Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham will likely be high picks in your 2012 fantasy drafts. While players like Antonio Gates, Jason Witten and Vernon Davis could be suitable alternatives, there may be similar value in later rounds.
Below are five tight ends who could have surprising seasons in 2012 and should be available late in drafts. 1. Kellen Winslow
In his three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winslow averaged 73 catches, 792 yards and four touchdowns per season. With the Seattle Seahawks, Winslow could see his numbers increase,
particularly if Matt Flynn wins the starting quarterback job. Flynn has 731 passing yards and nine touchdowns in his two career starts. Winslow will be one of the top targets in the Seahawks' passing game, and a good quarterback will get him the ball.
2. Martellus Bennett
Bennett has not caught a touchdown pass since 2008, but he now should be the top tight end for the New York Giants. Bennett will replace Jake Ballard, who caught 38 passes for 604 yards and four scores last year. With quarterback Eli Manning getting him the ball, Bennett has the potential for a big fantasy season.
3. Coby Fleener
Fleener is a rookie tight end who will have a rookie quarterback throwing him the ball. Still, Andrew Luck will have the freedom to pass the ball early and often, and Fleener should have many opportunities to have a fantasy impact. Also keep an eye on the team's other rookie tight end, Dwayne Allen.
4. Greg Olsen
In the last four seasons, Olsen has averaged 50 receptions, 532 yards and six touchdowns each year. His quarterback, Cam Newton, passed for 4,051 yards as a rookie and may throw the ball more in 2012. Olsen could be the top receiver on the team after Steve Smith.
5. Lance Kendricks
Kendricks had a disappointing rookie season, with 28 catches, 352 yards and no touchdowns. However, quarterback Sam Bradford played in only 10 games in 2011. If Bradford stays healthy, Kendricks should have much more of a fantasy impact in his second season.
