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With training camp around the corner, there are key questions to monitor at the tight end position. These questions may impact both season-long and dynasty leagues. Here are 9 questions to monitor at the tight end position.
How is Rob Gronkowski replaced?
With Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement, there is a major opportunity in the Tampa Bay offense that will be without Gronkowski and had Chris Godwin recovering from a torn ACL. The team has Cameron Brate and drafted Cade Otton on the third day of the NFL Draft as internal options.
Can Austin Hooper return value?
Austin Hooper has an opportunity in the Tennessee offense in 2022. The Titans traded for Robert Woods and the team selected Treylon Burks in the first round of the draft after trading A.J. Brown. With injury and readiness questions at the wide receiver position, Hooper could lead the team in targets in 2022.
Can Evan Engram get the Doug Pederson bump?
Doug Pederson has overseen tight end production from the likes of Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Dallas Goedert in his time as a play-caller in the NFL. Evan Engram signed a one-year prove-it type deal with the Jaguars in 2022 and will fit into an offense without an established WR1. Engram came from a broken offense at the end of his tenure with the Giants and his integration with Jacksonville could be a boost for his dynasty value.
Can Albert Okwuegbunam seize the opportunity?
Albert Okwuegbunam has had a limited role in his two-year career but he has been elite in his small sample sizes. The Broncos included Noah Fant in the Russell Wilson trade but drafted Greg Dulcich in the third round of the NFL Draft. If Okwuegbunam can get the opportunity for a starting role, he could showcase his elite efficiency.
How does Darren Waller fit in?
New Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach Josh McDaniel oversaw Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez as the offensive coordinator in New England. Now, McDaniel inherits Darren Waller, who could fit that elite tight end role in the McDaniel offense. However, Waller was the subject of early trade rumors and the acquisition of Davante Adams could create a volume squeeze. Waller’s dynasty valuation has fallen in recent months, so a successful fit in the Raiders’ offense could be a major payoff opportunity.
Is Logan Thomas healthy?
The health of Logan Thomas who is recovering from a torn ACL in 2021, is a question for Washington. Thomas had a volume-infused breakout in 2020 before he was hurt in 2022. If Thomas is healthy, he returns to a role he could be a fantasy starter. If not, John Bates, who had an under-the-radar rookie season, could be a beneficiary.
Is Robert Tonyan Jr healthy and a volume breakout candidate?
Robert Tonyan Jr had a breakout 2020 season, but like Thomas, tore his ACL in 2021 stunting his career development. If Tonyan returns healthy, Tonyan could push his career-high targets (59) and career total targets (109) in a post-Davante Adams era in Green Bay.
Can Irv Smith Break Out?
Irv Smith, like Thomas and Tonyan, suffered a season-ending injury in 2021. For Smith, it was a September torn meniscus that ended his season. With nearly a full year to recover, Smith will enter the final season of his rookie contract with only 90 career targets on his resume. Without an established WR3, Smith could step into a good volume role for a tight end.
Do Franchise Tags get Contract Extensions?
Mike Gesicki and Dalton Schultz are both on the franchise tag. Fellow franchise taggee David Njoku has signed an extension and Gesicki and Schultz are on watch until the tag extension deadline of July 15th.
