Todd's Toughest to Project

Vance McDonald (Rice)
We’re all waiting for the next James Casey to emerge from Rice.  Of course, that kind of production isn’t likely to occur again in our lifetime as Casey was a true fantasy freak.  But some of the same coaches and offensive principles are still in place, and McDonald has received glowing reviews from practice the past two years.  Last year’s starting TE, Taylor Wardlow, put up a pedestrian 31-347-1.  Can the more gifted McDonald dwarf those numbers?

D.J. Williams (Arkansas)
There was plenty of preseason hype for Williams last August, and boy did he ever disappoint.  What was especially damning was the fact that the offense around him flourished.  With all of the available receiving options for quarterback Ryan Mallett, Williams seemed to get lost in the shuffle.  If you want the “glass-half full” side of things:  in a down year for fantasy tight ends, Williams could become a Top 3 prospect with just a modest 20 percent increase in production.

Missouri Tight Ends
Mizzou has a history of producing great fantasy tight ends (Chase Coffman, Martin Rucker).  Last year, Andrew Jones was supposed to be the next one in line.  He was a big flop catching only 8 balls on the year.  Michael Egnew is basically a big wide receiver.  He’s looked good the past two springs but has yet to contribute in the games that count.  Have the Tigers shifted away from their tight end heavy focus, or was last year just a hiccup?


Kevin's Toughest to Project

Andrew Jones (Missouri)
Will he finally live up to the hype and produce solid fantasy numbers?

Vaughn Charlton (Temple)
Charlton is a converted quarterback with a unique skill set.  Will the Owls use him creatively?  I would think he might get a few rushing and passing opportunities.

Jordan Reed (Florida)
He is getting a lot of love this preseason.  We’ll have to see if he pans out.


Joe's Toughest to Project

Florida Tight Ends
The spring started with three players challenging for the starting job. The spring ended with the same thing. Its easy to assume that Jordan Reed just steps in, but the fact that he didn’t fully separate himself in the spring leaves enough doubt that Desmond Parks could sneak into the production fold. More importantly, my gut says that this year’s tight end production will not match last year’s for Florida. The experience is on the outside at receiver, and they should steal many of the stats that Aaron Hernandez was able to compile in 2009.

Justin Jones (East Carolina)
There are several factors that play into Jones being difficult to get a handle on. First is the simple fact that fantasy leagues may list him as a WR or as a TE. If he is listed as a WR, then there isn’t much value in him. If he is being listed as a TE then he could have some sleeper value. The next phase to figure out is if he will be the #3 receiving target. If he becomes a complimentary receiver within the new spread offense, and is considered a TE in your fantasy league; then he could become a real diamond in the rough sleeper in a very weak TE fantasy class.
 

Check out the entire Toughest to Project series:

* Quarterbacks
* Running Backs
* Wide Receivers
* Tight Ends