Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Taylor Thompson (84) reaches back to try and catch a pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Last month, I began dissecting the fantasy potential of the Tennessee Titans by position. In Part 1, we discussed the quarterback, in Part 2, we talked about running backs, and in Part 3, we analyzed the Titans wide receivers.
Now, in Part 4, we have reached the Tight Ends, Defense/Special Teams, and Kicker sections.
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker, Average Draft Position: 260*
Delanie Walker has some fantasy potential coming over to the Titans. Last year, playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Walker racked up 344 yards receiving and three touchdowns on 21 catches playing behind Vernon Davis.
While those totals are relatively low, his average yards-per-catch statistic was not. His 16.4 yards per reception were even better than Nate Washington’s, and, if you’ll remember from Part 3, Washington’s 16.2 yards per reception ranked seventh in the NFL among qualified players.
Walker has the ability to be a playmaker for the Titans, but I just can’t see him getting the targets to produce big enough numbers to make him a fantasy starter. He will most likely post the highest receiving totals of his career but they won’t be high enough to warrant drafting him.
If by some chance he rockets up to fantasy stardom, he’ll be available on waivers for you to claim.
Taylor Thompson, Average Draft Position: Not Drafted*
Taylor Thompson, the converted DE from SMU, is entering just his second season as a tight end since high school. He excelled as a blocker last season and he possesses all the physical tools necessary to be a playmaker as a pass-catcher.
Despite that, I don’t think this is quite the year for him. Thompson is still an ongoing project for the coaching staff.
I’d pass on him this year but consider him a deep sleeper and a player to watch in free agency.
I don’t think Craig Stevens is worth drafting at all and therefore not even worth discussing.
Defense/Special Teams
Titans D/ST, Average Draft Position: Not Drafted
I hate to say it, but you just can’t trust the Titans D this year. Draft a better defense.
Kicker
Rob Bironas, Average Draft Position: 323
Rob Bironas is draftable if you really want a Titan on your team. Kicker is the least repeatable position group from year-to-year in terms of fantasy points. If you want Bironas, go for it, but I can’t blame you for wanting someone who finished higher last season.
This year should be an interesting year for the Titans from a fantasy perspective. I value Jake Locker, Kenny Britt, and Kendall Wright as potential sleepers, and Taylor Thompson as a deep sleeper.
Chris Johnson is the only consensus early-round pick, but there are other players worth taking a chance on in the later rounds of your draft.
The fantasy world may soon recognize more Tennessee Titans as “Fantasy Studs,” and when that time comes, you’ll be happy they are on your team.
Want to tell me I’m wrong? Want to ask me some fantasy football questions? You can do so on Twitter @JGra_TitanSized. I’ll be tweeting out my 2013 positional rankings over the next few weeks.