Proceed with Caution 2022: Tight Ends
For those wondering how I did last season, I'll explain here. For those who don't care, I remind you that this is titled "Proceed with Caution" because I'm not telling you to avoid drafting them outright, I'm merely suggesting you don't throw all your eggs into their baskets. I'd consider my pick successful if they finished below the top 10 for QB, TE, K and D, and below the top 20 for RB and WR. Last year I went 2 for 3 (Eric Ebron and O.J. Howard).
Dawson Knox (Buffalo): Knox has the rapport built with Josh Allen, which cannot be understated. But the Bills brought in O.J. Howard, who can be a red zone threat as well. I think we'll see plenty of two-Tight End sets near the goal line for the Bills this season, and don't be surprised if Howard eats into those 9 touchdowns Knox snagged in 2021.
Tyler Higbee (LA Rams): With the seemingly limited options at the position in fantasy football, plus the run the Rams just went on, and let's not forget Matthew Stafford, some people may look at Higbee as being on that second tier of Tight Ends and worth being taken as a TE1. I wouldn't do it. He wasn't much of a threat last season, and now he'll not only have to contend with Cooper Kupp, but also with Allen Robinson.
Cameron Brate (Tampa Bay): We still don't have a decision from Gronk yet, so this is my warning in case he does elect to retire again: DON'T bank on Brate taking over Gronk's role entirely. The Bucs have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (when he's back to 100%), they added Russell Gage, and there's all the receiving options out of the backfield (Leonard Fournette, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Rachaad White). If Gronk retires, Brate will be first in line to take over as Tampa's TE1, but those targets will get spread out.
