Ian Allan answers your fantasy questions. Well, fantasy question. Sean from Minnesota writes in to ask about breakout candidates at tight end, and Ian picks through the options.

Question 1

So, there was a lot of turmoil and change at the TE position last year, considering injuries, retirements, criminal charges, etc. Which of these young or under the radar TEs have the potential to move into the top tier along with obvious choices like Graham, Thomas, and Gronk? Jordan Reed, Charles Clay, Dennis Pitta, Zach Ertz, Ladarius Green, Dwayne Allen.

SEAN MCGUIRE (MINNEAPOLIS, MN)

At this time a year ago, Dennis Pitta was the No. 4 tight end on my board. He’s definitely a big-time guy, as evidenced by the big contract he just signed. He’s caught touchdowns in 15 of his last 32 games. He has a strong rapport with Joe Flacco. I don’t see the hip injury as a big deal. Pitta came back late last year and looked fine, catching 20 passes in the last four games. He caught 61 passes for 669 yards and 7 TDs in 2012, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s even a little better next year. Charles Clay looks like a top-10 guy. He caught 69 passes and 6 TDs last year, and I expect they’ll use him in the same kind of role. They also line him up at fullback around the goal line, so I imagine he’ll probably run in a touchdown or two as well – he scored one of those last year. Jordan Reed has the same kind of receiving ability as those guys, but he’ll be working in a new offense, which could reduce his role some. He’s a little light for a tight end, so he’s best utilized as a motion-type tight end lined up away from the line of scrimmage. We need to confirm Jay Gruden likes him as much as the old coaching staff did. Reed also might be more prone to concussions than other players; he missed the final six games last year after suffering a concussion. If the Chargers dump Antonio Gates, we can start talking about Ladarius Green as an elite guy. He’s certainly very talented; he just needs more opportunities. Zach Ertz has some good ball-catching skills. I really liked his touchdown catch in the playoff game, and I imagine his role will expand. Don’t see him moving up into the top dozen, though. With Dwayne Allen, I can’t see putting him any higher than about 20th on my board (and I’m not promising he’ll be in my top 25). He’s coming off an injury, and the Colts also have Coby Fleener, who’s pretty good around the goal line. Allen caught 45 passes and 3 TDs as a rookie.

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