Fantasy Football 2017: So you want to wait on tight ends?

Every season there’s a late-round tight end who finishes fantasy football in the top-five. Who are the best late-round tight ends to target this year?

To me, the tight end position is much like the quarterback position in fantasy football: If I don’t draft one in the top-tier, I’m more than likely going to wait later in the draft before I take one. Every season there’s a tight end who is drafted late (or not at all) who finishes in the top-five. There are also multiple tight ends who are drafted late or not at all who finish the season as a TE1.

Last year, Vikings Kyle Rudolph and Seahawks Jimmy Graham both had average draft positions (ADP) in the double-digit rounds, but finished in the top-five in PPR leagues. In 2015, it was Redskins Jordan Reed and Browns tight end Gary Barnidge who either went late or undrafted but finished the season as a top-five tight end. In 2014, it was Chargers Antonio Gates and Bears Martellus Bennett. So we get my point, right?

Here are my five favorite tight ends to target in the 10th round or later in 10-team PPR leagues (According to Fantasy Football Calculator):

5. Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints

Fantasy Football Calculator ADP: 14.02

Wait, wait, wait! Before you scroll down to the comment section to tell me how stupid I am and insult my mother, give me a second to explain myself. Yes, Coby Fleener was a big disappointment in fantasy football last year. As a Fleener owner myself, I get it. Yet, I believe this season will be better.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, Fleener spent 2016 with the New Orleans Saints. He finished with 50 receptions, 631 yards and three touchdowns and as the 15th PPR tight end. Fleener simply looked lost and uncomfortable at times as he attempted to learn the Saints system, language and playbook. Going into 2017, he should have a better handle on the Saints playbook and if he plays loose and relaxed, big numbers could happen.

As we all know, the Saints love to throw the ball early and often with their future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. Last year they had the most passing yards per game and finished second in passing attempts. Playing in this offense obviously gives Fleener the high ceiling owners want. The team also departed with Brandin Cooks this offseason after he finished with 117 targets, 78 receptions, 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. With Cooks gone, Fleener should push for 100 targets after finishing with 81 a season ago. In the 14th round, I’ll be more than happy to take a chance with Fleener on my team.