|
TE Fantasy Points Study (2000-2003)
|
|
Posted 9/2 by Chris Smith, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
|
Note - fantasy points determined as follows:
- 1 point every 10 rushing yards
- 1 point every 10 receiving yards
- 6 points per rushing/receiving touchdown
Over the past four seasons, the following average fantasy points totals have
resulted in these rankings…
|
Top Three Finish: 98 or More Fantasy Points
|
Stud TE Level
|
|
Top 12 Finish: 65 - 97 Fantasy Points
|
Good Starting TE Level
|
|
Top 18 Finish: 50 - 64 Fantasy Points
|
Decent Starting TE Level
|
|
Top 24 Finish: 39 - 49 Fantasy Points
|
Marginal Backup TE Level
|
|
Out of the Top 24: Less Than 39 Fantasy Points
|
Minimal Fantasy Value
|
We will be using the average totals above for comparison purposes.
Current NFL Tight Ends over the last four
seasons (FP column is color-coded)
Stephen Alexander, Lions:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2002
|
SD
|
12
|
57.0
|
4.8
|
|
2001
|
Was
|
10
|
8.5
|
0.9
|
|
2000
|
Was
|
16
|
63.0
|
3.9
|
- He has performed when healthy but he hasn't been healthy very often. He
has reached the 'decent fantasy' level twice
Chris Baker, Jets:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NYJ
|
16
|
13.7
|
0.9
|
|
2002
|
NYJ
|
10
|
1.4
|
0.1
|
- He hasn't made an impact yet at the NFL level
Anthony Becht, Jets:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NYJ
|
16
|
59.6
|
3.7
|
|
2002
|
NYJ
|
16
|
54.3
|
3.4
|
|
2001
|
NYJ
|
16
|
62.1
|
3.9
|
|
2000
|
NYJ
|
10
|
26.4
|
2.6
|
- He flies under the radar a little but he has been a 'decent fantasy' TE
for three straight seasons.
Kyle Brady, Jaguars:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Jac
|
16
|
34.1
|
2.1
|
|
2002
|
Jac
|
16
|
70.1
|
4.4
|
|
2001
|
Jac
|
16
|
50.6
|
3.2
|
|
2000
|
Jac
|
16
|
90.9
|
5.7
|
- He had been a good fantasy producer until last season's disaster
Dan Campbell, Cowboys:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Dal
|
16
|
25.5
|
1.6
|
|
2002
|
NYG
|
15
|
23.5
|
1.6
|
|
2001
|
NYG
|
16
|
20.8
|
1.3
|
|
2000
|
NYG
|
8
|
22.6
|
2.8
|
- Hasn't once reached the 'marginal backup' level and will likely be parked
behind Jason Whitten in 2004
Mark Campbell, Bills:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Buf
|
16
|
39.9
|
2.5
|
|
2002
|
Cle
|
16
|
35.9
|
2.2
|
|
2000
|
Cle
|
9
|
14.0
|
1.6
|
- He reached the 'marginal' level last year but the Bills plan on using the
TE position more in 2004
Byron Chamberlain, Broncos:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Was
|
4
|
2.9
|
0.7
|
|
2002
|
Min
|
13
|
38.9
|
3.0
|
|
2001
|
Min
|
16
|
84.6
|
5.3
|
|
2000
|
Den
|
9
|
34.3
|
3.8
|
- He was a 'good fantasy' producer back in 2001
- He will compete with several other players for the right to replace retired
TE Shannon Sharpe on the Broncos
Dallas Clark, Colts:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Ind
|
11
|
40.0
|
3.6
|
- He reached the 'marginal fantasy' level in only 11 games last year
- His 3.6 FP/game would put him in the 'decent fantasy' tier over 16 games
Desmond Clark, Bears:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Chi
|
15
|
55.3
|
3.7
|
|
2002
|
Mia
|
10
|
4.2
|
0.4
|
|
2001
|
Den
|
16
|
92.6
|
5.8
|
|
2000
|
Den
|
12
|
51.9
|
4.3
|
- Take away the 2002 season and Clark has been a very solid fantasy option
Cameron Cleeland, Rams:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
StL
|
16
|
14.0
|
0.9
|
|
2002
|
NE
|
12
|
17.2
|
1.4
|
|
2001
|
NO
|
12
|
37.8
|
3.2
|
