Although both are getting a little older these days, you still have to include Dallas Clark (IND, 31) and Antonio Gates (SD, 30) as the top options. Clark’s been in a major zone with his QB for years now, and there’s no end in sight to his production. Although the Colts have riches at the WR position now, Clark’s role is so cemented in the offense now, so he should still be golden at least two more years with Peyton Manning. As for Gates, I think he’s lost a little bit, but he did look good on film last year, and he should have 2-3 peak years left. With the team currently lacking a legit RB (they will certainly draft someone early), it’s looking like their offense will be keyed by Philip Rivers and [...]]]> For those in standard keeper leagues, especially ones that keep only 3-4 players, retaining a TE and using a valuable keeper spot on him usually isn’t a great idea unless you have one of the fantasy superstars at the position. However, with the production being spread thinly these days among RBs and WRs, keeping an elite TE you can count on may be more prudent than usual.

Although both are getting a little older these days, you still have to include Dallas Clark (IND, 31) and Antonio Gates (SD, 30) as the top options. Clark’s been in a major zone with his QB for years now, and there’s no end in sight to his production. Although the Colts have riches at the WR position now, Clark’s role is so cemented in the offense now, so he should still be golden at least two more years with Peyton Manning. As for Gates, I think he’s lost a little bit, but he did look good on film last year, and he should have 2-3 peak years left. With the team currently lacking a legit RB (they will certainly draft someone early), it’s looking like their offense will be keyed by Philip Rivers and the pass going forward. Jason Witten (Dal, 28) is younger than those two, and he does click extremely well with QB Tony Romo, so he needs to be in this conversation as well, especially in a PPR league.

If you didn't get him already, it's last call time for Jermichael Finley because if you don't get him now you probably won't be able to, since he could be the #1 fantasy TE very soon

Next up, you should be looking at the younger options at the position, and Jermichael Finley (GB, 23) really stands out. He’s in a great situation with QB Aaron Rodgers, and his athletic ability is off the charts. We have him in our top-5, so we’re giving him major props, but the reality is he’s capable of being the #1 fantasy TE overall the next three years. I’m not as convinced Vernon Davis (SF, 26) will be a beast because of his limitations, but he certainly was in 2009. Davis seems to be limited to mainly running vertical routes, but you have to think defenses knew that last year, yet they really couldn’t stop him. He’s also good in the red zone. His production may be a little up-and-down, but he’s clearly able to put up big numbers due to his outstanding athleticism and ability to run. I’d include Owen Daniels (Hou, 27) in the Clark-Gates realm had he not suffered a serious knee injury, but while he’s on track to play to start 2010, it’s still questionable if he’ll be the same guy. When healthy, Daniels is very athletic and, unlike Davis, is a complete player in terms of his ability to run all kinds of routes and make plays all over the field. Even if he’s not quite the same guy in 2010, he’s still (for now) in a great situation in Houston. I’ll also include Kellen Winslow (TB, 27) and Brent Celek (Phi, 25) in this group. Winslow’s no spring chicken, but he’s still in his prime, and he’s still running very well. He’s the foundation of the Buc passing game, so he has definite top-10 potential the next couple of years at least. Celek is firmly entrenched now as the guy in Philly, and he clearly has a lot to offer. Winslow has a better chance of being a major go-to guy, but Celek’s in a better situation overall, and he’s younger.

We obviously need to include Tony Gonzalez (Atl, 34), who’s the best TE to ever play. He’s still playing at an elite level, but here’s the problem with Gonzo: 2010 could be his last season. Gonzalez is getting heavy into business work on the side, and he’s indicated this year could be his last. We’ll see, but that’s certainly a concern for those in keeper leagues. Visanthe Shiancoe (Min, 30) is more of a 1-2 year guy as opposed to a young player who you can count on, but he’s in a good situation in 2010 if Brett Favre is back. Chris Cooley (Was, 28) is also an older player who has definite value this year, but the presence of Fred Davis is a concern. The good news for Cooley is that Davis isn’t a good blocker, which could hurt him under Mike Shanahan.

