NFL draft analysis -- TE

You have Vernon Davis, and then you have everyone else. This was a year where after Davis was off the board, you could make a case for any of the next five TE to be #2. In all, there were 17 tight ends drafted, and several have a chance to make an immediate impact. Let's take a look at those drafted:

Vernon Davis -- #6 pick to San Francisco -- If he plays as well as he works out, he'll be a stud in the NFL. His combine numbers were off the charts, including a sub-4.4 40-yd dash at almost 260 pounds. He makes the 49ers offense better right away, and gives Alex Smith a big, fast target with excellent hands and great route-running ability. He should be ranked among the top 12 fantasy tight ends for 2006. Eric Johnson caught 82 passes in a bad San Fran offense in 2004, and Davis could do the same this season.

Marcedes Lewis -- #28 pick to Jacksonville -- He has Kyle Brady in front of him, but he should prove quickly that he's the best tight end on the team. Lewis has a ton of talent, but lost focus at times during college. He will give Byron Leftwich a huge red zone target, and should be playing immediately on all passing downs, since he is a weak blocker. Lewis won't be terribly valuable in 2006, but could blossom with a year of experience.

Joe Klopfenstein -- #46 pick to St. Louis -- He was my favorite of the mid-level tight ends, and the Rams took him a lot higher than I projected. He's a tall, sure-handed target who will start the season on top of the depth chart. While he's not a perfect fit into the speed offense of the Rams, he'll survive by running short patterns and grinding for first downs. Klop will be productive, but nothing to get too excited about this year.

Anthony Fasano -- #53 pick to Dallas -- Fasano is a nice player to pair up with Jason Witten in Dallas's two tight end offense. While they're both receiving tight ends, Fasano adds size and strength to the position. He could turn into a good red zone target, and should develop into an above average blocker due to his size. His fantasy outlook isn't good, as he'll be no better than the #4 option in the offense. If Witten leaves Dallas after 2006, Fasano could be a top 15 tight end in 2007.

Tony Scheffler -- #61 pick to Denver -- I thought this was a reach, but many experts like this pick. He's a large tight end who isn't a great blocker and has little speed. Denver doesn't seem to use a tight end in their offense as much as in the past, and they have Stephen Alexander in front of Scheffler. He could develop into a good starter if Alexander gets injured, but I wouldn't spend a high pick on him, if any at all.

Leonard Pope -- #72 pick to Arizona -- The Cards got good value here, considering Pope was the sixth tight end drafted. He has excellent size and speed, and can make good catches in traffic. He shouldn't have too much trouble establishing himself as the best tight end on the team. While he won't have a starting job on opening day, he could be a great late season pickup. The question is will he get any chances in a star-studded Cardinals offense?

Dave Thomas -- #86 pick to New England -- I'm surprised by this pick. Thomas is not a great athlete, and he doesn't have ideal size, speed or strength. He's a very smart player who runs routes well and can get open. He's buried behind Daniel Graham and Ben Watson, so he won't get much of a chance in 2006. If he gets in the game, there won't be much fantasy production.

Dominique Byrd -- #93 pick to St. Louis -- Byrd joins fellow rookie Joe Klopfenstein in St. Louis, and Byrd could prove to be the better player. He's more athletic and has better strength. He also uses his body in traffic better than Klop. It's hard to see either of them catching 50 passes as a rookie, but if either make it, Byrd is the guy. He still isn't worth a high fantasy pick.

Others that were drafted:

Owen Daniels -- #98 pick to Houston -- He wasn't the #1 tight end at Wisconsin, and he won't be in Houston, or on your team.

Garrett Mills -- #106 pick to New England -- The Patriots might move him to fullback, which means nothing to you.

Jason Pociask -- #150 pick to the New York Jets -- He has two good tight ends in front of him, but could be a sleeper for 2007.

Jeff King -- #155 pick to Carolina -- Very smart player who could end up as the #2 tight end for the Panthers. He's a deep sleeper for 2006.

Quinn Sypniewski -- #166 pick to Baltimore -- Huge man with soft hands could get a few garbage touchdowns as the #3 tight end.

Charles Davis -- #167 pick to Pittsburgh -- The Steelers don't need another tight end, and you don't need Davis.

T.J. Williams -- #202 pick to Tampa Bay -- He's a great sixth round pick who is buried on the depth chart. Williams could produce in 2007 if he gets a chance.

Tim Massaquoi -- #244 pick to Tampa Bay -- He's a good athlete who doesn't have a chance this year.

Marques Colston -- #252 pick to New Orleans -- He really should be playing receiver, but it doesn't matter.