- His once promising NFL career was derailed due to injury and he never regained
his past success
Ernie Conwell, Saints:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NO
|
10
|
41.0
|
4.1
|
|
2002
|
StL
|
15
|
62.9
|
4.2
|
|
2001
|
StL
|
16
|
75.9
|
4.7
|
|
2000
|
StL
|
6
|
4.0
|
0.7
|
- He was on his way to a good fantasy season before suffering an injury
- He has averaged over 4.0 FP/game in each of the last three years (the 'good
fantasy' tier)
Alge Crumpler, Falcons:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Atl
|
16
|
73.2
|
4.6
|
|
2002
|
Atl
|
16
|
75.5
|
4.7
|
|
2001
|
Atl
|
16
|
51.0
|
3.2
|
- Despite the quarterback problems in Atlanta last season, Crumpler still
managed to finish as a 'good fantasy' producer
- He has finished as a 'good fantasy TE' in two straight seasons
Ken Dilger, Buccaneers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
TB
|
15
|
30.4
|
2.0
|
|
2002
|
TB
|
14
|
44.9
|
3.2
|
|
2001
|
Ind
|
16
|
40.3
|
2.5
|
|
2000
|
Ind
|
15
|
71.8
|
4.8
|
- He hasn't been a 'good fantasy' performer since the 2000 season
Ricky Dudley, Buccaneers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
TB
|
7
|
10.2
|
1.5
|
|
2002
|
TB
|
13
|
37.2
|
2.9
|
|
2001
|
Cle
|
4
|
11.5
|
2.9
|
|
2000
|
Oak
|
14
|
59.0
|
4.2
|
- He hasn't been a 'decent fantasy' option since the 2000 season
Jason Dunn, Chiefs:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
KC
|
16
|
21.5
|
1.3
|
|
2002
|
KC
|
9
|
1.6
|
0.2
|
|
2001
|
KC
|
15
|
11.4
|
0.8
|
|
2000
|
KC
|
2
|
2.6
|
1.3
|
- Not much to see here but it's good to point out he is Tony Gonzalez's likely
replacement if injury strikes (unless the rookie Kris Wilson can handle the
role)
Christian Fauria, Patriots:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NE
|
16
|
40.5
|
2.5
|
|
2002
|
NE
|
15
|
67.3
|
4.5
|
|
2001
|
Sea
|
16
|
24.8
|
1.6
|
|
2000
|
Sea
|
13
|
35.7
|
2.7
|
- He has enjoyed one season as a 'good fantasy' producer in the past four
seasons
Casey Fitzsimmons, Lions:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Det
|
16
|
28.0
|
1.8
|
- Had an OK rookie campaign in 2003 but didn't make it to the 'marginal'
tier
Bubba Franks, Packers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
GB
|
16
|
48.1
|
3.0
|
|
2002
|
GB
|
16
|
86.2
|
5.4
|
|
2001
|
GB
|
16
|
86.2
|
5.4
|
|
2000
|
GB
|
14
|
42.3
|
3.0
|
- He slumped last year after two straight 'good fantasy' seasons
Antonio Gates, Chargers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
SD
|
15
|
50.9
|
3.4
|
- Came from nowhere last year to finish as a 'decent fantasy TE'
Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
KC
|
16
|
151.5
|
9.5
|
|
2002
|
KC
|
16
|
119.3
|
7.5
|
|
2001
|
KC
|
16
|
128.6
|
8.0
|
|
2000
|
KC
|
15
|
174.3
|
11.6
|
- Four straight seasons as a 'stud TE'. He is clearly the best at his position
Daniel Graham, Patriots:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NE
|
14
|
64.9
|
4.6
|
|
2002
|
NE
|
11
|
21.0
|
1.9
|
- In his second season, Graham emerged as a threat, averaging 4.6 FP/game
to reach the 'good fantasy' tier
Todd Heap, Ravens:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Bal
|
16
|
89.4
|
5.6
|
|
2002
|
Bal
|
16
|
123.4
|
7.7
|
|
2001
|
Bal
|
11
|
26.6
|
2.4
|
- He slumped last season but still managed to finish in the 'good fantasy'
tier
- He has had one 'stud' season in his first three years
Eric Johnson, 49ers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2002
|
SF
|
12
|
32.1
|
2.7
|
|
2001
|
SF
|
16
|
54.2
|
3.4
|
- He has never had a 'good fantasy' season in the past four years but has
