Dynasty Rookies: TEs
Unlike the 2009 draft, tight end was considered a strength of the most recent Draft, but if there was ever a group that should have a collective "Buy and Hold" rating attached to them, this it. The first two tight ends drafted (Jermaine Gresham, Rob Gronkowski) did not play last season due to injuries. One prospect (Jimmy Graham) is a former basketball player with limited football experience. Lastly, three NFL teams (Baltimore, New England, Houston) drafted multiple tight ends this year, meaning those scenarios may not shake out for a year or two. While it might take some time to shake out the stars from the flops, this group appears to have long-term upside in a major way.
TE Jermaine Gresham, ---
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The former Sooner fits in with the current mold of hybrid receiver/tight end populating NFL rosters and he has the pass catching ability to be among the dangerous. That is of course assuming he is over his leg injuries (seems to be progressing) and the Bengals finally start throwing the ball to their tight end. The latter is the biggest question initially, enough so that Gresham is no better than a low-end TE2 this year. Based on talent alone, Gresham has TE1 written all over him as a true dynasty league play. Only re-occurrence of injuries or his lack of blocking keeps him off the field.
TE Rob Gronkowski, ---
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Like Gresham, Gronkowski is coming off a major injury (back surgery) and like his fellow rookie TE, it did not seem to have an effect on his draft status. The Patriots were long linked to the former Arizona Wildcat during the draft process and moved up to draft him as they move on from the largely unproductive Ben Watson era. The 6-6 Gronkowski, who scored 10 TDs as a sophomore, is the top all-around rookie tight end and will be a Tom Brady go-to guy before. If he can keep Aaron Hernandez -- the better pass catcher of the Pats' two rookie tight ends -- from cutting into his time, Gronkowski will be a serious fantasy factor before long.
TE Ed Dickson, ---
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The Ravens are another team that selected two rookie tight ends this year. While Dennis Pitta is the better receiver, Dickson's all-around ability and soft hands give him the edge to be the one lined up with Joe Flacco for years to come. If Todd Heap is a contract casualty this summer, Dickson has a chance to start this season.
TE Jimmy Graham, ---
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Despite playing football for only one year at Miami, Graham was drafted in the third round because of his uber-athleticism. Tthe Saints view him as a long-term option once Jeremy Shockey's days are done. The former hoops player will likely get some looks around the goal line where his 6-6 frame can be put to use. Once he learns the position, Graham has a chance to be a fantasy stalwart as a member of the Saints' pass-happy attack.
Others: Aaron Hernandez (New England), Dennis Pitta (Baltimore), Tony Moeaki (Kansas City), Anthony McCoy (Seattle)
