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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May 14, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) runs after a catch during rookie mini camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) runs after a catch during rookie mini camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers – TE Hunter Henry

This is a smooth transition, isn’t it? We move from Green’s new team back to his old team and highlight the player that will replace him in the short term, and will replace Gates in the long term.

Henry was widely considered the top tight end in this year’s draft class. The Chargers picked him early in the second round with the 35th overall selection, so don’t expect Henry to sit idly on the bench waiting for Gates to retire.

Gates was solid when he played last season, finishing with 56 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns in just 11 games, but he’ll be turning 36 years old this season. Father time will eventually catch up to him.

Henry, the 2015 John Mackey Award winner as college football’s top tight end, should be able to carve out a nice little niche, just as Green did last year.

Receivers Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson both return, and the team added speedster Travis Benjamin in free agency. Running back Danny Woodhead also figures prominently into the passing game.

Quarterback Philip Rivers might have a lot of mouths to feed on offense, but Henry figures to be one of them from the start.

Next: San Francisco 49ers

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