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With the 2017 NFL Draft completed, we’re taking an early look at the notable tight end selections and how they will affect the upcoming fantasy football season. Which rookies seem primed to make an instant impact on the fantasy world, and which ones look like they may not be very relevant in your 2017 season? Let’s take a look at O.J. Howard, David Njoku, Evan Engram, Gerald Everett, and Adam Shaheen.
O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
After having swung and missed on early second round tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins just three years ago, the Buccaneers are at it again, using a high pick to figure out the tight end position. Surprisingly, the Buccaneers second leading receiver in both receptions and touchdowns was their tight end. And even more surprisingly, it was Cameron Brate. So there are definitely passes going to the tight end in their offense, and Howard should have a good chance to win the starting role. If he can grab Brate’s production, Howard could work his way into a low end TE1 or a decent TE2 this year.
Draftable: Yes
David Njoku (Browns)
The Browns are pretty much set on starting Njoku, with the release of Gary Barnidge. Tyler Eifert has his best season under Hue Jackson, and Njoku could see similar potential – if only the Browns had a quality passer to get the ball to him. With Corey Coleman being a smaller receiver, Terrell Pryor leaving in free agency, and Kenny Britt being, well, Kenny Britt, Njoku could be a surprise produce as a red zone target for the Browns. With little competition for targets, Njoku could outpace his fantasy draft states, and become a god TE2 this year, or perhaps even sneak into the TE1 range if everything aligns correctly.
Draftable: Late round or waiver wire
Evan Engram (Giants)
Despite having Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard as their top two receiving options, the Giants still managed to complete 80 passes to their tight ends last season. Engram should be a step (or 10) up from Will Tye and Larry Donnell, which would put him in line for many of those 80 passes this time around. With Beckham and Shepard gulping up the majority of looks in the passing game, Engram is likely a TE2 at best.
Draftable: Late round or waiver wire
Gerald Everett (Rams)
With Jared Goff at quarterback, few receiving options with the Rams look enticing – especially on a team that has rarely utilized a tight end effectively. Taken in the second round, the Rams clearly see him as somebody who will be competing, and possibly surpassing, 2016 fourth round pick Tyler Higbee for playing time. His upside is as a starting tight end on a team with few receiving options competing with him for targets. Given that most fantasy leagues only see a dozen or so tight ends get drafted, he will likely go undrafted, but is one to keep a watch on as a possible deep sleeper on the waiver wire or as a late pick in your draft.
Draftable: No
Adam Shaheen (Bears)
As the third tight end on the Bears, behind Zach Miller and Dion Sims, his draft value in fantasy football is non-existent. If you are looking for a very, very deep sleeper, Shaheen may be your guy. The Bears wide receiver group currently consists of Cameron Meredith, and the oft-injured Kevin White. The top tight end, Zach Miller, is 32 years old and ended last season injured. This all means that the somewhat-far-fetched possibility is there for Shaheen to have a larger than expected role for the Mike Glennon led Bears. Of course, he would have to make a quick transition from playing at Ashland to playing in the NFL, to make use of it.
Draftable: No