If you're looking for a young option who has the ability to develop into a fantasy star, Dustin Keller fits the bill very well

As usual, in a keeper league, I’d prefer to target some of the younger players who have value now, yet also have upside to put up even bigger numbers in the future. John Carlson (Sea, 26), Dustin Keller (NYJ, 25), Zach Miller (Oak, 24), and Greg Olsen (Chi, 25) fit the bill well. Carlson was off to a sparkling start his rookie season in 2008 and very early in 2009, and it’s unfair to blame him given the poor offense he was in. It’s not exactly clear if he’ll be a foundation in Seattle going forward, but he should be because he’s one of the better all-around TEs in the league. He’s definitely worth keeping. Keller’s got great upside, probably the most in this group, but he didn’t exactly establish himself as a go-to guy in 2009. As his young QB matures, Keller’s production should be more consistent. Miller’s really solid and if he ever gets a real QB (Donovan McNabb?), he’d easily be a top-10 guy and a PPR machine, so he’s a very solid keeper. As for Olsen, I’m disappointed in his 2009 season, and the presence of Mike Martz doesn’t help at all. Martz has already said he knows he doesn’t use the TE much, but that he’s never had someone as talented as Olsen. Problem is he said the same thing about Vernon Davis in San Francisco and Davis’ production was very underwhelming. But based on talent and youth, Olsen is still appealing.

The viable options are dwindling down a little, but Heath Miller (Pit, 27) is rock solid and is coming off his best and most consistent season, so he’s worth a look. Ben Watson (Cle, 29) and Kevin Boss (NYG, 26) have some short-term value, and unlike most of the younger options listed below, can actually help you now, in 2010.

But again, I do tend to get more excited about the young options at the position, and this far down the list, no one stands out more than Jared Cook (Ten, 23). Veteran Bo Scaife will be back, but I can see the Titans working the extremely athletic Cook into the mix much like the Packers worked Finley into the mix in 2009. So it’s very possible that, in one year’s time, we’ll be viewing Cook as a seriously emerging player and a top-10 prospect at the position. Brandon Pettigrew (Det, 25) is coming off a serious knee injury and doesn’t have a ton of upside, but he’ll be a cornerstone in their offense, and he’s a good enough receiver to put up respectable numbers. Fred Davis (Was, 24) showed a lot of ability in 2009, but I’m concerned about his inferior blocking and the presence of Chris Cooley. He’s certainly worth a shot, but I don’t think you can count on him this year, at least. Shawn Nelson (Buf, 24) should be the guy for the Bills, and he does have good athletic ability. He just hasn’t shown much yet, so we can’t count on him.

If you missed out on Finley, you may get the AFC's version of him in Tennessee's Jared Cook

If you’re looking for a sleeper, Anthony Fasano (Mia, 26) has a chance. Now that the team is moving back to more of a traditional offense with Chad Henne in at QB, Fasano could possibly emerge as a consistent weapon. His numbers improved once Henne took over, and he caught 4 or more passes in three of his final five games, which was a decent sign. He’s not a deadly threat down the seam, but he can make some plays, and he’s a good red-zone receiver.

Next up, we have some guys who are mostly older and thus not all that attractive for the long-term, but do have some value for right now. Jeremy Shockey (NO, 30), Marcedes Lewis (Jac, 26), Bo Scaife (Ten, 29), and Todd Heap (Bal, 30) are in this mix. I don’t feel good about any of them, however. Sure, they’ll have some value this coming year, but all of them should be replaced sooner rather than later.

Back to the younger players, there are still some decent guys to look at, like Tony Scheffler (Den, 27), David Thomas (NO, 27), Brad Cottam (KC, 25), Chase Coffman (Cin, 23), James Casey (Hou, 25), Zack Miller (Jac, 25), Martellus Bennett (Dal, 23), and Travis Beckum (NYG, 23). Scheffler’s probably going to be limited to a complementary role, but if he’s moved to another team, that could change, and he could be a dynamic pass-catcher. Thomas was impressive and is in a great situation, so he’s very interesting. Shockey’s still here, however, so Thomas can’t be considered a viable starter. Cottam could be a sleeper. He did absolutely nothing for most of 2009, but he did show a few flashes. Granted, I’m literally talking about a handful of plays, but I saw some great potential. He’s an injury risk, but at 6’7” he’s a huge target who could help their offense. If he continues to improve and carves a large niche, he could surprise. Casey’s a great athlete, but he showed last year that he’s not ready, and, of course, Daniels is there, so he’s a dynasty league guy all the way. Miller may be a better prospect than Lewis in Jacksonville at this point, but the team may look for an upgrade in the near future. Bennett’s very talented so he might be worth a shot in a large dynasty league, but his disappearance in ’09 was disconcerting. And finally, Beckum is also very talented and runs like a wideout, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be utilized as anything more than a complementary role player the next 1-2 years. Starter Kevin Boss is a much better blocker and a more complete TE. As for Coffman, his rookie season was a big disappointment last year, but this far down the list, he’s worth a look because he’s a talented pass-catcher, and there’s a great need in Cincy.

