Instant Analysis: Todd Heap agrees with Cardinals

Ken Kelly Posted On July 31, 2011

Todd Heap is going home.

The former Arizona State star has signed a two year deal with the Arizona Cardinals and leaving the only team he’s ever played for in the Baltimore Ravens. This signing has sends a ripple effect from the desert to Maryland, with some players getting new opportunities and some missing out on theirs. Let’s take a look at the players impacted the most by this signing.

Todd Heap, TE ARI
Heap is known for two very distinct things – production and injuries. Over his ten year career with the Ravens, Heap has amassed 5,492 yards and 41 touchdowns in 133 games played. He’s also missed time with countless ailments.

When healthy, Heap is as dangerous a player at his position in both reality and fantasy. He has a knack for getting open and doesn’t shy away from contact. He immediately gives the Cardinals the best weapon they’ve had at tight end since what, Freddie Jones?

Heap is going to step into the starting lineup and be a huge weapon for Kevin Kolb. Adding a veteran presence at the position should help the entire passing game.

You can draft Heap as a TE2 again, with the potential to put up some very nice games or get hurt. The chances of both happening are pretty distinct.

Good luck!

Kevin Kolb, QB ARI
The Cardinals are pretty serious about setting Kolb up for success. Adding Heap gives him a nice safety valve to use if Larry Fitzgerald is quadruple teamed. Quarterbacks need weapons to be effective and Heap gives him a nice target for the middle of the field and in the red zone.

Rob Housler, TE ARI
Housler is a nice deep dynasty league prospect at tight end, but his growth is going to be stunted with the presence of Heap. He’s still roster worthy in a deep league, but the chance of him producing early just went out the window.

Ed Dickson, TE BAL
Other than Kevin Kolb, Dickson is likely the biggest beneficiary of the Heap signing. Dickson had a quiet rookie season by producing just 152 yards on 11 receptions. With Heap out of the way, Dickson should battle Dennis Pitta for the number one job and he should be favored to win it as long as he can cut down on his mental mistakes and shore up his blocking ability.

He should be rostered in all leagues, at least until he goes over the middle against Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison and gets blasted.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK