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Top 10 fantasy football tight ends in 2018

By Grant Tuttle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates with a flex after a play during the NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 21, 2018 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings by the score of 38-7. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates with a flex after a play during the NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 21, 2018 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings by the score of 38-7. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 06: Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) raises his hands to the crowd at the beginning of the go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card game between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs on January 6, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Titans came back from a 21-3 deficit at halftime to win 22-21. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 06: Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) raises his hands to the crowd at the beginning of the go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card game between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs on January 6, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Titans came back from a 21-3 deficit at halftime to win 22-21. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans

Even at 34, Delanie Walker is an explosive player. Averaging 11.7 yards per catch in his career, he is not only a great possession tight end, but an excellent ball carrier. In the past five years, no NFL tight end has as many receptions as Walker. Serving as the “go-to guy” for Marcus Mariota, he had 74 receptions in 2017.

During the offseason the Tennessee Titans made it clear that they wanted to control the line of scrimmage on offense. Not only did the team announce an extension with Taylor Lewan, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, they drafted Quinton Spain to help keep Mariota upright. If Mariota has more time to throw, this bodes well for Walker. Known for his speed at the tight end position, Walker is difficult to cover if he can complete his routes.

The Titans will again look to Walker as their top receiving option in the passing game. The Titans offense will be interesting to watch under the direction of new offensive coordinator Matt LeFleur who, along with Sean McVay, led the NFL’s best offense in 2017 with the Los Angeles Rams. If Mariota and the offense will likely see improvement in 2018 and Walker will have another dominant year in fantasy.

7. Trey Burton, Chicago Bears

It may seem somewhat unreasonable to place Trey Burton so high on this list due to his lack of playing time. However, he is in an excellent place to succeed. While quarterback play was shaky last season for the Chicago Bears, the team is headed in a new direction. Matt Nagy was hired to be the head coach of the Bears.

Another piece of the Andy Reid coaching tree, Nagy served as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator for two seasons. Under Reid, Nagy likely gained some valuable knowledge on grooming an NFL quarterback. Furthermore, in his offenses, athletic tight ends are a must. Burton fits this role perfectly.

Coming from the Philadelphia Eagles, Burton assumed the role of number two tight end behind Zach Ertz. Because Ertz is such a gifted player, Burton missed out on reps. However, his ability should not be overlooked. Despite his limited action, he scored five receiving touchdowns on 23 receptions. Burton showcases great speed and athleticism and it seems likely that Nagy will utilize him similarly to how the Chiefs used Travis Kelce. Look for Burton to have a breakout season.

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