If you're looking for a sleeper TE and the pickings are slim, KC's Brad Cottam is worth a try

Finally, we’re digging deep for some other options, and probably too deep. Daniel Fells (Stl, 26) looks like the guy for now at least in St. Louis, so he might have some value in 2010. Ben Patrick (Ari, 26) is the guy for now, but the Cards may actually draft a TE this year, which would kill his chances. Cornelius Ingram (Phi, 25) is very athletic, but he’s a major injury risk, and Celek has cemented himself in the starting lineup. Jerramy Stevens (TB, 30) has always had the tools to be an impact player, but he’s behind Winslow and isn’t someone you can count on. Jacob Tamme (Ind, 25), Dante Rosario (Car, 25), Gary Barnidge (Car, 24), and Derek Schouman (Buf, 25) are all young and have shown some potential, but there’s very little reason to feel good about their chances. Tamme’s solid, but Clark’s there, while the Panthers refuse to give Rosario a legit chance to be featured. Barnidge and Schouman are probably lost causes – but they are still young, as least.

Some other players who at least have a chance to do something of note in 2010 are

Donald Lee (GB, 30), Ben Utecht (Cin, 29), Daniel Graham (Den, 31), Leonard Pope (KC, 27), Jeff King (Car, 27), Desmond Clark (Chi, 33), but I wouldn’t count on any of them. Lee’s lost his starting job to Finely, Utecht’s coming off a nightmare injury season, Graham’s still a glorified right tackle, Pope’s probably run out of chances, King’s just a guy, and Clark’s probably out of luck in Chicago with Mike Martz there.

Let’s assume for now you can keep only a small number of players, like 2-3. If so, keeping Gates or Witten is a tough call. You have to consider your scoring, first of all, for example I’d view Witten as a VERY desirable in a PPR league. He may catch 100 balls this year if healthy with Terrell Owens gone. Gates is still a beast in a great spot, but I’d value a young quality back or a stud wideout over him. He hasn’t exactly been a fantasy savior the last couple of years.

But those two are clearly the top guys for keeper leagues. Tony Gonzalez is still playing at a high level, so he should be considered a top starter at the position for at least 1-2 more years. I have to assume his new coach will utilize him well.

If you're looking for a TE [...]]]> It’s time to cover the TEs for those of you in keeper leagues. For many in these leagues, you’re not going to hold on to a TE, unless you have a high-end stud who is young, like Antonio Gates or Jason Witten – or unless you’re able to keep a high number of players.

Let’s assume for now you can keep only a small number of players, like 2-3. If so, keeping Gates or Witten is a tough call. You have to consider your scoring, first of all, for example I’d view Witten as a VERY desirable in a PPR league. He may catch 100 balls this year if healthy with Terrell Owens gone. Gates is still a beast in a great spot, but I’d value a young quality back or a stud wideout over him. He hasn’t exactly been a fantasy savior the last couple of years.

But those two are clearly the top guys for keeper leagues. Tony Gonzalez is still playing at a high level, so he should be considered a top starter at the position for at least 1-2 more years. I have to assume his new coach will utilize him well.

If you're looking for a TE keeper prospect, you first need to look at talent and situation, and Daniels stands out in those two areas.

The next tier of players includes Dallas Clark, Owen Daniels, and Kellen Winslow. Winslow may be ranked as high as #3 overall for keeper leagues, but he’s on a new team and I always do worry about his injury history and his overall instability. I’d be okay letting him back into the player pool in a league that retained only 2-4 players. But on the other hand, he is still elite and young, so in most large keeper leagues, I’d be inclined to keep him around if possible. Clark is safer, and he should be set for 2-3 more years as a go-to guy for the Colts, especially with Marvin Harrison gone. There’s a lot to be said for the incredible chemistry he has with Peyton Manning. As for Daniels, I continue to be very high on him. I know he doesn’t score, but I love his ability and his role in the offense. Daniels is very athletic, and he’s a go-to guy and a huge part of the Texan offense, one that continues to inch closer to dominance. All he really needs is 2-3 more TDs, and he’ll be money.

If you’re still considering a TE in a keeper league, it must be a league that allows you to retain a high number of players, 5-6 at least, or a full blown dynasty league. For these leagues, you want a young player with the talent to be a difference-maker, and preferably someone who looks like a go-to guy for his offense. John Carlson still needs to prove he can consistently produce and play at a high level (Daniels, for example, definitely has already), but he’s a very solid player who is athletic and well-rounded enough to be a difference-maker. Dustin Keller is probably a better upside choice, since he’s very athletic, but he does have a small QB issue right now. Greg Olsen is another young player with a lot of upside and juice, but expectations needs to be tempered a tad, since he’s still splitting time and hasn’t exactly shown he can be a true go-to guy. But he’s very young and very talented, and that’s what you look for. I’ll also throw my guy Zach Miller into this mix. Miller probably has more value right now in a PPR league than Keller or Olsen, since he’s already emerged as a go-to guy for QB JaMarcus Russell. He fails to land higher on this list simply because he’s a dreadful situation still on the Raiders. Miller’s not a freak talent, but I think he’s a little better than a guy like Chris Cooley. Cooley’s a viable starter in a keeper league, but I think we’ve seen the best from him already, so I don’t see a ton of upside.

