2019 Fantasy Football final set of sleepers is here. It’s now time to go over the tight ends. The position as a whole is tough. Outside of the top 3 or so guys, it’s really a coin flip. If you miss out on tight ends like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Zach Ertz, what the hell should you do? Well, let’s check out some of the sleepers you should consider.
Evan Engram (New York Giants)
I have a rule. Do not take pass catchers with a bad quarterback. However, I’m willing to make an exception because tight end is so thin. There are about 5 tight ends that can lead their team in targets. Kelce, Kittle, Ertz, and Engram. Odell Beckham is gone. Golden Tate is suspended. Somebody has to get the ball. Engram has to be the guy. Because of that, I think there’s a chance Engram quietly has a nice season.
Hunter Henry (Los Angeles Chargers)
Hunter Henry finally doesn’t have to compete with Antonio Gates. He also is healthy coming off the Torn ACL having a full year to recover. The Chargers also have a good quarterback with Philip Rivers. Henry has talent. He was a former 2nd round pick for a reason. In 2016, Henry caught 8 touchdowns. There’s no reason to think why he can’t do that again if not surpass it.
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)
David Njoku is on the verge of exploding. This one is more of an eye test thing. Njoku just looks different. 6-foot-4, 250, and jacked. Njoku has been progressing slowly but 2019 is the year he pops. Njoku basically doubled his yardage from year one to two. After a 639 yard season, what if he gets into the 900 yard range? I want in on this stock.
Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
Speaking of tight ends that can lead their team in targets, Mark Andrews is probably another safe bet to do so. Players are successful in fantasy for two reasons. Talent and volume. Andrews has a chance to lead the Ravens in targets. Mark Andrews clearly leap frogged Hayden Hurst as the number one tight end. Not hard to see why the Hayden Hurst pick was a disaster from the start but Andrews exceeded my expectations. As a rookie, Andrews averaged 16.2 yards per catch and 552 yards. He showed an ability to make big plays.
Chris Herndon (New York Jets)
I’m not sold on this one but it’s a nice flier pick. Herndon will start the season suspended for the first 4 games. That’s not great. Still, I couldn’t believe Herndon reeled in 500 yards as a rookie. No reason why he can’t progress heading into year 2.
Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins)
The Dolphins stink. Somebody has to catch the ball. Why not Mike Gesicki? No? Okay, I’m not going to argue. Still, Gesicki is a fun project to take. The former Penn State tight had huge numbers at the combine and is a red zone threat. Not saying the Dolphins will get there often but maybe he becomes a nice bye week filler.
Darren Waller (Oakland Raiders)
Darren Waller is the ultimate project. Remember Jared Cook had a breakout season with Oakland. For some reason, it seems like the tight end does well with Jon Gruden. Waller has been groomed for this role for years. Waller was a former wide receiver at Georgia Tech and is now a tight end. Waller hasn’t done anything in the NFL yet but he’s projected to start. Don’t sleep on Waller.
