2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends 21-45


These 2018 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 2018 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2018 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


2018 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 5):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45


  1. Blake Jarwin, TE, Cowboys. Bye: 8.
    AUG. 19 UPDATE: Second-year tight end Blake Jarwin has been the primary tight end for the Cowboys in training camp, and that translated to the second preseason game. Jarwin led the Cowboys in targets from Dak Prescott with four. He caught two of them for 11 yards. He should’ve logged a third reception, but Prescott threw wide of him. Jarwin is a solid fantasy TE2 with some upside.

    AUG. 2 UPDATE: Blake Jarwin has been the most impressive tight end in training camp, according to team reporter Bryan Broaddus. This is the second positive report on Jarwin, so it’s time to start taking the second-year tight end seriously. Someone is going to receive Jason Witten’s targets, and it’s looking like it’ll be Jarwin.

    Dak Prescott has been targeting second-year tight end Blake Jarwin frequently during OTAs. The Cowboys spent a fourth-round pick on Stanford tight end Dalton Schultz, but it seems like Jarwin could lead the tight end in targets this upcoming season.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 620 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 92.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 146.

  2. Jared Cook, TE, Raiders. Bye: 7.
    Jared Cook just posted his second-best yardage total of his career, accumulating 688 yards. He scored just two touchdowns. That number could rise in 2018 if Oakland’s offense is better as a whole, which should happen in the wake of the Greg Olson hiring.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 53 catches. 660 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 90.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 143.



  3. Nick Vannett, TE, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
    AUG. 11 UPDATE: With Doug Baldwin out, Russell Wilson targeted tight end Nick Vannett thrice on one drive in Seattle’s initial preseason game, connecting twice for 20 yards and a touchdown. Vannett is a good blocker, and now he’s showing that he can be a factor in the passing game. If you’re looking for a TE2 with upside in the late rounds, definitely consider Vannett.

    Nick Vannett will have a chance to start this year with Jimmy Graham gone. As a former third-round pick, Vannett certainly has some upside.

    Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 550 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 89.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 134.

  4. Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles. Bye: 9.
    AUG. 11 UPDATE: Dallas Goedert had some nice moments in his NFL debut, catching four of five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. His first reception was off a play-action bootleg, as he was able to get wide open for a gain of 26 yards. Goedert made his lone mistake of the night after that, dropping a routine 5-yard reception because he turned his head too soon to begin running. However, Goedert made up for it afterward, scoring a touchdown on a nice adjustment when Nate Sudfeld began scrambling. If Zach Ertz were ever to get injured, the impressive Goedert would likely post TE1-caliber numbers.

    Dallas Goedert was selected in the second round to be Trey Burton’s replacement. He’ll only be a fantasy factor if Zach Ertz gets hurt.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 530 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 87.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.



  5. Gerald Everett, TE, Rams. Bye: 12.
    Gerald Everett is an athletic player with upside, and he could take the next step in 2018 as long as Jared Goff doesn’t regress.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 520 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 86.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 126.

  6. Adam Shaheen, TE, Bears. Bye: 5.
    Adam Shaheen is extremely athletic, but very raw. He had a couple of solid performances toward the end of his rookie campaign this past season, but will lose targets to newly signed Trey Burton.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 42 catches. 510 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 86.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 128.



  7. Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons. Bye: 8.
    Austin Hooper was a disappointment in his second season, scoring just three times. Hooper is an athletic tight end, however, so he has upside and the ability to improve in 2018. Unfortunately, Steve Sarkisian’s presence probably means that Hooper won’t improve.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 610 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 85.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 140.

  8. Jordan Akins, TE, Texans. Bye: 10.
    I’m not a fan of fantasy rookie tight ends, but Jordan Akins has a chance to be productive this year, given that the Texans had nothing else at the position.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 46 catches. 430 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 85.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 137.



  9. Hayden Hurst, TE, Ravens. Bye: 10.
    AUG. 25 UPDATE: Hayden Hurst will be out 3-4 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. He’s in danger of missing the first two games of the season – Baltimore plays on Thursday in Week 2 – which is only relevant for those who play in leagues where you’re forced into starting two tight ends.

    Hayden Hurst will need to bypass Ben Watson, who is still a functional player at this stage of his career. If Hurst can do this, he could come close to TE1 range, but I don’t think there’s any reason to draft him in standard leagues this year.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 41 catches. 530 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 82.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 123.

  10. Neal Sterling, TE, Jets. Bye: 11.
    The Jets announcers spent lots of time talking up tight end Neal Sterling during the preseason opener. A 2015 seventh-round pick, Sterling was described as a “matchup nightmare.” Sterling certainly looked good, as he caught four of his five targets for 38 yards. With Austin Seferian-Jenkins gone, Sterling definitely has some upside, and you could find worse options in the late rounds of your fantasy draft if you want a backup tight end with upside.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 51 catches. 580 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 82.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 133.

  11. Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys. Bye: 8.
    There’s a chance fourth-rounder Dalton Schultz becomes Dallas’ starting tight end in the wake of Jason Witten’s retirement, so that puts him on the fantasy radar.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 49 catches. 570 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 81.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 130.

