The value of a tight end in fantasy football rose exponentially during the previous decade. What used to be a position consisting basically of linemen who could catch has changed to being bigger, slightly slower wide receivers. So when it comes to fantasy, picking the right TE can strengthen your team to the point where you could potentially be starting four wide receivers, depending upon the talent of your starting TE.

1. Dallas Clark, IND — I don’t think I have ever seen him block. He is the definition of a receiver masquerading as a TE. He’ll catch TDs along with an almost guaranteed 1,000 yards from the best quarterback in the game. This is one guy who it would be smart to reach on.

2. Antonio Gates, SD — He has made a permanent home at the top of these rankings. Had a big bounce back year (if you consider his previous couple of years lacking) and is primed to put up even bigger numbers this year with the suspension of Vincent Jackson.

3. Vernon Davis, SF — He finally broke out last year with 13 TDs and close to 1,000 yards. On sheer physical ability, he’s unmatched at the position; he might actually be the best TE in the league if you look at his proficiency as a blocker as well as a receiver. Expect him to drop off a little in TDs but make up for it in yards.

4. Jason Witten, DAL — He only scored twice last year, but I see this as more of a coincidence than a trend. He’s still Romo’s favorite target and he’s a guaranteed 1,000 yards.

5. Brent Celek, PHI – Really broke out last year. With a more accurate QB (they say) in the form of Kevin Kolb, his numbers could sky rocket.

6. Owen Daniels, HOU — Was on pace to be the No. 1 fantasy TE last year before his injury. Barring no major set-backs, he has a good chance at claiming that spot this year.

7. Tony Gonzalez, ATL — The old man of the TEs, and possibly the best. He lost some yards last year, but he’s still extremely consistent.

8. Jermichael Finley, GB — A lot of people are a lot higher on him than I am right now. He’s fast, big, and a great athlete, but I just don’t think he’s worth as high as he will more than likely be drafted. He will probably make me eat these words, however.

9. Kellen Winslow TB — He had a solid season last year in which he played with three different starting QBs. They always say that a TE is a QB’s best friend, and with a whole offseason working with Josh Freeman, he could return back to his 2007 1,000-yard campaign with the Browns. Has never pulled in more than 5 TDs though.

10. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN – Talk about turning your game around. After a terrible 2007 season with the Vikings in which he didn’t appear to be able to hold onto a pass, he finished with the 2nd most TDs for a TE with 11. However, his yards were relatively low at 566, and he just doesn’t get the ball thrown enough his way to be considered an elite TE. He is a great bye week replacement though.

11. Chris Cooley, WAS – Lost his season last year to injury, but still has a great skill set.
12. Zach Miller, OAK — Seems to be the only reliable target on the Raiders and with Jason Campbell, his stats should see an uptick.
13. John Carlson, SEA – Regressed in his second season after being called upon to block more than receive due to the Seahawks’ terrible line. Hopefully this year, the line will be more competent with the new additions.
14. Dustin Keller, NYJ — He’ll get his stats. Mark my words.
15. Jeremy Shockey, NO — One part of a TE-by-committee offense. Will have his weeks.
16. Heath Miller, PIT — HEEEEEAAAAATTHHHHH. Enough said.
17. Greg Olsen, CHI — Mike Martz hates TEs. But it’s the only position with a surplus of talent on the team. Decisions…Decisions…
18. Kevin Boss, NYG — He’s the boss. He has a kind of mediocre feel to him though.
19. Todd Heap, Bal — HEEEEEAAAAPPPP. Getting old, and he’s certainly out of his prime.
20. Brandon Pettigrew, DET — Did well before his injury. The Lions also traded for Tony Scheffler, a solid TE, but I think they like Pettigrew a lot.
21. Benjamin Watson, CLE — Never lived up to his potential in NE, but Delhomme needs someone to throw to.
22. Fred Davis, WAS — Shanahan likes him a lot. Could possibly unseat Cooley.
23. Bo Scaife, TEN – A good option on a team that doesn’t like to pass.
24. Jermaine Gresham, CIN — He likely wont do as much this year as he will later on in his career, but could be a good bye week replacement.
25. Mercedes Lewis, JAC — Because he starts for the Jags, and not much else.
26. Anthony Fasano, MIA — Could see his stats go up with a more experienced Henne.
27. Daniel Fells, STL — Bradford needs to throw it to someone.
28. Tony Moeaki, KC — A rookie, but an intriguing one who has all the skills necessary.
29. Jared Cook, TEN – He’s fast and has upside with the departure of Alge Crumpler.
30. Shawn Nelson, BUF — There’s just no one else worth starting on the Bills at this position.

Check out our other rankings: Top running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, kickers, defenses and rookies. Also, take a look at our overall Top 200 lists.