: It's almost impossible to draft Dunn as your starting tight end because he rarely gets the ball thrown to him. Last year, he caught seven passes for 93 yards, but still had two TDs. During his rookie season in '96, he had 15 receptions for 332 yards and two TDs. Dunn is a solid run-blocker, but he will never be a prime target in the passing game.
29. Howard Cross, Giants: The Giants' nine-year veteran has been the starting tight end the last seven years, but during that time he has only 16 TD receptions. Cross scored twice last year as he caught 21 passes for 150 yards and will likely approach those numbers once again. He's a backup tight end in fantasy football at best.
30. Jay Riemersma, Bills: Riemersma was one of the few pleasant surprises in Buffalo last year. Drafted in the seventh round out of Michigan, the 6'5², 254-pounder started eight games and caught 26 passes for 208 yards and two TDs. He's a big target who dropped only two passes last year. In Buffalo's new offense, he could pad those stats even more, so keep an eye on him during the season if he goes undrafted.
31. David Sloan, Lions: Sloan missed 12 games in 1996 with a leg injury, but came back strong last year to play in 14 games. He started 12 of them and caught 29 passes for 264 yards, although he failed to catch a TD pass. The 6'6² three-year veteran is a solid receiver, but in this offense he's about the fourth option. As long as Herman Moore and Barry Sanders are getting the majority of the calls, Sloan will continue to be a featured blocker. Not a recommended choice for fantasy-leaguers.
32. Carlester Crumpler, Seahawks: Crumpler, 26, beat out Christian Fauria for the starting job last year and set a career high with 31 receptions for 361 yards and one TD. At 6'6² and 260 pounds, Crumpler is a big target and a solid blocker. But he will never be the featured receiver and Warren Moon has never been one to look at his tight end first. Crumpler is a backup TE in fantasy football at best.
33. Keith Jennings, Bears: Chicago's starting tight end is the best run-blocker the team has, but he's virtually a non-factor in the passing game. Yes, he caught six TD passes in '95, but a leg injury suffered in '96 has limited him to 18 games and no TDs. The Bears have other options in the passing game, so pass on Jennings as your backup TE.
34. Brian Kinchen, Ravens: This 10-year veteran saw action in all 16 games last year, but caught only 11 passes for 95 yards and one TD as Green became the starting tight end. As long as Green remains healthy and in shape, Kinchen's playing time will be reduced. Even as a backup TE, this 32-year-old veteran isn't a good choice.
35. Christian Fauria, Seahawks: The second-round pick out of Colorado in '95 has been beaten out for the starting job by Crumpler and is no longer a desired choice in fantasy football. Fauria, 26, caught only 10 passes last year and didn't score for the first time in his three-year career. His numbers won't get any better in '98, so leave him alone on Draft Day.
36. Jeff Thomason, Packers: The Packers love to feature two-tight end sets, so Thomason is an option as your backup TE. The five-year veteran hasn't made an impact thus far, but he did catch his first TD pass last year. Watch his progress closely and add him to your roster in mid-season if he gets off to a good start.
37. John Allred, Bears: Chicago's second-round pick last year started four games, but was a bigger factor as a blocker than as a receiver. He caught only eight passes for 70 yards in '97 and failed to get in the end zone. The Bears like Wetnight in passing situations and also have Jennings and rookie Alonzo Mayes, so pass on Allred in '98.
38. Dwayne Carswell, Broncos: As the backup to Sharpe, Carswell doesn't get much playing time other than in blocking situations. He caught 12 passes and had one TD last year, but he's not a consideration on Draft Day '98.
39. Marco Battaglia, Bengals: Battaglia was a second-round pick out of Rutgers in '96, but he's failed to live up to the top billing. He's caught only 20 passes in two seasons and won't beat out McGee for the starting job this year. Leave him on the bench on Draft Day.
40. Frank Hartley, Chargers: San Diego used a double tight end format much of last year, allowing Hartley to get extended playing time. He caught 19 passes and scored once, but that's not enough to get him picked on D-Day.
41. Jimmie Johnson, Eagles: The Eagles like this nine-year veteran for his blocking ability, but he's not much of a receiver. He caught his first TD pass since '91 last year and will be lucky to get another one in '98. Not recommended.
42. Tyrone Davis, Packers: The Packers like this converted wide receiver so much that they believe he could see plenty of action in the double tight end set. Davis has good hands, but needs help with his blocking skills. He's not a recommended Draft Day selection, but watch his progress nonetheless.
43. Pat Carter, Cardinals: This 10-year veteran started 10 games last year, but caught only seven passes for 44 yards and one TD. As the Cardinals go with younger players, Carter's playing time could become reduced. Not recommended.
44. Lovett Purnell, Patriots: Purnell turned five catches into three TDs last year with New England, but you can't count on three TDs again with Coates around. Not recommended.
45. James Jenkins, Redskins: Like Purnell, Jenkins was a scoring machine last year. The seven-year veteran caught only four passes in '97, but three of them were for touchdowns. Great production, but you can't count on that again this year.
46. Michael Roan, Oilers: This three-year veteran out of Wisconsin could be pressed for playing time with the addition of Harris, so his production could be limited. Expect more of the same (12 receptions, 159 yards, 0 TDs) in '98.
47. Ed Perry, Dolphins: This rookie out of James Madison showed some potential last year, catching 11 passes, including one for a TD. But his playing time will be limited as long as Drayton stays healthy, so steer clear on D-Day.
48. Damon Jones, Jaguars: At 6'6², 287 pounds, Jones makes a perfect target around the goal-line. That's where this rookie excelled last year, turning five of his catches into two touchdowns. But it will be might tough to to count on that again this year.
49. Ed West, Falcons: This 14-year veteran added one more TD to his resume, but still caught only seven passes for 63 yards. Don't be surprised if West retires before the start of this season.
50. Greg Clark, 49ers: This rookie out of Stanford will battle Smith for the starting TE job. Last year he caught eight passes and added one TD.
51. Derrick Walker, Chiefs: Kansas City is set at tight end and Walker is only an alternative in blocking situations. Don't expect any TDs this year.
52. Brent Jones, retired: You can find Jones on CBS' football studio show now that he's retired from the NFL.
53. Pete Metzelaars, retired: After 16 NFL seasons, 383 receptions and 29 TDs, Metzelaars has decided to retire.