2018 Rookie Profile: Troy Fumagalli, TE Wisconsin

Noah Ballweg Posted On April 7, 2018

With veteran tight ends Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Ben Watson all likely calling it quits in the next two years. The value of developing rookie tight ends has never been higher. The position in and of itself is not going to win you any championships, but it is the one spot that cannot be ignored if you desire to be a relevant contender from year to year. Wisconsin tight end Troy Fumagali is an excellent, cost-effective addition to your dynasty rosters you will want to consider this off-season.

The Stats

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Statistics from Sports-reference.com

In his four year career at Wisconsin, Fumagalli improved in nearly every statistical category each season. In his junior campaign, he caught a career-high 47 passes, amassing 580 yards and finding the end zone twice. These numbers doubled and tripled what Fumagalli had been able to do as a freshman and sophomore, and really began to turn some heads.

In a run-heavy offense, he led the team in receptions and broke into the national spotlight in the Cotton Bowl with six huge catches, 83 yards, and a touchdown.

This past season, Fumagalli found the end zone four times, catching 46 passes and averaging nearly 12.0 yards per reception. While the tight end has much to prove at the professional level, he comes from a storied program with a proven track record of producing quality NFL tight ends.

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The Film

His nickname should be “Mits” because anything thrown in his vicinity is going to be swallowed up by his massive hand size. Fumagalli exhibits elite pass catch ability, and does so within a pro-style offense, something NFL scouts have loved about him.

The benefit to drafting a tight end like Fumagalli will be his knowledge and familiarity within the schemes of the NFL. He is a complete package, able to block efficiently, create separation downfield and go up and get the ball over opposing defenders with his athleticism.

In his four-year career, Fumagalli never found himself in a thriving pass offense. Throughout his film, we see him having to lay out for passes that are behind him or over his head. This problem will be minimized in the NFL, adding to his stock. With an accurate quarterback under center, Fumagalli’s route running ability will shine all the more.

One question worth noting is the overall speed and health Fumagalli will bring into the NFL. The tight end missed a majority of the drills at the Combine due to a lower body injury that hampered the standout receiver throughout the 2017 season. Scouts would have liked to see what kind of open field speed Fumagalli has. The best assumptions have predicted him in the high 4.7 range.

Measurables

As stated previously, due to injury we have been unable to see the physical attributes of Fumagalli on display. At 6’4, 247 pounds he carries average size for an NFL tight end. It is his 10-inch hand size that separates him from the pack and allows him to display his tremendous receiving talent.

His measurables (from Mock Draftable) compare to that of Brent Celek and Richard Rodgers, both of whom really remind me of the physical nature that Fumagalli plays with. When I think of Celek, I’m reminded of a big, able-bodied receiving tight end willing to go down the middle of the field and pay the price for a big gain. The same credit is due to Fumagalli. When needed the most, he always showed up and could be trusted to pick up the crucial yardage when the game was on the line.

Dynasty Value

As the NFL draft looms closer, Fumagalli’s stock has remained relatively the same, only fluctuating a few draft spots. His absence from drills at the Combine certainly did not help his cause. This is all the more value to you as a dynasty owner. Fumagalli holds a 46.70 ADP in rookie drafts, placing him on the border of late third to early fourth-round draft picks.

If he makes it into the fourth round, spend a pick on him. He holds all the attributes of a fantasy producing tight end and it will only be a matter of time before he does so.

Conclusion

With a movement emerging of young able-bodied tight ends replacing the generation of old, Troy Fumagalli is a terrific building block in dynasty football. He still has a lot to prove in concerns to his health, but once back in true form, he could have a starting job by the end of this season.

His experience in a pro-style offense gives him an advantage over most tight ends entering the draft. His usage will include every-down availability, leading to increasing targets as his career progresses.

While he might not be flashy, Fumagalli has sure hands and a level head. Two aspects general managers will look for when making their draft selections. I see tremendous fantasy value in him right now as you can draft him for next to nothing, rather than jumping ahead two rounds to grab a very similar player. Tight ends won’t win you the championship, but they are completely necessary to get you there.

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