Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) celebrates with the College Playoff trophy after the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) celebrates with the College Playoff trophy after the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos – TE Jeff Heuerman

Heuerman? More like WHO-erman, amirite? Terrible jokes aside, in all seriousness this is a player that could play a major role for the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Broncos drafted Heuerman in the third round of last year’s draft after a four-year career at Ohio State. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end suffered a torn ACL in rookie camp, and his debut season was over before it ever began.

The seemingly-ageless Owen Daniels played a key role for the Broncos last season, but he remains a free agent and, at least for now, appears to be close to the end of his football career. That leaves an opening at tight end, and Heuerman could emerge as the starter there.

Virgil Green, the Broncos’ Swiss Army knife on offense, is still on the roster, as is veteran Garrett Graham, who played for head coach Gary Kubiak in Houston. Kubiak has traditionally featured the tight end in his offenses, whether it was Daniels (in both Houston and Baltimore) or Graham.

If Heuerman emerges as the starter at tight end, history indicates that Kubiak will find targets for him in the passing game. Mark Sanchez is expected to take over for the retired Peyton Manning and departed Brock Osweiler, and he liked leaning on tight end Zach Ertz with Philadelphia last season.

Heuerman is the very definition of a deep sleeper, but tuck his name away for future consideration.

Next: Detroit Lions

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