ESPN

Here are my latest tight end rankings for the upcoming season, based on ESPN.com standard performance scoring:

1. Antonio Gates: The only player at the position who has a real good chance of reaching double figures in touchdowns. He finished with 23 more points than any other tight end in 2006 in ESPN leagues, and no one will challenge his supremacy at the position in 2007.
2. Tony Gonzalez: His best fantasy seasons seem to be behind him, but Gonzalez still gets targeted very often and his outstanding reception and yardage totals for a tight end keep him among the elite at the position.
3. Jeremy Shockey: If he can stay healthy, Shockey could pass Gonzalez as the second-best tight end in fantasy football this year. He can certainly become the clear No. 2 guy at the position behind Gates.
4. Alge Crumpler: He isn't consistent, but his big games can certainly be the key to some fantasy victories. He still won't have too much help in the passing game in 2007, so look for more boom-or-bust outings.
5. Chris Cooley: Young Washington quarterback Jason Campbell doesn't have much in the way of reliable targets, so he's going to look for Cooley often on key passing downs, especially in the red zone.
6. Kellen Winslow: His knee remains an issue, but he played through the pain last year and if his touchdown production improves, he will become an elite fantasy tight end.
7. Vernon Davis: In a few years, he could rival Gates as the best player at the position. His ascension will begin in 2007 as he starts to flash signs of great promise, but he will be statistically inconsistent.
8. Todd Heap: He was very unreliable in 2006. Heap started well last year, but he really fell off in the second half of last season, especially in the touchdown department.
9. Randy McMichael: He will finally work with a quality quarterback this season, and expect him to bounce back and re-emerge as a solid fantasy starter. McMichael will be a good value pick this year.
10. L.J. Smith: If Donovan McNabb can stay healthy, Smith will be a more dependable fantasy player. We haven't seen his best season yet.
11. Daniel Graham: He's going to become a key part of the Denver passing game and Graham will be a fine value pick in many leagues this year. You can actually get him in the final rounds.
12. Heath Miller: A healthy Ben Roethlisberger should make an effort to get him the ball more often in important situations this year, especially near the goal line.
13. Benjamin Watson: He's certainly promising, but will he get enough catches now that the Patriots have assembled an outstanding crew of wide receivers? I don't think he will be reliable.
14. Jason Witten: Look for him to rebound from a very disappointing season as the Cowboys find more ways to get him the ball.
15. Dallas Clark: He's certainly not dependable. Clark can come through with the occasional quality outing, though, and there's always a chance of a true breakthrough campaign.
16. Tony Scheffler: Even with the addition of Graham, the Broncos intend to get Scheffler the ball this year and he has already shown a lot of promise as a red-zone target.
17. Jerramy Stevens: Will look to make a new start in Tampa Bay and is still very capable of posting solid fantasy totals.
18. Bo Scaife: Vince Young has already taken a liking to Scaife, who will catch a lot of key passes for the young quarterback this year.
19. Greg Olsen: Olsen adds another needed dimension to the Chicago passing game, and he'll start to draw the interest of fantasy leaguers in his rookie year.
20. Owen Daniels: He was a pleasant early surprise last year, but started to fade when defenses began to respect him more. The Texans don't have many quality receivers, though, so he will get more chances to make plays in 2007.
21. Desmond Clark: With the drafting of Olsen, he will likely be asked to block more this year.
22. Robert Royal: He has shown the ability to be a quality red-zone target, and he is expected to get more looks in key situations in 2007.
23. Marcus Pollard: Well past his prime, but will get the chances to catch a few touchdown passes on a team that does value the tight end.
24. Zach Miller: Will have the opportunity to contribute early in his career with the Raiders.
25. Chris Baker: He'll still be good for a short touchdown reception here and there.
26. Dan Campbell
27. Ben Troupe
28. Jermaine Wiggins
29. Leonard Pope
30. David Martin
31. Eric Johnson
32. Alex Smith
33. Jim Kleinsasser
34. Bubba Franks
35. Marcedes Lewis

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