When it comes to Tight Ends in the NFL these days there is essentially three classes of players. We have the Proven Commodities, The Up and Comers, and The Oozing with Potential. Here is a look into what the 2014 NFL Season will have to offer when it comes to TE’s. Watch for these guys to make a huge impact when it comes to fantasy production.

Proven Commodities
Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints
Graham is the best TE in the NFL and it is not even close at this point. He is a nightmare in the Red Zone, he can beat corners 1 on 1, and he has WR like hands. Getting Graham on your fantasy team is like getting another #1 WR.

Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots
Gronk is a household name. Everyone knows what he is capable when he is healthy and on the field. The biggest problem is he has not had a clean bill of health in his entire career. If he can finally stay healthy he has the potential to compete with Graham as the best TE in the NFL.

Jordan Cameron – Cleveland Browns
Cameron moves out of the Up and Comers section and into the Proven Commodities section. Last year everyone knew he had the athleticism and skills to compete with the best in the NFL but he had to put it all together. What’s more important is that he has his best NFL season while playing with four different starting QB’s. Hooking him up with Johnny Manziel will be exciting to watch.

Vernon Davis – San Francisco 49ers
It is no surprise to see Davis on this list as he has been one of the most consistent and dominant TE’s in the NFL since he joined. This could be his breakout season where he dominates the entire year.
Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys & Antonio Gates San Diego Chargers
Witten & Gates are both getting up there in age yet they continue to compete at the highest level. You know exactly what you’re getting with either guy; a steady pass catching TE that can absolutely shred defenses at will or so it seems.

Up and Comers
Julius Thomas – Denver Broncos
Thomas is about a season or two away from being on the proven commodities list. His stats continue to improve each season in the league. I am very curious to see if he is as dynamic as he appears or if he is just a product of a Peyton Manning led offense.

Charles Clay – Miami Dolphins
Clay is a unique player as he lines up all over the field. The Dolphins use him as an H-back, a full back, a TE, and a wide out. He has shown flashes of excellence and then there is game where he just completely disappears. He could be a fantasy stud if he puts it all together on the field this season.

Jared Cook – St Louis Rams
This is a guy who has been on a lot of peoples watch list for the last couple of years. He has not proven that he can be a dominant consistent TE for an entire season thus far. He has monster games where you start thinking, “Is he the best TE in the league?” Then he will have a game where you didn’t even know he played. Consistency is the key for Cook, he could be a star.

Cody Fleener – Indianapolis Colts & Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles
I bunch these guys together because they came out within a year of each other and they play the exact same type of game. Both can stretch the field and are match up nightmares for opposing defenses. Neither has really put their own stamp on the NFL yet but that could potentially happen for both TE’s this season. Keep this guys on your radar.

Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins
Reed came on to the scene last year out of nowhere and he made his mark. Reed will certainly benefit from having a healthy RGIII and from being healthy himself. This guy will be a star in the NFL if he can stay healthy. He is essentially a Jimmy Graham 2.0.

Oozing with Potential
Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert is right on the border of being in the above category. He has exceptional hands and can beat any defense deep. Look for him to develop into a complete package this season.

Jeff Cumberland – New York Jets
Cumberland is another guy that lines up all over the field. He has a couple of years before he can be considered a legit starting caliber TE but he has tons of potential.

Ladarius Green – San Diego Charges
Green is just waiting for his turn to be the starter. He is currently stuck behind one of the GOAT in Antonio Gates. Green is a freak when it comes to being an athlete. Look for role to expand this season as Green learns the offense.

Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings
Rudolph got paid like a top TE this off season but I don’t think he has really shown the consistency needed to be considered amongst the elite. When it comes to terms of potential the sky is the limit for this guy and I do think he will eventually be one of the best TE’s in the NFL.

Joseph Fauria – Detroit Lions
This guy had a couple of monster games last season then he vanished. Defenses seemed to figure him out as the season progressed but he is quite the bargain. Fauria is a Red Zone night mare for opposing defenses and he has exceptionally strong hands. Look for him to develop into more of a complete TE.