been steady when healthy
Teyo Johnson, Raiders:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Oak
|
16
|
18.8
|
1.2
|
- Had a quiet rookie season with only 18.8 fantasy points but he has lots
of talent
Doug Jolley, Raiders:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Oak
|
15
|
31.0
|
2.1
|
|
2002
|
Oak
|
14
|
51.6
|
3.7
|
- Slumped last season after an encouraging 2002 campaign in which he reached
the 'decent fantasy' tier
Freddie Jones, Cardinals:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Ari
|
16
|
69.7
|
4.4
|
|
2002
|
Ari
|
16
|
41.8
|
2.6
|
|
2001
|
SD
|
15
|
62.8
|
4.2
|
|
2000
|
SD
|
15
|
106.6
|
7.1
|
- He has spent one season in each tier over the past four seasons, including
a 'stud' season in 2000 and a 'good' season in 2003
Terry Jones, Ravens:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Bal
|
16
|
33.9
|
2.1
|
|
2002
|
Bal
|
11
|
16.6
|
1.5
|
- Has enjoyed some success alongside of Todd Heap but he'll only get a real
opportunity of Heap suffers an injury
Reggie Kelly, Bengals:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Cin
|
12
|
14.1
|
1.2
|
|
2002
|
Atl
|
14
|
16.2
|
1.2
|
|
2001
|
Atl
|
15
|
14.2
|
0.9
|
|
2000
|
Atl
|
12
|
46.0
|
3.8
|
- More of a blocker than a receiver
Erron Kinney, Titans:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Ten
|
16
|
56.1
|
3.5
|
|
2002
|
Ten
|
13
|
17.3
|
1.3
|
|
2001
|
Ten
|
15
|
32.3
|
2.2
|
|
2000
|
Ten
|
10
|
25.7
|
2.6
|
- Kinney reached the 'decent fantasy' level last year for the first time
and is the top tight end now with the retirement of Frank Wycheck
Jim Kleinsasser, Vikings:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Min
|
16
|
65.6
|
4.1
|
|
2002
|
Min
|
14
|
47.0
|
3.4
|
- TE/FB who is efficient in the passing game. He reached the 'good' level
for the first time last season
Donald Lee, Dolphins:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Mia
|
16
|
17.0
|
1.1
|
- He got his feet wet as a rookie last season and displayed enough talent
to stick around for awhile
Chad Lewis, Eagles:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Phi
|
16
|
35.3
|
2.2
|
|
2002
|
Phi
|
16
|
57.8
|
3.6
|
|
2001
|
Phi
|
15
|
78.2
|
5.2
|
|
2000
|
Phi
|
15
|
91.5
|
6.1
|
- His career is winding down after many seasons as a 'good fantasy' producer
Kris Mangum, Panthers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Car
|
16
|
19.9
|
1.2
|
|
2002
|
Car
|
14
|
15.9
|
1.1
|
|
2001
|
Car
|
15
|
20.9
|
1.4
|
|
2000
|
Car
|
11
|
27.5
|
2.5
|
- He has been around for awhile but has never reached the 'marginal fantasy'
tier
David Martin, Packers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
GB
|
16
|
19.9
|
1.2
|
|
2002
|
GB
|
7
|
9.3
|
1.3
|
|
2001
|
GB
|
14
|
20.4
|
1.5
|
- Strictly a backup to Bubba Franks
Randy McMichael, Dolphins:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Mia
|
16
|
71.8
|
4.5
|
|
2002
|
Mia
|
16
|
73.3
|
4.6
|
- He has been a 'good fantasy' producer in two straight years. With the injury
to David Boston, he'll get a lot of looks in 2004
Itula Mili, Seahawks:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Sea
|
16
|
73.2
|
4.6
|
|
2002
|
Sea
|
14
|
62.8
|
4.5
|
|
2001
|
Sea
|
16
|
21.8
|
1.4
|
|
2000
|
Sea
|
13
|
46.8
|
3.6
|
- He has been both a 'good' and a 'decent' fantasy producer in the past two
years but is being pushed hard by Jerramy Stevens
Billy Miller, Texans:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Hou
|
16
|
53.5
|
3.3
|
|
2002
|
Hou
|
14
|
79.3
|
5.7
|
- He slumped last year from his surprising 'good fantasy' performance of
