These 2017 Fantasy Football Tight Ends Rankings will be updated often throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2017 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2017 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 6):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45
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Dwayne Allen, TE, Patriots. Bye: 9. 
AUG. 9 UPDATE: Tom Brady has frequently targeted Dwayne Allen in the end zone in training camp, according to Ben Volin, Boston Globe. Allen, who has scored 15 touchdowns the past three years, is a fine late-round pick if you want a backup tight end. However, there are better options, given Allen’s injury history.
Dwayne Allen was expected to have a big year with Coby Fleener gone, but he shared targets with Jack Doyle instead. Allen snatched only 35 passes for 406 yards, though he did score six touchdowns. He’ll be a solid fantasy player for the Patriots if Rob Gronkowski gets hurt again. Until then, avoid him.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 44 catches. 500 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 86.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 130.
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Eric Ebron, TE, Lions. Bye: 7. 
AUG. 21 UPDATE: Eric Ebron has been out nearly a month with his hamstring injury. It’s 10 days short of a month now, to be precise. This can’t be surprising to anyone, as Ebron has yet to play a full 16-game season. I would avoid him in fantasy drafts.
AUG. 1 UPDATE: Eric Ebron injured his hamstring Sunday. Here we go again. Ebron hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and it appears as though 2017 will be the same old story. He’s not worth drafting in 12-team leagues.
Eric Ebron is a former first-round pick, but he’s never played all 16 games in a season, and he drops way too many passes. Ebron caught 61 passes for 711 yards in 2016, which were career-high totals, but he reached the end zone only once.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 680 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 86.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 144.
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Gary Barnidge, TE, TBA. Bye: 0.
Gary Barnidge’s 1,000-yard 2015 campaign seems like a mirage right now. Barnidge caught 55 passes for 612 yards and two touchdowns last year. Barnidge should be able to rebound a bit, depending on where he signs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 620 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 86.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 141.
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C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Texans. Bye: 7.
C.J. Fiedorowicz was expected to be upgraded this offseason, but it didn’t happen. He’ll be a mediocre TE2 again.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 59 catches. 610 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 85.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 144.
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Coby Fleener, TE, Saints. Bye: 5.
Coby Fleener had a couple of big games in 2015, but otherwise did nothing. Thus, it’s puzzling why the Saints barely did anything in his first year with the team. Fleener probably shouldn’t be owned in 12-team leagues, as he’s a low-upside TE2.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 610 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 85.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 133.
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Ben Watson, TE, Ravens. Bye: 10.
Ben Watson is a 36-year-old coming off a torn Achilles. It’s unlikely that he’ll be 100 percent in 2017, but he does have PPR potential if he makes a speedy recovery.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 500 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 80.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 125.
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Charles Clay, TE, Bills. Bye: 6.
AUG. 27 UPDATE: If Nathan Peterman starts for the Bills, Charles Clay can be used as a bye-week streamer tight end. Peterman seemed locked in on Clay at times, targeting his intermediate weapon on six occasions. Remember, Peterman won’t have Tyrod Taylor’s scrambles, so there will be more targets to go around.
Charles Clay, who has never played 16 games in a season throughout his career, finished his 2016 campaign with 57 catches for 552 yards and four touchdowns. He’s not much of a fantasy option.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 53 catches. 550 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 79.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.
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David Njoku, TE, Browns. Bye: 9.
David Njoku has great potential, but also happens to be very raw. He’ll have every opportunity, with the Browns cutting Gary Bardnidge, but he can’t be trusted as a rookie. His value will soar if the Browns can eventually find a competent quarterback.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 500 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 78.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 116.
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George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Bye: 11.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: Vance McDonald has been traded, so George Kittle will have an opportunity to catch more passes. I wouldn’t recommend him in re-draft formats, however, as he’s just a rookie tight end playing in a pedestrian offense.
Rookie tight end George Kittle has flashed at 49ers’ OTAs and could be a starter this year, says Joe Fann, 49ers.com. Kittle isn’t worth drafting in regular leagues, but he should be considered in keeper and dynasty formats. Kittle could post big numbers in 2018, especially if he’s paired with Kirk Cousins.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 540 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 78.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 123.
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Trey Burton, TE, Eagles. Bye: 10.
Trey Burton is a matchup nightmare as a receiver-tight end hybrid. However, he’ll need Zach Ertz to get injured to be a big fantasy factor. If Ertz goes down, pick up Burton right away.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 33 catches. 390 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 110.
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Zach Miller, TE, Bears. Bye: 9.
