Move over top 5, there is a new fantasy TE looking to make his mark.  A position long ruled by Tony Gonzalez, appeared about to be ruled by Shockey, but recently taken over by Antonio Gates now has a new competitor in the mix.  Vernon Davis closed out last season on fire after coming back from an injury which sidelined 70% of his season.  He caught TD passes over the final two games with big yard plays.

This year in camp Vernon Davis is catching everything and running over defenders.  He has mixed it up with two on the defensive side due to his trash talk, so while some say PUNK and BAD CHEMISTRY, I say this kid is hungry to make his mark.  His team is improved around him, and much like what Gonzo did in KC for so many years, the offense could revolve around Davis and Gore, just like it was Gonzo and Priest, and then Gonzo/ LJ.

While Vernon Davis goes up, Crumpler, Shockey and Gonzo are all going in the opposite direction.  Crumpler and Gonzo this year are the product of very bad offenses with question marks.  Crumpler has long been the favorite target of Vick, his outlet all over the field whether it be the red zone, deep passes or drop off passes.  Well this year (as of this post) there is no Vick.  Just a journeyman in Joey Harrington who has never made any TE look very good, or been consistent enough himself to stay with one team.  Crumpler is also hurting in camp which further muddles his situation.  While, if healthy, he should still be the main target of many plays, those plays are no longer coming from the dynamic Vick who can get open on his own, so you have to move Crumpler down your lists.

KC is in a very similar situation as Atlanta.  Their long time QB Trent Green is gone, and they would like to go with a replacement in Brodie Croyle who is not yet ready.  Huard played well last year, so if he is at the reigns there is hope for Gonzo, but normally LJ is the man who the defenses are trying to stop.  With LJ in a contract dispute, Priest Holmes a total unknown and no running game to be seen, you can expect an older Gonzo to be the target of more double teams and less production.

Shockey has all the tools to be the #1 fantasy tight end on the board.  On paper it looks like last season was quite successful as  he had the most receptions of his career, and tied for the most touchdowns.  But in the fantasy world Shockey continues to let owners down at the end of the season when they need him (this fantasy owner lost his long time dynasty league championship in big part to Shockey).  Most of his stats came in the first 6 games, while he yet again limped through the second half of the season.  Shockey is beginning to slip in rankings because he never puts in a full year.

Rankings:

1 - Antonio Gates - Rules the TE roost right now
2 - Vernon Davis - I am moving him up to #2 right now.  At the end of the season it will be justified.
3 - Todd Heap - Very consistent, but doesn’t have the big games anymore.  Mostly due to an older McNair throwing the ball.
4 - Shockey - Giving Shockey one more chance to prove himself worthy of top 5.  Another injury riddled season and he falls to the 7-8 range.
5 - Tony Gonzalez - He is the main option in KC until LJ returns, so that should prove somewhat valuable if Huard is the starter.
6 - Cooley - A TD machine.  Thats where he makes his fantasy money and he has done it enough years to warrant this spot.
7 - Crumpler - Better than a #7, but in a horrible offense without Vick.
8 - Winslow - Would be higher if he didn’t have offseason health concerns.  Has the tools to jump to top 3 if he puts in another full season.  Still an injury risk right now.
9 - Randy McMichael - In a St. Louis offense, Randy could have a big year.  All the attention is on STeven Jackson and the WR’s.
10 - Jason Witten - Consistent and dependable in Dallas.  Solid at #10.
11 - Ben Watson - Not sure what he can do in a full time role yet, but watch for him to validate moving up this list for next year.
12 - Daniel Graham - Also in a new and good situation. Could be a *good* surprise this season.
13 - Heath Miller - Pitt is going to throw more with a new offense.  Look for marginla gains in Miller’s value.
14 - Greg Olsen - The rookie will soon take over as the TE on offense in Chicago.  Up to Grossman to use him well, but Grossman proved last season that he like to go to Desmond Clark.  Olsen is better than Clark.
15 - LJ Smith - Would be around 10, but has been hurt in the offseason, and has been seriously limping around camp with a Groin injury.  The season is not starting well for LJ who is in a contract year.