2002. Still he managed to finish as a 'decent fantasy' producer in 2003
Dave Moore, Buccaneers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Buf
|
15
|
20.2
|
1.3
|
|
2002
|
Buf
|
11
|
26.1
|
2.4
|
|
2001
|
TB
|
16
|
52.5
|
3.3
|
|
2000
|
TB
|
13
|
46.8
|
3.6
|
- He fell off of the map while in Buffalo and hopes to rediscover himself
with his former team, the Buccaneers
Justin Peelle, Chargers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
SD
|
15
|
19.3
|
1.3
|
|
2002
|
SD
|
13
|
1.5
|
0.1
|
- Strictly a backup to Antonio Gates
Marcus Pollard, Colts:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Ind
|
14
|
72.1
|
5.2
|
|
2002
|
Ind
|
15
|
83.8
|
5.6
|
|
2001
|
Ind
|
16
|
121.9
|
7.6
|
|
2000
|
Ind
|
13
|
61.9
|
4.8
|
- Once an elite tight end, he is now sharing time with Dallas Clark. Still,
he has reached the 'good fantasy' level or better in three straight seasons
Mikhael Ricks, Jets:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Det
|
16
|
55.4
|
3.5
|
|
2002
|
Det
|
14
|
51.9
|
3.7
|
|
2001
|
KC
|
16
|
31.2
|
2.0
|
- The Lions unceremoniously dumped him after two 'decent fantasy' seasons.
He is fighting for a job with the Jets now
Jay Riemersma, Steelers:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Pit
|
11
|
19.8
|
1.8
|
|
2002
|
Buf
|
16
|
35.0
|
2.2
|
|
2001
|
Buf
|
16
|
77.0
|
4.8
|
|
2000
|
Buf
|
11
|
67.2
|
6.1
|
- He had two 'good fantasy' seasons with Buffalo back in 2000 and 2001 but
has been quiet over the last two years
Marcellus Rivers, Giants:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NYG
|
12
|
15.5
|
1.3
|
|
2002
|
NYG
|
14
|
8.5
|
0.6
|
|
2001
|
NYG
|
16
|
13.1
|
0.8
|
- Strictly a backup to Jeremy Shockey
Matt Schobel, Bengals:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Cin
|
15
|
45.2
|
3.0
|
|
2002
|
Cin
|
15
|
33.2
|
2.2
|
- He has shown flashes of good play but hasn't moved past the 'marginal fantasy'
tier in his career thus far
Jeremy Shockey, Giants:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NYG
|
9
|
65.5
|
7.3
|
|
2002
|
NYG
|
15
|
101.4
|
6.8
|
- An awesome talent who only needs to stay healthy to reach the 'stud' tier
each season
L.J. Smith, Eagles:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Phi
|
15
|
38.0
|
2.5
|
- Emerged from Chad Lewis' shadow to become an up-and-comer at the position.
Didn't manage to reach the 'marginal fantasy' tier though
Jerramy Stevens:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Sea
|
16
|
7.2
|
0.5
|
|
2002
|
Sea
|
11
|
43.2
|
3.9
|
- He fell off the radar screen last year after a very strong rookie season.
He is in a dogfight for the starting TE position with Itula Mili
Jed Weaver, Broncos:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
SF
|
16
|
49.7
|
3.1
|
|
2002
|
Mia
|
13
|
25.5
|
2.0
|
|
2001
|
Mia
|
16
|
33.5
|
2.1
|
|
2000
|
Mia
|
7
|
17.9
|
2.6
|
- Weaver is fighting hard to win the starting TE position with the Broncos.
He reached the 'decent fantasy' tier for the first time last season
Boo Williams, Saints:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
NO
|
16
|
73.6
|
4.6
|
|
2002
|
NO
|
14
|
26.3
|
1.9
|
|
2001
|
NO
|
11
|
38.2
|
3.5
|
- Williams got his opportunity when Ernie Conwell went down with injury and
he didn't disappoint
- He averaged 9.8 FP/game when he took over as the starter in week twelve
Jason Whitten, Cowboys:
|
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
FPs
|
FP/GP
|
|
2003
|
Dal
|
15
|
40.7
|
2.7
|
- He had a very good rookie season and reached the 'marginal fantasy' tier
|
|
