2009 TE RANKINGS

1. Jason Witten
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Antonio Gates
4. Dallas Clark
5. Chris Cooley
6. Owen Daniels
7. Greg Olsen
8. Kevin Boss
9. Kellen Winslow
10. John Carlson
11. Anthony Fasano
12. Zach Miller
13. Visanthe Shiancoe
14. Dustin Keller
15. Tony Scheffler
16. Jeremy Shockey
17. Donald Lee
18. Brent Celek
19. Bo Scaife
20. Heath Miller
21. Brandon Pettigrew
22. Marcedes Lewis
23. LJ Smith
24. Vernon Davis
25. Ben Watson
26. Chase Coffman
27. Todd Heap
28. Shawn Nelson
29. Billy Miller
30. Desmond Clark

Notes: I went against the grain a bit in making Witten the No. 1 TE this year over Gonzalez, who seems to be the consensus pick. I just think Witten's familiarity with BFF Tony Romo and the touchdown void created by Terrell Owens' absence means big things are in store for the Cowboys TE. But Gonzalez should still have a super season playing in an upgraded Falcons offense that's thirsty for a pass-catching threat at the position. ...

I also expect great seasons for now-healthy Gates in San Diego and the ever-reliable Clark in Indianapolis, making those four guys the upper-echelon TEs. ...

The position is incredibly deep after that, with the next 10 guys or so on the list all being deserving No. 1 fantasy starters. ...

The addition of Jay Cutler makes Olsen's stock rise because the QB has shown a knack for getting the ball to the tight end. ...

Boss will continue to be the Giants' primary red-zone target on pass plays until/if another wide receiver emerges to take Plaxico Burress' place. ...

Move up Shiancoe a spot or two if Brett Favre is indeed the Vikings' starting QB this year, because you know the old guy loves to hit his TE. ...

I wouldn't be surprised to see Scheffler and Keller take a step back because both teams have seemingly been downgraded at QB. ...

This could be the first time Shockey is undervalued in your draft, rather than overvalued, because the shine finally wore off last year (zero TDs). There's always hope for a revival with Drew Brees under center.