Who is this years Kyle Rudolph?
Rizzla: This question depends on which Kyle Rudolph you are talking about: the maddeningly inconsistent option at tight end, the tight end who shined ever so brightly at the pro bowl, the high and unexpected for some TD numbers or the ascension to a top ten option. Jordan Cameron has been the trendy sleeper but with Julius Thomas named the Broncos starting tight end he seems to fit the bill more succinctly though he may actually find more consistency than Rudolph because he plays with one of the best QB’s in the league in Peyton Manning as opposed to one of the worst in Christian Ponder.
Jhas: Zach Sudfield could be a end up being a big redzone threat this year. Tom Brady has shown again and again that he can succeed with whatever receiving corps that he is dealt. With Aaron Hernandez gone, Gronkowski gone until mid-season and a bunch of rookie Wide Receivers, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sudfield finished the season with 8 touchdowns.
Which Tight End solidifies himself as a top ten option this year?
Rizzla: The top ten tight ends is getting pretty crowded but the two names that immediately come to mind are Jordan Cameron (ADP12) and Julius Thomas (ADP 24). I also considered Zach Sudfeld here but believe the Patriots may draft a new hybrid tight end and will employ Shane Vereen in many of the same ways they employed Aaron Hernandez as far as splitting out wide and lining up in the backfield with another running back. Cameron and Thomas both have a solid shot at the top ten next year especially with a top ten option retiring after this season. With that said however despite Norv Turner’s tight end stud making offense, Julius Thomas has a stud making quarterback in Peyton Manning who is light years ahead of Brandon Weeden in terms of talent, which is why I give the edge to Julius.
Jhas: Based on preseason play, I really like the chemistry developing between Brandon Weeden and Jordan Cameron. Add in a weak Wide Receiving group on the Cleveland Browns and Cameron should be the safety net that Weeden looks to whenever the defense has stopped Trent Richardson and force a pass.
Despite playing just 11 games last year, Rob Gronkowski scored 7 touchdowns and accumulated almost 800 yards. Considering his long list of injuries and surgeries, where do you think Gronk will finish among Tight Ends?
Rizzla: I have Gronk ranked as my number two tight end albeit two tiers below Jimmy Graham this season. The fact of the matter is Gronkowski only needs eight games to put up double digit touchdowns. Sound outlandish? He’s already done it, posting 11 TD’s and 731 yards through games 9-16 in 2011. Gronkowski is a red zone animal and is almost impossible to cover and would come in number one on my rankings despite injury concerns if not for fellow freak tight end Jimmy Graham.
Jhas: I have Gronk finishing 3rd overall among Tight Ends. Jimmy Graham is in a class by himself and should be the only TE drafted in the first 3 rounds, but because Gronk could miss up to six games, I think Tony Gonzalez will finish ahead of him in total fantasy points. Last year Tony proved he wasn’t slowing down, finishing with 8 touchdowns and 930 yards receiving. Little has changed this year, except the Atlanta Falcons are more experienced and hungrier than ever to make it to the Superbowl.
