2020 Proceed With Caution: TE

Jared Cook (New Orleans)

Analysis: The Saints signed a legit WR2 in Emmanuel Sanders, the player who is most likely to take a statistical hit due to that signing is Cook. Cook is 33 and coming off a quietly solid season, but Sanders is going to see an uptick in targets when compared to Ted Ginn and those targets are likely going to be stolen from Cook. Not to mention the Saints resigned Taysom Hill and drafted Adam Trautman, two more mouths to feed. If you like Cook as the guy you want starting in your Tight End slot that’s fine, just don’t overpay for him. He should not be drafted with the likes of Kittle, Kelce, Ertz, Andrews, and Waller. Not to mention, a few of the sleepers I have listed in my TE sleepers article have the ability to outplay Cook and can be had at a cheaper price.

Tyler Higbee (LA Rams)

Analysis: I like Higbee, but prior to Gerald Everett’s injury he was playing second fiddle in an offense that doesn’t feature their Tight Ends. Now Everett is healthy, and the Rams have two Tight Ends with the potential to dominate at the position. If the Rams start to roll out way more two Tight End sets, then Higbee could return TE1 value, if they don’t, then he and Everett are right back where they were prior to 2019. Realistically he shouldn’t be drafted higher than rounds 12-15, but after last season’s finish someone is going to grab him earlier than that which is where the risk and bust potential resides.

Austin Hooper (Cleveland)

Analysis: Hooper is a solid Tight End, but not the kind of guy who will take over the league. He will start in Cleveland, the problem is he’s now on an offense with OBJ, Landry, Njoku, Chubb and (as long as he isn’t suspended) Hunt. I don’t see him counting for as much of a target share as he did in Atlanta. On the bright side, Kevin Stefanski just finished coordinating a very Tight End friendly offense. He’s still worth TE1 consideration, but again, don’t overpay!