Howdy, y’all! Christopher Pinto here of BellyUpFantasy. With the NFL Draft set to take place at the end of the month, I could not think of a better way to make my debut than by sharing my pre-draft top 12 rankings list at each position for re-draft PPR leagues. During this series, I will give stats and my own personal rankings for each position. Following up running backs and wide receivers are the Tight Ends. Tight Ends are run blockers setting the edge and pass-catchers right over linebackers. These guys are critical in winning a championship as the difference between a TE1 and TE none has such a huge dropoff.

For my fantasy teams, the tight end position has always been a focal point trying to find the next big thing. Tight Ends have evolved over the past five seasons and there are a lot of ways to rank your guys. I’ve used film, stats, and my gut to bring you my RE-Draft Top 12 Rankings List: Tight End Edition.

12) Jace Sternberger – Green Bay Packers

Jace Sternberger starts off my top 12 rankings. The 6’4″ 251lb former Fightin’ Texas Aggie averaged 10.7 snaps per game and finished tied for last in terms of points scored; 0 total. He doesn’t have a stat line 0/0/0 as Sternberger did not catch a pass in the regular season. Because of this I know many will say I’m crazy, but just watch his college film and look at his numbers. Sternberger is poised to make a huge impact this season, especially at a position where most are playing dart throws.

In summary, remember you read it first here, that Jace Sternberger will be a TE1 by the end of the season.

11) Blake Jarwin – Dallas Cowboys

Blake Jarwin snags my eleventh spot at TE. The 6’5″ 260lb former Oklahoma State Cowboy averaged 27.3 snaps per game and finished in the top 30 of tight ends in terms of points scored; 85.5 total. His stat line is 31/365/3 and looks to increase with the loss of Witten. Because he has a new head coach and a quarterback who may have to dump it off quickly and often, Jarwin looks to have a breakout season.

In conclusion, because Blake Jarwin has the physical and mental attributes to be the next Hall of Fame Cowboy Tight End. I believe Jarwin will be a TE1 by seasons end.

10) Jared Cook – New Orleans Saints

Jared Cook sneaks into the tenth spot of my rankings. The 6’5″ 254lb former University of South Carolina playmaker averaged 36.6 snaps per game and finished as the seventh-ranked tight end in terms of points scored; 167.5 points. Cook’s stat line is 43/705/9. The Saints high powered offense was lead by wide receiver Michael Thomas and Cook looks to eat into that target share to see an increase in productivity this year.

Altogether, because of the opportunity and his athletic ability Cook should be a TE1 by the end of the season.

9) Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Higbee lands inside my top ten as the number nine tight end. The 6’6″ 255lb former Western Kentucky University fourth-rounder averaged 47.3 snaps per game and finished as the eighth-ranked tight end in terms of points scored; 160.4 total. Higbee’s stat line is 69/734/3. Sean McVay’s offense will see some key members missing this season and Higbee looks to gobble up some extra targets.

In summary, because of the changes the offense has made this off season Higbee will be a TE1 with some upside by the end of it all.

8) Will Dissly – Seattle Seahawks

Will “Big Montana” Dissly takes the eighth spot in my top 12 rankings. The 6’4″ 265lb former Montana High School Player of the Year averaged 42.7 snaps per game and finished as the number 37th tight end in terms of points scored; 73.9 total. His stat line is 23/262/4. Dissly led the league in a few categories until he had a season-ending injury. He looks to pick up right where he left off as Russell Wilson’s safety blanket and dominate the league at the position.

Therefore, because of the connection Wilson and Dissly shared he looks to continue his run as a TE1.

7) O.J. Howard – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Howard makes my top 12 rankings as the seventh tight end. The 6’6″ 251lb former Alabama Crimson Tide big playmaker averaged 56.6 snaps per game and finished as the 29th tight end in terms of points scored; 83.9 total. Howard’s stat line is 34/459/1. Howard, as long as he doesn’t get traded, looks to have a productive season with Brady as his quarterback.

Finally, because of how much the G.O.A.T. will utilize him watch as O.J. Howard has a monumental season, and becomes a TE1.

6) Hunter Henry – Los Angeles Chargers

Hunter Henry makes my top 12 rankings and solidifies the sixth spot. The 6’5″ 250lb former Razorback averaged 51.8 snaps per game and finished as the number nine tight end in terms of points scored; 150.2 total. His stat line is 55/652/5. After a season that saw him sidelined for the beginning, Henry finished strong. Though he losses his veteran quarterback, Henry won’t need much to be outstanding at the position.

All in all, because Hunter Henry will have a new quarterback and be the most sure-handed pass-catcher he looks to be a top TE1.

5) Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens

Andrews makes my top 12 rankings list and gets the number five spot. The 6’5″ 256lb former Boomer Sooner averaged 31.1 snaps per game and finished as the number five tight end in terms of points scored; 207.2 total. His stat line is 64/852/10. Lamar Jackson’s safety net will build off of his great season and repeat as a top-five guy.

In closing, because Mark Andrews is the outlet for the high octane Ravens offense will be a top TE1.

4) Darren Waller – Las Vegas Raiders

Darren Waller aka Waller the Baller aka The Wallerus boomingly makes my top 12 rankings list as the number four tight end. The 6’6″ 255lb former Yellow Jacket and Hard Knocks favorite averaged 58.8 snaps per game and finished as the number three tight end on the year in terms of points scored; 221 total. His stat line is 90/1,145/3. The Raiders offense runs through the tight end and Waller is the guy. He will surprise many this year and look to remain in the top three discussion.

In conclusion, because Darren Waller is the focal point of the Raiders passing game he will be an elite TE1 when the season is over.

3) Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles

Zach Ertz a member of the Royal Trio makes the top 12 list at number three. The 6’5″ 250lb former Stanford standout averaged 63.5 snaps per game and finished as the number four tight end in terms of points scored; 215.6. Zach’s stat line is 88/916/6. Ertz has been a top tier tight end for a while and this season shouldn’t change.

In summary, because of Zach Ertz’s situation he will again be an elite TE1 by the end of the season.

2) George Kittle – San Franciso 49er’s

George Kittle the newest member of the Royal Trio makes my top 12 and secures the number two spot. The 6’4″ 250lb former Iowa Hawkeye averaged 58.2 snaps per game and finished number two in terms of points scored; 222.5 total. His stat line is 85/1,053/5. Kittle is the number one passing option for Jimmy G. and nothing at the moment looks to change.

Furthermore, George Kittle is reliable and the clear cut number one pass catcher, because of this he has made a brand out of hard nosed football and will again be an elite TE1.

1) Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Kelce the founding father of the Royal Trio makes my top 12 rankings number one spot. The 6’5″ 260lb former University of Cincinnati third-rounder averaged 61.4 snaps per game and finished as the clear cut number one tight end in terms of points scored; 254.3 total. So it will be hard not to rank Kelce as the number one guy as he has done it season after season, look for Kelce to keep it going in 2020.

In conclusion, because the Chiefs haven’t changed much on their offense, Travis Kelce will have another Pro Bowl season and will be an elite TE1 by the end of season.

Share your thoughts with me in the comment section below or by tweeting me @AggieKappaSig. See Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Belly Up Sports for other great articles. Lastly be on the lookout for the rest of the series as my rankings for QB, RB, WR, K, and D/ST come out. Thanks and Gig ‘Em!