Final Rookie Report Card: Tight Ends
Throughout the season, the Rookie Report Card has covered some of the biggest rookies and not only looked at their performance to date – but also their long term upside. Now that the regular season has wrapped up and fantasy owners are looking towards the future, we have an opportunity to take one last look at the 2016 season and assess the rookies – A final report card if you will.
We covered 33 rookies throughout the season, including two tight ends. Let’s put a bow on the season by taking one more look at those pass catchers’ first shot playing on Sundays. As well as a quick glimpse into their futures.
Jerell Adams, TE NYG
Season Stats: 16 receptions, 122 yards, one touchdown
Adams caught the eye of some dynasty owners during his rookie season, catching 16 passes for 122 yards and a score and earning more and more playing time for the Giants as the season went on.
Armed with good size (6’-5”, 247 pounds) and above average speed, Adams outplayed Will Tye and Larry Donnell for much of the season but that’s really not saying much. Due to rounded-off routes and limited burst out of his breaks, he struggled to get open in man coverage and appeared to give up on routes from time to time.
Despite making a few plays as a rookie, Adams doesn’t profile as a starting NFL tight end, let alone a useful fantasy asset. New York is a prime landing spot for one of the top tight ends in the 2017 NFL draft and if the Giants take one, Adams will instantly become a special teams player.
Although he shouldn’t be dropped just yet, Adams should be on the roster bubble during the off-season.
Hunter Henry, TE LAC
Season Stats: 36 receptions, 478 yards, eight touchdowns
Despite sharing time with veteran Antonio Gates for much of the season, Henry had an impressive rookie campaign. Catching 36 passes for 478 yards and an eye-popping eight touchdowns, he proved himself as a seam stretcher with the ability to make contested grabs – particularly around the goal line. His big frame along with his athleticism and soft hands make him an ideal red zone target.
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Henry showed just how dynamic he could be throughout the season but it was especially evident when Gates was on the sideline and was asked to play all over the field. Too fast for most linebackers to match up with and far too big and strong for most defensive backs, he caught passes as an in-line option as well as from the slot. Also a powerful run blocker, he showed there’s no reason for the Chargers’ coaching staff to take him off the field.
When I wrote about Henry back in the week four of the Rookie Report Card, I wrote that Henry looks the part as the true heir apparent to Gates far more than Ladarius Green ever did. Nothing’s changed.
With Gates expected to return in 2017, Henry will be forced to share time once again as a sophomore but reports have indicated he’ll be the “featured tight end” over the vet. Dynasty owners should expect some ups and downs in his second season with more glimpses of Henry’s ultimate upside. He may not realize his top-five potential at the position in 2017 but it won’t be long until he’s mentioned with the likes of Travis Kelce, Tyler Eifert and Jordan Reed as the next best dynasty tight ends after Gronk.
Tyler Higbee, TE LA
Season Stats: 11 receptions, 85 yards, one touchdown
Higbee was an interesting prospect coming out of Western Kentucky do to his impressive athleticism to go along with his ideal size (6’-6”, 250 pounds) but had some off the field concerns and a history of injuries that made him slide to the fourth round of the NFL draft.
Despite making headlines throughout training camp, he was limited to just 11 catches and 85 yards in his rookie season as he struggled to make a splash in the Rams’ dysfunctional offense. Those paltry numbers shouldn’t frustrate dynasty owners however, as Higbee has the potential to develop into a big part of the Los Angeles offense.
Blessed with many of the traits that will make him an ideal security blanket for Jared Goff as he gets more comfortable under center, Higbee is quick and nimble off the line of scrimmage which makes it easy for him to avoid the jam and get into his routes as fast as possible. Also strong at the top of his routes, he can change directions quickly for a guy his size, allowing him to shake linebackers and safeties in man coverage. With enough speed to stretch the middle of the field and great hands, he has the makings of a back end TE1/high end TE2 if he ever has the chance to play in an offense that can move the ball.
While I wouldn’t give up the world to acquire Higbee, he’s a nice trade target for those looking to find some young upside at the position this off-season.
Austin Hooper, TE ATL
Season Stats: 19 receptions, 271 yards, three touchdowns
Although Hooper reached 10 PPR fantasy points just three times as a rookie he had a relatively nice first season, catching 19 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns on 27 targets. He also added six grabs for 65 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ three post-season games.
With enough speed to outrun most linebackers down the middle of the field, Hooper has the ability to be a vertical threat but is best as a short to intermediate receiver due to his sharp breaks at the top of his routes. Hooper also excels after the catch as a ball carrier due to his above average speed and power to break tackles.
Despite being far from a finished product, Hooper has the size (6’-5”, 250 pounds), speed (4.66 40-time), route running and hands to be a playmaking, pass catching tight end for the Falcons as well as his dynasty owners. He didn’t have the year that Henry had but has nearly as much upside to become a mid-TE1.
Hooper didn’t quite put up the numbers of his fellow rookie tight end, but plays in an elite offense with a quality quarterback and one of the best receivers in the league taking coverage away from him. Currently ranked as the TE14 in our consensus rankings, nobody should be surprised to see him moved into the top-10 by this time next year. He’s an excellent trade target this off-season.
Nick Vannett, TE STL
Season Stats: three receptions, 32 yards
Vannett didn’t make an impact as a rookie, catching just three passes, but has some long-term upside due to his size (6’-6”, 257 pounds) and athletic ability.
Coming out of Ohio State, Vannett profiled as a big, possession tight end with the ability to line up in many places including the slot. A solid route runner, particularly on crosses and come backs, he makes sharp breaks and always comes back to the ball, using his large frame to box out defenders and secure the catch. Also showing great hand/eye coordination and the ability to adjust to off target throws, he makes contested catches and has the potential to be a strong red zone target.
Although he doesn’t have the speed to be a seam stretcher, Vannett has the size, route running ability and hands to be a starting caliber NFL tight end. Being stuck behind Jimmy Graham on the depth chart isn’t going to help him make a fantasy impact and he shouldn’t be rostered in anything but the deepest of leagues, but his is a name to remember for dynasty owners.
Thanks for reading the Rookie Report Card throughout 2016. I’ll be back to grade the 2017 rookie class in September.
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