Dustin Keller is very talented and could easily be a star fantasy player provided he gets adequate QB play.

The talent level at the position does drop off at this point, but there are still some viable options, both for future potential and production now. Kevin Boss should be the guy for the Giants going forward, and while he doesn’t have a ton of upside, he did improve as the season wore on last year. Visanthe Shiancoe had a breakout season for the Vikings last year, and we view him as a legit starter for 2009, which says a lot. He’s still relatively young and he does have some juice due to his speed.

Jeremy Shockey’s value has plummeted for sure, but he’s worth a shot this deep given his experience and since he’s in a good situation. Heath Miller has little upside, but he’s a quality starter in a pretty good spot. Tony Scheffler may be on his way out of Denver, and if so his value may soar. He’s not a complete TE, since he’s not a good blocker, but he’s a dynamic receiver. I would not be surprised if he eventually had a true breakout season, even in 2009 on another team. The other guy here who has issues but still potential is Vernon Davis. I’m officially in believe-it-when-I-see-it mode, but he is still very young and very gifted. He just has to actually learn how to run pass routes. Bo Scaife is a solid option this deep for the near future. He’s been franchised by the team, so they obviously value him, and he’s sneaky athletic, so he’s capable of putting up decent numbers.

After these guys, we’re looking at a lot of hit-or-miss guys, but Brent Celek in Philly has a chance to pan out. He can run, so he has potential, but he’s not a great blocker, so the Birds may look to upgrade the position. I quite frankly don’t know what to do with guys like L.J. Smith, Todd Heap, Ben Watson, Anthony Fasano,

Marcedes Lewis, and Donald Lee for keeper leagues. Smith has disappointed and will split time with Heap, so I’m not enamored with either. I like Watson’s ability, but he’s proven on this team that he won’t command the ball, plus they added a decent veteran in Chris Baker. Fasano is a decent option, but he doesn’t command the ball, either, and neither do Lewis and Lee. But these guys do have value right now, since they will be very active in their respective offenses in 2009. The Smith-Heap situation, we’ll just have to see about, but they basically do cancel each other out.

Even though his value is currently in a state of flux, it's always wise to take a gamble on a dynamic player at this position, and Scheffler is that.

I think it’s much easier to say good things about some younger players who have a legit chance to emerge in a year or two and possibly be impact starters. Ben Patrick, Martellus Bennett, Martin Rucker, and Brad Cottam are viable. Patrick’s not a beast, but he may have an advantage over Leonard Pope now. Bennett is a specimen with big upside down the road, but he’s obviously behind Witten right now, and still raw. Rucker has the talent to be a starter, so if he can improve his route-running he might have a chance to be their starter, making him a legit sleeper. Cottam is a really good long-term prospect. Once Gonzalez calls it a career in KC, he’s probably the guy, so he’s a good one to stash away in a large keeper or dynasty league.

Even deeper, Jacob Tamme, Jermichael Finley, Fred Davis, and Derek Schouman are the guys to look at. Tamme is a Ben Utecht clone, and Finley, while raw, was considered perhaps the top receiving threats at the position from last year’s draft class. He could be a factor in 1-2 years. Davis is also very athletic, and his value could soar if the team trades Chris Cooley, which has been rumored. It’s revealing how they switched to a west coast system last year and took Davis high in the draft, despite having Cooley on the roster. Schouman is a player the Bills are high on, and have been since last year. He may be the front-runner to replace Robert Royal this year, over 2008 draft pick Derek Fine.

Speaking of Robert Royal, he does have some value now, as the presumed starter in Cleveland. So to backtrack a little, he has actual value right now. Desmond Clark

Daniel Graham, Randy McMichael, and Ben Utecht do as well as active receivers for their teams from this position. But other than maybe Utecht, have little upside for keeper leagues.

Jerramy Stevens, Alex Smith, Chris Baker, Leonard Pope, Steve Heiden, Derek Fine, Dante Rosario, Alge Crumpler, Jeff King, Billy Miller, David Martin, Michael Gaines, and Joe Klopfenstein have a prayer and something of a role for their team, but we’re now digging really deep.

Even deeper, if you’re in like a 30-team dynasty league, Kellen Davis (Chi), Craig Stevens (Ten), and Scott Chandler (SD) are young and likely to stick with their respective teams.

Well, that’s about all the TE market is offering right now. Keep in mind 5-10 of these guys will fall off the list, once the draft takes place.