Related: Salary Cap Leagues, How High to Go at TE
Tight end has the same characteristic as quarterback in that there are plenty of guys who will see meaningful snaps after your leaguemates have already drafted eight to ten of them. As a result, there isn't as much competition to get the lower-priced guys later in the draft.
We asked our staff a couple of questions about how to handle the position when you go with these lower-priced alternatives.
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Note: All answers assume the following criteria:
- Start 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE
- 4-point passing TDs
- Full PPR
- $200 cap
- 12 teams
Let's say you decide to go for cheaper options at the tight end spot and land your first guy for $3 or less. How many total tight ends will you draft to give yourself a shot at Top 12 production?
Jason Wood: If rosters are 18 players or fewer, I'll stick with two tight ends in the draft. If rosters are larger, particularly 22+ players, then you can confidently roster three or even four tight ends, depending on where the late-game values appear.
Ben Cummins: I would still only draft one and then play the waiver wire throughout the season.
Andrew Davenport: If I'm going cheap at the position, I'm trying to grab two at minimum, but I'll go for three if roster spots allow. There is often a point at the end of a salary cap draft where I would rather have a running back or a wide receiver than a third tight end, but the choices are so uninspiring that I'd rather take a shot on the tight end. That is situational, but that seems to happen a lot, and I think it makes sense to have another 'out' at the position to try to find a starter rather than taking a low-percentage gamble on a wide receiver or running back I will be cutting right after the season starts.
Jeff Bell: I will not roster more than two tight ends under almost any circumstance. The actions of the rest of the league dictate this move. If players rostering Kelce and Andrews are grabbing backup tight ends, you need to move along with that. But if half the league takes elite options and only commits one spot to the position, I am comfortable that a great option will slip through unrostered to be added early in the season.
Who are your favorite end-of-draft tight ends? These are guys you think you can get for $1-$2 as the draft is winding down.
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