Fantasy Football Pre-Season TE Rankings & Tiers (August 11, 2009)

What we're doing here is looking back at last week's TE Rankings and commenting on anything we see changing.

• Jason Witten (1st, Tier 1) He's actually the 3rd TE coming off of the board in most drafts right now. I think that's kind of crazy but people love their Gonzo and their Gates. If you can get Witten as the 3rd TE draft that's pretty sick value. He is the #1 target in the Cowboys' offense. Neither Gonzo or Gates can make that claim at this point.
• Chris Cooley (6th, Tier 3) He actually had career highs in catches and yards last year, he just couldn't find the endzone. So there's really no reason for a fall off but watch out for Fred Davis. He was a 2nd round draft pick last year and could be used with Cooley in more 2 TE sets. This might actually hurt Cooley a bit though as he probably will be asked to block more. But Cooley will remain Campbell's safety net.
• Brandon Pettigrew (12th, Tier 5) The reports out of Lions camp are not good. Pettigrew has consistently been hurt and has not been anything special when on the field. I wouldn't discount him entirely but I'm not sure if he's going to be draftable in 10 team leagues at this point. He might come up and the season progresses so keep him on your watch lists.
• Derek Fine (Not Ranked) He got some looks in the Bills' first pre-season game and a move to the no-huddle offense should get the TE more involved. There might be some value here but I don't see a lot of TD's. Much will depend on how the Bills' o-line comes together. If they struggle the TE will have to stay in and block a majority of the time.
• Alge Crumpler (Not Ranked) I was sure he was done but there he was in the Hall of Fame Game. He looks like an offensive lineman. But he can still move a bit and has good hands. In other words, I'm not sure that a Titans' TE is draftable in 10-team leagues. If you need a bye-week fill-in just pick one off of waivers and hope.