May Update: Rookie TE Rankings

It has been almost a month since the conclusion of the 2010 NFL Draft and it is time to update our dynasty positional rankings for the rookie class.

Several teams have already held minicamps and the beat writers have been out in full force providing us with all the updates we need to further evaluate these prospects.

Here are the latest updates:

Jermaine Gresham:

“I see myself as someone who can help in the blocking game and not necessarily the passing game,” Gresham said in a recent interview. “I feel like I can come in and contribute in both areas, but could probably help out more in the blocking game at this stage.” – Dayton Daily News

Jermaine Gresham will begin the season as the starter at tight end for the Bengals with his ability to contribute in both the passing and blocking game.  Cincinnati has not traditionally featured the tight end in their offense; however, there is a reason they took him in the first round and he has the size and speed to become an instant matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Rob Gronkowski:

In the Patriots recent minicamp, Rob Gronkowski was used as the in-line tight end while fellow rookie Aaron Hernandez was used in the slot, at h-back, and at fullback.

Gronkowski moves down one spot in our rookie rankings because Gresham is slated to start on all three downs as a rookie and is a more impressive athlete.

Jimmy Graham:

Jimmy Graham has been the talk of the recent Saints minicamp with his impressive play, but he could find playing time hard to come by this season.  Graham may be one of the best picks you can make in a dynasty rookie draft because of his limitless ceiling, but not without risk because of his limited experience.

The ranking score for each player is based on several factors:

• Pre-draft scouting reports
• College production
• Strength of team scouting department
• Draft selection
• Offensive scheme
• 2010 Team Schedule

Tight End Rankings (TE) – Previous Ranking in Parenthesis

1. Jermaine Gresham – Bengals 8.37 (2)
2. Rob Gronkowski – Patriots 8.17 (1)
3. Aaron Hernandez – Patriots 7.53 (3)
4. Dennis Pitta – Ravens 7.31 (4)
5. Jimmy Graham – Saints 7.27 (7)
6. Ed Dickson – Ravens 7.24 (5)
7. Garrett Graham – Texans 7.00 (6)
8. Anthony Moeaki – Chiefs 6.88 (8)
9. Andrew Quarless – Packers 5.97 (10)
10. Anthony McCoy – Seahawks 5.90 (9)
11. Clay Harbor – Eagles 5.60 (16)
12. Colin Peek – Falcons 5.55 (UR)
13. Nate Byham – 49ers 5.51 (12)
14. Dedrick Epps – Chargers 5.39 (14)
15. Jim Dray – Cardinals 5.39 (13)
16. Mike Hoomanawanui – Rams 5.33 (15)