  12. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Jaguars. Bye: 9.
    Austin Seferian-Jenkins was one of the top play-makers in New York’s offense this past season, catching 50 balls for 357 yards and three touchdowns. Seferian-Jenkins could regress this year, as Blake Bortles’ lethargy could rub off on him.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 52 catches. 560 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 80.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.

  13. Charles Clay, TE, Bills. Bye: 11.
    Charles Clay, who played 16 games in a season throughout his career just once, finished his 2017 campaign with 49 catches for 558 yards and two touchdowns. He’s not much of a fantasy option unless the Bills can somehow obtain a big-time upgrade at quarterback this offseason.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 53 catches. 550 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 79.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.

  14. Tyler Kroft, TE, Bengals. Bye: 9.
    Tyler Kroft could be Cincinnati’s starting tight end next year. Tyler Eifert has the job for now, but he’s so injury-prone that Kroft will likely start at some point.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 470 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 77.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 125.

  15. Luke Willson, TE, Lions. Bye: 6.
    Luke Willson is an athletic tight end who has lived under Jimmy Graham’s shadow in Seattle. Willson signed with the Lions this offseason, becoming the team’s starting tight end with Eric Ebron gone. Willson is not a fantasy factor in 12-team leagues.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 42 catches. 450 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 75.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 117.

  16. Vernon Davis, TE, Redskins. Bye: 4.
    Vernon Davis turned 34 this offseason, but despite this, he caught 43 passes for 648 yards and three touchdowns in 2017. He had a great opportunity to be productive because of Jordan Reed’s injury. Davis’ 2018 outlook depends on Reed’s health once again.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 470 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 75.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 113.

  17. Jack Doyle, TE, Colts. Bye: 9.
    Jack Doyle caught a whopping 80 passes in 2017 despite Andrew Luck not playing at all. Doyle turned those 80 receptions into just 690 yards and four touchdowns (8.6 yards per catch). Unfortunately for Doyle, Eric Ebron was signed to steal some targets.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 500 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 74.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 124.

  18. Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers. Bye: 5.
    Cameron Brate was a touchdown machine in 2016 and in the early parts of 2017, but his production dropped off as O.J. Howard’s increased. Brate will now need Howard to get hurt to be productive again.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 350 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 68.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 98.

  19. Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams. Bye: 12.
    The weaker of the two Ram tight ends, Tyler Higbee might be worth rostering if Gerald Everett gets hurt.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 33 catches. 380 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 66.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 99.

  20. Jonnu Smith, TE, Titans. Bye: 8.
    Jonnu Smith was a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’ll become Tennessee’s starting tight end when Delanie Walker departs or gets injured.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 24 catches. 220 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 65.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 89.

  21. Chris Herndon, TE, Jets. Bye: 11.
    Chris Herndon is a fourth-round rookie, but he has a good chance to claim the starting tight end job, given the lack of talent at the position on the Jets’ roster.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 420 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 60.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 95.

  22. Jesse James, TE, Steelers. Bye: 7.
    Jesse James caught 43 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. He’ll need Vance McDonald to get injured in order to be relevant in fantasy.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 330 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 51.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 86.

  23. Maxx Williams, TE, Ravens. Bye: 10.
    Maxx Williams has been a bust thus far, and he could fail to make the 53-man roster after the Ravens drafted two tight ends.

    Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 22 catches. 260 yards. 2 total TDs.
    Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 48.
    Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 70.

  24. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cardinals. Bye: 9.
    Jermaine Gresham tore his Achilles in Week 17 of 2017. He could miss all of 2017.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 0 catches. 0 yards. 0 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 0.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.

  25. Coby Fleener, TE, TBA. Bye: 0.
    Coby Fleener has been released after struggling in 2017; he caught 22 passes for 295 yards.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 0 catches. 0 yards. 0 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 0.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.

  26. Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers. Bye: 8.
    Hunter Henry is out for the season with a torn ACL.

    Projected 2018 Fantasy Stats: 0 catches. 0 yards. 0 total TDs.
    Projected 2018 Fantasy Points: 136.
    Projected 2018 PPR Fantasy Points: 204.


2018 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends (Sept. 5):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-45





More 2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings

2018 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/21 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/18 (Chet)



2018 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 9/1 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/30 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/27 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/23 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/22 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/16 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/9 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/2 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/1 (Chet)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 7/26 (Walt)
Fantasy Football 2-QB Dynasty Draft - 5/25 (Chet)



2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/5 (Walt)

2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Mid-Round Values - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason Games - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Notes - 8/31 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Quarterback Preseason Targets Tracker - 8/30 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football D/ST Drafting - 8/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/15 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Quarterbacks - 8/15 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends to Target - 8/9 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football - PPR Draft Strategy: Rounds 1 and 2 - 7/27 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Doug Baldwin's Value - 7/25 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Chris Hogan's Value - 7/18 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Alvin Kamara's Value - 7/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Tight Ends - 7/11 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Wide Receivers - 7/6 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Running Backs - 7/5 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Quarterbacks - 7/4 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends Better Than ADP - 6/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers Better Than ADP - 6/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Target Shares - 6/22 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Points Per Game - 6/13 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 6/2
2018 Fantasy Football Value Players - 5/25 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Quarterback Look-Back - 1/28 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with the Most Carries - 1/28 (Walt)






2024 NFL Mock Draft - March 26


NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19


NFL Picks - Feb. 12


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