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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 33
Next
Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) catches touchdown pass in front of Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas (31) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) catches touchdown pass in front of Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas (31) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants – TE Will Tye

Hey, look — another tight end! Have we mentioned that the position is largely in flux?

Tye is an intriguing option at a fantasy position ready for a handful of breakout seasons. As a rookie in 2015, Tye quietly posted 42 receptions for 464 yards and three touchdowns. Over a full 16-game schedule, he was on pace for 50-plus catches and about 571 yards. For a first-year player from Stony Brook, that’s quite impressive.

Tye got an opportunity to start after incumbent tight Larry Donnell suffered a neck injury in early November. The injury ultimately ended Donnell’s season, and opened the door for Tye. Donnell is still on the roster and figures to compete with Tye for playing time, but Tye appears to have more upside.

A case could be made here for rookie receiver Sterling Shepard, a second-round pick in this year’s draft that should step right into a starting role opposite Odell Beckham Jr. That will also depend on the health of Victor Cruz, but Shepard is a legitimate candidate to make an impact right away.

Tye gets the nod because he showed a nose for the end zone, scoring all three of his touchdowns over the final four weeks of the 2015 season.

Next: New York Jets

Home/Arizona Cardinals