The NFL season is right around the corner and training camp is beginning for all 32 teams.
This is a very important time of the year for fantasy football. Everyone wants the perfect draft, and fantasy owners will begin to start a list of their most desired players around this time. But, every smart fantasy owner will gather a list of the biggest sleepers available in the draft.
We’re going to take a look at the sleeper tight ends this season, because this position is so wide open. Rob Gronkowski retired this offseason, so the only surefire tight end in the draft will be Travis Kelce.
Zach Ertz and George Kittle will be considered top-tier tight ends — while players like O.J. Howard and Evan Engram will get drafted right behind them.
But, who are the sleeper tight ends that no one is really considering? Here are three guys that could make a huge impact for your fantasy team in 2019.
Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will be a very interesting prospect heading into 2019. He was drafted in 2018 in the third round, and he quickly became the go-to guy from a receiving standpoint. Andrews had to compete with Hayden Hurst and Nick Boyle last season — but he quickly passed them up in production.
Andrews finished his rookie season with 34 receptions, 552 yards and three touchdowns. Boyle finished the season with 213 yards and zero touchdowns — while Hurst finished with 163 yards and a touchdown. Andrews will likely be the main guy again in 2019, and that could lead to a heavy increase in his fantasy production.
He definitely isn’t a top tier fantasy player yet — largely due to Lamar Jackson’s growing pains as a passer. Jackson will have to get comfortable throwing out of the pocket, but he’ll have a 6-foot-5, 256 pound target to throw to. Andrews isn’t the most ideal pick — but he’s a solid option for a deep fantasy league, because of the lack of quality tight ends.
T.J. Hockenson (Detroit Lions)
T.J. Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick, so he shouldn’t be listed as a sleeper in fantasy. But, tight ends in the past couple decades haven’t had a history of coming in their rookie season and making a huge impact. No rookie tight end since 2002 has surpassed 800 receiving yards — and Evan Engram has been the most impressive rookie tight end since Rob Gronkowski came into the league in 2010.
Hockenson could very likely come into the league as a top-tier guy for a Detroit unit that doesn’t have a reliable tight end. Last season, the highest production that they received from a tight end was 263 yards and a touchdown form Levine Toilolo. Detroit has an elite quarterback in Matthew Stafford — and he was able to connect consistently with Eric Ebron in 2017.
In two seasons at Iowa, Hockenson was able to reel in 73 receptions, 1,080 receiving yards and a touchdown. He’ll likely get overlooked because of his rookie status — but he could be a big time sleeper this season.
Vance McDonald (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Vance McDonald is in a different situation than the Andrews and Hockenson — because he’s been in the league for some time now. He’s been in the NFL for six seasons, and has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past two. McDonald has shown glimpses of potential throughout his career, but he’s also had some tough seasons.
His inconsistency has led to some big questions for fantasy owners — but last season may have solidified him as a solid sleeper pick. He finished the season off with 50 receptions, 610 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also going to have an increased workload with the departure of Jesse James and Antonio Brown.
In some eyes, McDonald will be viewed as a definite starter. But, he did only record 18 receptions for 188 yards in 2017. His inconsistency leaves concerns for sure — but he’ll be a solid sleeper for the 2019 season.