Zach Miller was having a solid season 0 47 catches, 486 yards, four touchdowns in 10 games – before landing on injured reserve with a broken foot. Miller will now have to compete with Adam Shaheen for targets.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 52 catches. 590 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 129.
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Mychal Rivera, TE, Jaguars. Bye: 8.
Mychal Rivera was signed to be Jacksonville’s receiving tight end. He’s just not good enough to be a viable tight end option outside of 2-TE leagues.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 530 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 125.
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Niles Paul, TE, Redskins. Bye: 5.
Niles Paul hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He missed all of 2015, and he barely played this past season. Paul, if healthy, can be started if Jordan Reed is hurt. He’s someone to monitor on the waiver wire.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 490 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 76.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 112.
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Vernon Davis, TE, Redskins. Bye: 5.
Vernon Davis was paid an absurd amount of money this offseason. He’ll need Jordan Reed to get hurt to be fantasy-relevant.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 470 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 75.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 113.
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Gerald Everett, TE, Rams. Bye: 8.
Gerald Everett is an athletic player with upside, but he’ll never reach his statistical potential as long as Jared Goff is playing quarterback.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 34 catches. 430 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 71.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 105.
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Adam Shaheen, TE, Bears. Bye: 9.
Adam Shaheen is extremely athletic, but very raw. It could be a while until he contributes, especially as long as Zach Miller is on the roster.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 390 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 67.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 97.
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Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers. Bye: 11.
The Buccaneers cut Austin Seferian-Jenkins, but it was addition by subtraction because Cameron Brate was better at the position. Jameis Winston loved throwing to Brate as his safety valve, as Brate caught 57 passes for 660 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 full games. Brate’s production was set to increase, but the Buccaneers drafted O.J. Howard.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 470 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 65.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 105.
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Jesse James, TE, Steelers. Bye: 9.
Jesse James caught 39 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. He’ll continue to post numbers like that, though his production will increase if Ladarius Green can’t return from his concussion.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 430 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 61.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 106.
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Lance Kendricks, TE, Packers. Bye: 8.
Lance Kendricks is a mediocre No. 2 tight end in Green Bay. He’s worthless right now, but should be added if Martellus Bennett gets hurt.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 31 catches. 350 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 59.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 90.
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A.J. Derby, TE, Broncos. Bye: 5.
A.J. Derby caught 16 passes for 160 yards in five games this past season. Derby had done nothing until Week 10, as he was acquired from the Patriots. He’s not much of a fantasy factor.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 460 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 58.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 103.
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Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Jets. Bye: 11.
The Jets will use tight ends more now that Chan Gailey is gone. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is somehow the top player the Jets have at the position, but will miss two games with a DUI suspension.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 28 catches. 360 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 54.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 82.
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Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cardinals. Bye: 8.
Jermaine Gresham logged 37 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns in 2016. He’s not a fantasy option.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 390 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 51.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 86.
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Maxx Williams, TE, Ravens. Bye: 10.
Maxx Williams has been a bust thus far, but has the potential to rebound.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 22 catches. 260 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 48.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 70.
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Will Tye, TE, Giants. Bye: 8.
Will Tye caught 48 passes for only 395 yards and a touchdown in 2016. He’ll be a mediocre TE2 if Evan Engram gets hurt.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 270 yards. 1 total TD.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 33.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 63.
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Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars. Bye: 8.
Marcedes Lewis caught only 20 passes in 10 games last year. He landed on injured reserve with a calf injury. Lewis is a good blocker, but he’s not much of a receiver at this stage of his career.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 24 catches. 280 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 40.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 64.
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Luke Willson, TE, Seahawks. Bye: 6.
Jimmy Graham wasn’t expected to play much last season, coming off a torn patellar tendon. Graham made a miraculous recovery, however, and that limited Luke Willson to just 15 receptions in 11 games.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 22 catches. 250 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 37.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 59.
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Ladarius Green, TE, Steelers. Bye: 9.
Ladarius Green was great for the Steelers when he was actually on the field. However, he was limited to just six games because of an ankle injury and a concussion. Green finished with 18 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown. He’d be a borderline TE1 if he could stay healthy, but he hasn’t been able to do that throughout his career, and now it’s unclear if he can be cleared by the season opener.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 0 catches. 0 yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 6):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45
More 2017 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/18 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/18 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/12 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/12 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/12 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/31 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB, PPR - 8/25 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/24 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/17 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/10 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/3 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/27 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/26 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/20 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/14 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/13 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 8/16 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Articles:
2017 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/2 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/2 (Walt)
2017 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with the Most Carries - 1/31 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Dec. 11
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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